Speedy

I've always used an eggbutt snaffle on Speedy, my 18 year-old Arab. Recently, I made the switch to the LG-Zaum and he absolutely loves it.

Veedawoo in roundpen

After publishing a photo of my black mustang Veedawoo with the LG bridle, Monika Lehmenkuehler sent me a photo of her horse with the Bridle and commented that I should make sure that the WHEEL stays in the middle of the horses head, not too far back and not too far in the front. I have noticed that a snug fit is important, so the wheel cannot turn out. On the other hand having it too far forward will bring the cavesson into the horses eye, when pressure is applied by the reins. Each head is different, so experiment with your particular horse.

This should be a curly mustang, but we could only get a substitute photo from Gabriele Kaercher, equine photographer who lives in Pryor and has been using the LG Zaum since she left Germany 4 years ago.

The mouth of a 5-year old

My veterinarian once told me: The mouth of a 5 year old is a mess. Teeth are in constant transition...wolf-teeth, points, all these factor in and coincide with an essential time for continuation and building onto the initial training. If one considers the time between 5 and 7 years old to be character-building.
Like most of us know, throwing equipment at a challenging horse usually does not yield the desired improved results. Still comparison and trial and error are part of the solution.
I would like to begin by comparing all options as they have appeared in my life and illustrate them with appropriate images.

Regular SNAFFLE bit: Very little discussion size/brand/style very little to argue against. Yet still a BIT in the mouth.

HACKAMORE english jumping. Soft noseband, usually good fit, shank (somewhat limited in lateral work)

Western Hackamore (similar to above)

SIDEPULL: 2 points of contact, no transfer of pressure.

BOSAL: Very agreeable to most horses. Single Point attachment for reins limits lateral work.

VOSAL: A variation of the bosal with a V shaped crossing.

NURTURAL Bridle: utilizes the crossed straps behind the cheeks of the horse that are connected to the reins and allow for pressure on poll and chin.

Dr.COOKE bitless bridle: Headband crossing behind the jowels and leading through rings into the reins. Pressure on Poll, cheeks...

BRALTER: Halter/Bit combination: incorporates both the bit and the bridle and gives some options on the trail.

LG ZAUM: Applied to a well fitting english headstall the "Wheel" sits just a bit higher than the bit and will apply pressure onto nose, chin and Poll. The noseband can be softened by a sheepskin layover or hardened by a noseband with knots. The chinstrap can be leather or chain.

Lateral work should not suffer, since the contact is direct with each side of the mouth.