Additionally, the use of rubber often promotes the habit of chewing on the bit. Some factors to consider include the size and shape of your horse's mouth, how your horse has been trained, and what your riding skill level is. Sign up to our newsletter to hear about it first. and prosperous Georgia. It has similarities to the Bomber Happy tongue but many horses really like it; I think Dressage Extensions has a bit trial so you can test it out for two weeks. Sweet iron may help with salivation to help prevent soreness. Although there are many different factors to consider when selecting a bit, it is important to understand that there are always exceptions and modifiers to most rules. 5 or 5.25 max whereas I had everything in 5.5 previously (all 16.2hh plus). They also allow for immediate relief from pressure when rein aids are relaxed, thus rewarding the horse quickly for a correct response. Just like the various materials bits are made of, horse bits come in many mouthpiece styles. As the rider pulls back on the reins, the top part of the shank moves forward as far as the curb strap will allow. A mouthpiece that is solid will place more pressure across and over the tongue while one that is broken in the middle will take some pressure off the center of the tongue when the reins are pulled, thereby placing pressure more on the bars of the mouth and the sides of the lips. If not, perhaps try longe lessons for yourself to sort out the balance probs that are causing you to use your reins too much. Aluminum is not a particularly desirable metal for bit construction due to its light weight and unpalatable taste. (Arabs are similar.) When using a snaffle bit, the main factors that affect severity are diameter and mouthpiece texture. The next criterion should be to select the desired mouthpiece. Teeth were just done last month and saw no change in him so dont think its related to that, but my vet did comment on how big his tongue is. This is a desired response used to achieve greater performance in many disciplines. Bit makers often use sweet iron when designing quality bits even though it rusts very easily and does not maintain a shiny appearance for long. I like Mullen mouthpieces a lot for horses that are fussy about contact. I may also look into bitting experts in my area if things dont get better over the next few months! It requires that the reins not attach directly to the mouthpiece, but instead to some type of shank on the bit. After determining whether to use a snaffle or a curb and deciding on the appropriate width and material, the next step is to determine the style of mouthpiece needed. Soft bits can also be problematic because is easy to teach a horse to pull against and evade them. It is best to choose a bit that will not catch and squeeze the sensitive edges of a large tongue, so single jointed snaffles are usually best avoided, not least as they may hinder swallowing with a larger tongue. I have one of these for sale, but its a 5.5 (I dont remember the mm-s, its stamped on the bit). Sometimes bits are composed of a sweet iron mouthpiece with stainless steel cheek pieces. Both of these materials are designed to be "soft" bits and lessen the harshness of rein cues. You must log in or register to reply here. Pony bits are generally 4 1/2 inches wide, and bits that are designed for Arabians and other light-boned, refined horses are 4 3/4 inches wide. The port provides tongue relief because as the rider pulls back on the reins, the horse?s tongue moves inside the port, thereby placing more pressure on the bars of the mouth and less on the tongue. Some equestrians use twisted bits for horses that don't respond to rounded ones. Also, someone here posted that she was told that these bits need to be just a bit smaller than you would fit a regular snaffle. Inexperienced riders or horses should be equipped with softer, less severe bits. Like the French link, the Dr. Bristol only has a slight nutcracker action. The suggestion was for a curved single joint (very different action to a nut cracker style). This prevents the horse from using its tongue to soften the bit's effect. The amount of copper on a bit can range from very small inlays that rest against the horse?s tongue to fairly large rollers. Not every bit fits neatly into a category, especially when trying to classify everything as either a snaffle or traditional curb. 1379, The University of Georgia 2020 | All rights reserved. Im overwhelmed by the input from people on this post. Also I know you have been told he has a fat tongue but it's worth considering that the horse may have hydoid pain and neck pain with causes the horse to draw the tongue back to relieve it. Going back to the issue of not taking the contact forward, this is common in an equine without much room in the mouth, as they experience pressure from all angles, and may even have trouble swallowing. Mouthpieces broken in only one place might come into contact with the horse?s palate as the rider pulls back on the reins and the mouthpiece closes at the break. Wow! Check out the entire Bombers Bit range. There are many instances when using the appropriate bit can enhance the training process. The twist is meant to apply strong pressure in the horse's mouth, placing the mouthpiece among the most severe varieties. Bit guards can help, although eggbutts are usually preferential. In order to select the right bit, it is important to first understand the principles of how a bit functions and the pressure points on the horse that are affected by different bit types and designs. Sometimes it is necessary to have a bit custom built by a bit maker to achieve a desired style and size. He gets 24 hour turnout with stall access, so I think the taking things slow but making him walk on a regular basis is the best option for him. My mare has a big tongue and small mouth. You have successfully removed your county preference. It is important to experiment with bit selection to determine which bit works best for a particular horse and rider combination. I found investing in a bitting expert well worth it and will do it again when lockdown ends to help with a jumping bit for the 17.2hh who gets strong xc but will curl her neck and not keep the contact forwards but ignores the half halt to rebalance. This metal is a popular choice because it does not rust and, therefore, is appealing both for show purposes and everyday use. This is due in part to the vast number of mouthpieces available, and also to the lack of understanding of the conformation of the mouth and how the various mouthpieces fit and function in the mouth. However, a rust-covered bit does not necessarily indicate decreased quality. If you have a video clip you want to share with me, Ill be happy to chat through PMs. Their thin nature, along with any twists, greatly concentrates the pressure in the horse's mouth. Kylee J. Duberstein, Ph.D.1,Edward L. Johnson, Ph.D.2. I am very impressed so far, he seemed to take the contact forward confidently, and worked really well, and through, she reported happily. All Rights Reserved | Website designed by Fith Creative & built by SGN Media, Worldwide Tack Ltd, Lower Honeys Green Farm, Lewes Road, Framfield, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 5RE. Some horses might prefer the rounder version of the French link known as the lozenge or oval mouth. I ordered myself an Equicube to help work on really riding from my core and not using my hands unnecessarily, so it will be interesting to see how that affects my riding and experience. A curb strap of some type is used under the horse?s chin. All this, has resulted in world-class horse products, which can completely change the way your horses way of going. For more than a century, we've provided research and education through a An eggbutt would reduce additional movement through the mouth, but some horses prefer a loose ring, as it doesnt have that snug fit on a mouth that may be sensitive. You might see this called a mouthing bit, and many trainers no longer favor it because it sometimes encourages the horse to play too much with the bit. Choosing the right bit for your horse can take some trial and error. Some of them just dont like all the movement of a double-joint/rollers/etc., or the nutcracker effect of a single-joint. Let me get something recent this week (all the vids I have are from last show season and weve changed a lot as a pair since then) and Ill send them over! Harsher bits should be reserved for people who know how and when to use them and have the patience and dexterity to use them properly. The rider will know immediately if this is the correct bit, as a horse with a sensitive tongue will finally begin to work into, and accept the contact. No one ever told me that, but that is consistent with my experience as well - I tried one size, thought it was too small, tried the next size up, which I thought was just right, but the horse let me know that he preferred the smaller one. You might also think about the Neue Schule Turtle Tactio. Hes my first horse that Ive owned outright so I want to do right by him. I switched from a loose ring snaffle to a D ring Myler to try to relieve pressure on his tongue, and I think it helped a little but he still resists my hand at trot. Snaffle bits typically are available in O-ring, D-ring, egg butt and full cheek configurations. Inexperienced horses often have not learned the desired responses to bit cues and may be confused or overwhelmed by severe bits. These are used in many disciples that require turning maneuvers since the rider can essentially pick up one side of the bit by pulling on that rein. With our eagerly awaited delivery having arrived, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at this bit and how it could be suitable for your horse. Also similar to the French link, the ball link of this mouthpiece sits directly on the horse's tongue and exerts pressure. It is a common misconception in the industry that a snaffle bit is one that has a broken mouthpiece; that is, the mouthpiece is comprised of at least two pieces. I also have their plastic type bit (Bomber blue, I think?) JavaScript is disabled. Thank you! The rusting process (oxidation) changes the blue colour of the Bomber Bit to a brownish-grey. Kimberwick, pelham, gag and elevator bits should be considered combination bits, in that their action is not exactly that of a snaffle or true curb bit. Quality aluminum bits generally have shanks of a higher grade aluminum alloy and a mouthpiece made of some other material. Bit width is the distance between the two cheek pieces. She tolerates Mylers but is not that keen so I've just got a Bomber on trial and we'll see how she is with that. A few updates for those interested: I did a very light ride today and really focused on keeping my hands connected to the bit but soft. Bombers make their bits from the incredible blue sweet iron, which is a characteristic which we have all come to know and love from the brand. Many horses carry this bit comfortably because of its weight. Full cheek bits and very large ringed bits are used in some training situations to apply pressure to the side of the horse?s face when being asked to yield laterally, thereby encouraging the horse to yield better and also to prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth. Bombers Nel explains more about the Happy Tongue in this video below: Whether your horse is sensitive, pokes his nose up and out, pulls his head down or has a more specialised problem Bombers will more than likely have something which will completely change your horses way of going for the better! As previously stated, both a snaffle bit and curb bit may have either a broken or solid mouthpiece. In most instances, the problems perceived as resulting from not having the correct bit are in reality training problems. I graduated my mare with a small mouth, low palate and biggish tongue into the Turtle Top (she preferred that to the Tactio - I tried them both for two weeks) from the Verbindend; she initially went well in the Verbindend but started leaning on it (her go to since she is VERY long-backed and long-necked and is not uphill), but every horse is different, obviously! I had a bitting expert come out a few years ago as I was really struggling with a 17.2hh young horse. When the rider pulls back on the reins, pressure is applied not only to the horse?s mouth and chin but also to the horse?s poll; this is the leverage effect. Because they dont tend to have fleshy tongues, they do sometimes experience bar sensitivity, and they sometimes also have thin skin on the bars. Each horse responds differently to different types of bit pressure; some horses respond better to bits that are solid while some respond better to bits that are broken. These bits are very severe, and their use is generally frowned upon. Hes still in a rehab program of sorts from injury; were taking things super slow as I want him to be able to go up through at least training level and given the fact that our summer is pretty much canceled I have the chance to take things super slow. They were super helpful via email in making sure I had the right fit too. For horses with wider mouths, bits are available in widths of 5 1/2 inches, 6 inches and even wider for some draft horses. Having a few more weeks of turn out and no schooling might actually be very helpful as it could heal or resolve many injuries and niggles. He goes in the loose ring for dressage and the 2.5 ring for jumping. like workshops, classes, consultation, certifications, camps, and educator However, to perform correctly in a curb bit, the horse must have already learned how to be guided willingly and submit to bit pressure. The thinner and sharper the twist, whether a corkscrew type or twisted wire, the more severe the mouthpiece since pressure will be concentrated in those areas. OP, let me know if youre interested. In inexperienced hands, this can damage a horse's mouth. #bombersbits #bombersbluebits #teambombers#bombersbitsbringbalance #bombersbits#BombersEquestrianEquipment #BombersBlueBits, 2016 Worldwide Tack. I ordered mine from the Bit Bank in the UK and even with shipping they were significantly less expensive than anywhere here which is why I just went for it and ordered before trying - I figured worst case scenario I could resell for what I paid. Ultimately, you should pick the mildest bit that still allows for clear communication with the horse. For horses that tend to produce less saliva and have a drier mouth, this increase in saliva allows the bit to slide or rotate more easily. Went back to the bomber and he was quiet and easy again. The lightness of these bits causes them to move too much in the horse?s mouth and can cause the horse to have a diminished response to rein cues. It is possible to have a mouthpiece that is mild in its action and pressure (a soft bit) or severe (a harsh or hard bit). The Top Ten Beginner Horse Riding Mistakes, What You Need to Know About Curb Chains and Straps, Learn Why Your Horse Is Tossing Its Head When You Ride, Learn What a Port on a Bit Is and Why It Is Used, 12 Signs You Need to Call a Professional to Check Your Horse's Teeth, Description, Action, and Uses of the Eggbutt Snaffle, Here's What You Need to Know About Horse Teeth, 5 Reasons Why Your Horse Bucks and How to Stop It, How To Choose the Right Bit For Your Horse, How to Treat Locked Stifle Joints in Horses, Learn How to Find the Right Sized Bit For Your Horse, Choose the Right Noseband for Your Horse's Bridle. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. FIND OUT MORE. Another option is the Sprenger Novocontact which has helped my mare with a big tongue immensely. I do ride her bitless sometimes but she can be very strong and it's not always a great idea. This is a learned response and should only be used on "finished" horses that have already learned to yield readily to rein pressure. Thicker mouthpieces arent generally advised for horses with fleshy lips, as they can stretch the skin at the corners of the lips. When choosing a snaffle bit, the ring design must be considered. A port does not come into contact with the roof of the horse?s mouth until it reaches a certain size (ports greater than approximately 2 inches may come into contact with the roof of the mouth) and is dependent upon how tight the curb strap is adjusted. Best bit is it only costs 24.99 nice thin mouthpiece too so leaves lots of room for tongue. In addition, it is not possible to classify bits as either English bits or Western bits. Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades ofexperience in training and riding horses. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension programming improves people's lives and gets results. Even if a curb is not used, there is still leverage on the horse?s poll due to the fact that the reins are not attached directly to the bit but instead to a shank that rotates forward when pressure is applied to the reins. Whilst all horses are different, there are some breed characteristics that can help us ascertain what likely conformation the equine has within its mouth, as follows . Wire mouthpieces can be straight, jointed, or twisted, and they're very severe. If it is not used for a while, a sweet iron bit will develop an orange-brown rust layer on the mouthpiece. EORI GB885855458000. In general, for a fat tongue I usually look for a fairly thin mouthpiece. | In the case of the Connemara that did not take the contact forward, we recommended a Bombers Happy Tongue bit to provide tongue relief. Once the type of bit and mouthpiece are selected, the next consideration is to be sure that it is the proper width to fit the horse. The difference is its link is longer and set at a slight angle, so the edge of the link puts more pressure on the tongue. I want to rule out that he just hates the bit. Due to the medium port, this bit is often suitable for horses with sensitive or large tongues as it gives them more space in the mouth and limits the overall pressure. A slow twist, or one with fewer turns, is less severe than a fast twist with more turns. The moon provides room for the tongue, while the double joint softens the nutcracker action compared to a single joint. The spade bit is rooted in vaquero tradition, and horses only carry this highly technical mouthpiece after extensive schooling. He also had a minor injury in Jan that put him off for a few weeks, so timing hasnt been on our side! A larger diameter mouthpiece results in the pressure applied to the tongue and bars being diffused over a larger surface area. The two basic types of bits are snaffle bits and leverage (curb) bits. This can lead to the horse's acceptance of the bit. CONTACT US ON: 01825 841 303, Customer enquiry My Connemara generally doesnt want to take forward the contact in a jointed bit he has a fleshy mouth what mouthpiece may suit him?, Lets firstly look at the issue of mouth conformation, as it isnt something that many of us consider when we purchase a horse. Ive heard that a mullen might also be a good choice if anyone has any input on that. with the port for sale. Fleshy lips and tongues, again common to Connemaras, dont help the equation! However, single joints can create a so-called nutcracker effect that pinches the horse's tongue and bars (the space in a horse's mouth between the incisors and molars). There are a number of signs which will indicate to you that your horse has increased tongue sensitivity and these include your horse shaking his head when bit pressure is applied, putting the tongue out of the side of the mouth or trying to get his tongue over the bit. A hollow mouthpiece is a lighter weight than the same bit made with a solid material. Regardless of the bit selected, the rider?s hands are the most important factor in communicating with the horse and influencing bit effectiveness and severity. They are often composed of some type of metal, although bits made of other materials can also be found. Worth trying out a few options to see which he prefers and accepts. They may be straight, have a gentle sweep (C-bit), an acute sweep (grazing bit) or a variety of patterns (S shank, 7 shank, cavalry shank). It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Hackamores may either be true hackamores (bosal or sidepulls), which are direct pull devices, or mechanical hackamores, which employ leverage. He can be a bit of a drama queen. It is also critical to determine what length and shape of shank is desired. This incredible brand combines their innovative designs with handmade quality, attention to detail and testing by world renowned riders. Shanks are available in several styles. Some pieces of headgear may be able to affect nearly all of these points while some may only affect two or three of these points. On the other hand, using an inappropriate bit may produce undesired responses such as resistance to pressure, head shaking, excessive mouthing of the bit, excessive reaction to the bit (such as rearing) or overflexing at the poll. Lots of free time these days. |, FREE STANDARD MAINLAND UK DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER 100, Bombers Bits Happy Tongue Loose Ring Snaffle. Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. Both English and Western bits can have ports. The same is true to some degree with the narrow bits, although there is a wider selection in snaffle bits. The reins attach to the bottom part of the shank and the cheek pieces of the bridle attach to the upper part of the shank. Bulletin Ive only ever had him in a loose ring snaffle and now the D ring myler, so I appreciate all the suggestions. My mare also likes it. UGA Extension offers a wealth of personalized services A mouthpiece that is broken in several places will conform around the tongue more than a mouthpiece that is solid or only broken in one place. I tried the Bomber bit and he was okay with it but preferred the PeeWee. I recently purchased this bit as well for a young horse with much of the same issues. This large diameter can be troublesome for horses since it is typically used on young horses whose mouths are not big enough to carry it comfortably. This is certainly not desirable, though many people make this mistake in trying to be kind to their horse. A high port is found in correction bits and cathedral bits and should only be used on highly trained horses and by riders who have the knowledge to use them effectively and correctly. Bits with tongue relief via a suitably-sized port may work well. It is important to find a bit that works well for both horse and rider based on the experience level of both. This allows the bit to maintain its new-looking appearance outside the horse?s mouth while the part that is in the mouth is made of the more palatable metal. He gave me a great response. A common texturing technique is to make a bit with twists in the mouthpiece, which can either be slow and rather smooth or fine and sharp. Poll pressure can be a very effective tool in eliciting certain responses from the horse. And theyre too expensive to do any experimenting with unless you can return them, so if you do want to try one, make sure you check the stores return policy before your buy. Horses with fat tongues usually appreciate bit with a thinner mouthpiece, such as NS. Even so, for some horses, this variety might be more comfortable than a straight-bar mouthpiece. Ports have a raised areatypically the shape of an inverted "U"in the middle of the mouthpiece, which reduces pressure on the tongue. Also, because aluminum oxidizes readily these bits may break unexpectedly. It as been a revelation along with her developing her own balance. It sounds like a contact issue however if it does not appear in the walk or trot.
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itionally, the use of rubber oft