Advice on bits/ bitless

[Lifeshard949]

Last year I bought a thoroughbred mare who was advised as bit less, barefoot and sound. This has not been the case and she is now fully shod, under physio and after extensive ground work and muscle work should be back for riding in March time.
looking for any advice on soft and forgiving bits or not too expensive systems to support her being bitless as her other owner had just removed the bit and wound the reins through. When I had previously ridden her she is receptive, not spooky and never nasty so happy to try something to support bitless and then move to a gentle bit of it doesn’t work

Your best bet is to ask on your local horse FB group for recommendations for a bitting specialist , they will come out to you and it allows you to try various types before you buy .

A lot of bitless relies on a lot of leverage so itsnt always kinder. IME TBs tend to have quite small mouths so single jointed bits are often very uncomfortable. I have most of mine in the NS snaffles with lozenges and find it's suited most of the TBs I've hash

That should say had!

Depends why she went bitless?.

I think what you are describing is a side pull which is a very mild bit less bridle. If that gives enough control but you want a bit then try a simple snaffle.

If you need more control but horse really doesn't like a bit then you prob need a hackamore. They very alot in severity & it's important they fit well & you understand how to ride in them - you need to release the pressure quickly.

One of mine has a very sensitive mouth but can be strong & I ride her mainly in a hackamore. The only bit that she will tolerate is a bombers ported snaffle with fixed rings. It stays very still in the mouth & fits her small mouth & larger tongue.

It's been a long time since I went bit shopping but mine loved sweet iron.