Bitting Question - Trail vs Dressage Usage

[Ruth Abair <shakesbearides@texoma.net>]

Dear Ridecampers,

I have a 5yo Arabian - broken and coming along nicely - I would like to
do endurance and "basic" dressage with. Problem; I fear I'm confusing
him with the switching of bits for each discipline. He was
broken/trained in a snaffle - the one with the nutcracker effect - and I
switched him to a Kimberwicke - the "uxeter" - slotted, mullen mouth,
minimum leverage model - for the trails. Works good, but is not
acceptable for basic dressage. So for the ring, I started using a
snaffle with a "french link." It's more comfortable to him than the
regular snaffle. Nonetheless, I am fearful he is becoming confused with
the switching - signals, feel/pressure, etc. - of bits. How does one
switch bits - back and forth - between trail and dressage work, without
confusing one's horse? Or do they? All comments are most welcome!

Ruth Abair in Texas
email: shakesbearides@texoma.net