I have a low palated horse as well, I cannot use a regular single jointed snaffle on him, it pokes him to death. I moved him into a JP French link first and now he is in a Myler D-ring comfort snaffle, which he loves, totally worth the extra $$. Oh, I just saw your note about the French link -- but the Myler does have the barrel joint which has much less up and down movement. They have a try before you buy program, so you might give it a shot.