Q: What are the benefits of a bit with a lozenge over a normal French link?

A: Most horses and ponies seem to prefer bits with lozenges over normal French links. This is likely due to how the bit lies in the horse’s mouth when there is pressure on the reins. Without any contact on the rein, the plate in the middle of a French link sits quite comfortably against the tongue. However, when rein contact is taken up, the mouthpiece rotates and the plate digs into the tongue or upper palate of your horse or pony’s mouth. A typical response to the French link is, therefore, a sharp head toss when you do a half-halt or a downward transition. Alternatively, some riders report that their horse or pony becomes very heavy in a French link as they lean into the pain caused by the French link.

Mouthpiece designs with a lozenge offer a much more comfortable feel for your pony. As the mouthpiece rotates under rein tension, the smooth lozenge acts on the tongue as opposed to the narrow edge of the French link. This spreads the pressure over a wider area making the horse more comfortable. Many riders say that this type of bit encourages their pony to take the weight through the rein and accept the bit, rather than fighting against it.