Thumb Snaffle

Thumb Snaffle

Fleece Hackamore for a horse with sensative mouth?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=250346449234#ebayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=370129080155#ebayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/Happy-Mouth-Revolver-King-Dee-Bit-5-5-SS_W0QQitemZ270313177818QQihZ017QQcategoryZ16244QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

When i use a Tom Thumb snaffle or a D Ring Snaffle she always jerks her head around
When i use just a Nylon Halter she responds well but i have to use a heavy hand and i dont want to have to do that
She was rescued and had a hard handed rider

Should i use a rubber coated bit, hackamore (and what kind), or a bosal???
ALSO
Any good exercises i can do with her to be easier on hand and use more body
I know pressure with inside leg to bend and sit deep to slow
BTW
we just do western trails

As Katie B suggested, have her teeth checked first.

The first one shown is a mechanical hackamore. These can be EXTREMELY severe, even with the fleece. This is not a gentle rig.

The bosal shown is very narrow, and likewise on the harsh side.

I don't like Happy Mouth bits, but I also don't like the bits you've tried. A tom thumb snaffle (unless you are Australian) is a very sever bit as well.

Are you neck reining or direct reining? For direct, Iwould try a French Link snaffle - the extra link makes it lie in her mouth better, and not hit the roof of her mouth so much when you apply pressure to it. I would put that mouthpiece in a Full Cheek snaffle, (the Australian tom thumb is similar) for extra lateral pressure and a slight leverage effect when you use the keepers.

For neck reining, I'd try a grazing type bit. Straight or slightly ported mouth piece with short shanks, swivel if possible. This is least likely to bother her mouth.

Lots of people like hackamores and bosals, feeling they're gentler, but a bit is only as harsh as your hands. You can achieve a much greater subtlety and ease of communication (both ways) from a bit than you ever will from a hack.

To make her easier, don't use gimmicks. Practice. Ask gently, with a slight give and take on the reins rather than a straight pull. Reward even a little improvement and expect it to take time. If she flings her head up, ask her gently to bring it back down by squeezing and releasing the reins. When it comes down, reward her with "Good girl"s and pats.

You can also do some flexing/softening exercises. On foot, take a carrot and hold it back by her side so she has to bend her neck around to get it (both sides). Hold it between her legs so she'll bend her head down for it. This will help her stretch those muscles and give her some flexibility.

On her back, just standing, try to get her to put her head by your left foot, then your right foot. Work past/through any head flinging, until she understands you want her head to move when you simply ask. This wasy, she's less likely to brace her neck against your cues.

It takes time and patience, but Good Hands and calm patience will do the trick. Good Luck!