Francois Gauthier Clinician's 3 Piece Pinchless Leather Covered Argentine Bit

I went to a Leslie Waymack Ballard mule clinic, she is the best clinician. She had saddles and 20 or 30 different bridles for her students to give a try if what you had came with wasn’t working the way you wanted. I explained to her how I’d tried several different bits to transition from a snaffle with the same result everytime if her wanting to push through the bit, I sure don’t want her getting that habit and while my mule works great in a snaffle I was wanting to move up for more finesse. She handed me the bridle with the Francois bit and said try this she won’t push through it and it’s a nice easy bit. She had told everyone she bought a lot of gear from Chicks Saddlery . I tried the bit for the arena work she had set up and wow! My mule did great she didn’t push and she responded lightly just as I ask, she did so well that where others had been doing the course at a walk she said I think you can speed her up and she will do well. We did some beautiful stops and i was so thrilled to have her work so well. She always gives 100%, but this was next level. She only made one bobble and that was my fault, she was responding so well to this bit that I put a little too much pressure on the inside and she gave right away to it, I let up and she went right back to straight. This is an amazing bit you can only get a Chicks it has so many features, you can set your reins on different slots on the cheek pieces, I use the lower slot, I the cheek pieces swivel in and out to get a good pickup on the shoulder, it has leather covers for the bar area with flaps at the cheek, the center has a nice copper center ball to keep them happy. It moves with you when your working and not against you or your horse or mule. It’s not considered a high level but but I think you can get a high level of performance from this bit of you have a good foundation. I’m excited about this bit because I use it on the trail and the arena. Its beautifully made and the cheek pieces have a lot of flash with raised dots in the aluminum that look like one of my Tom Balding bits. Try this bit out and you won’t be disappointed. I went back to the snaffle to feel the difference after using this bit and I will be staying with the Francois bit. She likes it and she works so well with such good signal. I’m thankful that Chicks offers it and I got it fast after ordering when I got home from the clinic. Give it a go! Happy trails

I have used a Jr cowhorse, kimberwicke and a little s hackamore on my mare for years. On a whim last year I decided to give this bit a try just to see if she'd be a little more comfortable in it. She is a dream in this. Soft and easy in the bridle. After putting her back in all her previous bits to see how they compare I bought a spare of this one. There's no doubt this is her perfect bit. She's a 15 year old Haflinger trail horse for reference.

Really nice quality, great bit, my gelding really enjoys the cooper and leather

I don't like the idea of the leather on the mouthpiece, so I cut them out. When leather and or stitches wears out it could become a choke hazard. I have used this bit on 3 different horses, and they have all loved it. What I like most is the shanks swivel separate of the purchase so if a rider pulls to the side the bit has a similar effect as when the rider pulls straight back.

Horse likes it

I picked this bit because my newest horse seems to get pinched by bits so easily. I’ve never had a horse with such delicate skin. Finally succeeded in finding a level 1 bit that doesn’t pinch him. It’s mild and sets comfortably on his tongue. The barrel arrangements seem to be his liking as well. I’m able to slightly squeeze my fingers and communicate with him quickly.