The horse’s mouth being very sensitive, you will absolutely have to choose the right bit for your horse, and use it with finesse! And since there are a very large number of different bits, here are our tips for choosing the right bit for your horse… From the comfort of your horse comes the quality of the contact!
Whether flat or jumping, at home or in competition, each horse will require a very specific choice of bits.
The different types of jaws:
– Straight or broken jaws, with a lifting effect or a lowering effect, the choice is vast and it is important to explore the multitude of possibilities in order to arrive at the perfect setting, the little extra that makes the difference! The technological revolution of the last 15 years in bits is not in the models or effects but in the materials used.
Everything has been done to find bits that improve comfort, salivation and relaxation. Among the recent materials highly prized by experts are resin bits, plastic bits, silicone bits, blue steel bits. If the materials have evolved a lot, it is the same for the shape of the barrels.
– The double-jointed bit is hugely successful and this mechanism, initially invented for single snaffles, has been extended to the vast majority of bit families so that today we find double-jointed lifting bits, double-jointed Pessoa bits jointed, double jointed Pelham bits. The straight bit system with passage of the tongue, which initially appeared on bridle bits, has also become widespread, particularly in single snaffles and resin lifters.
The different bit materials:
– Stainless steel bits: Does not rust, is not very sensitive to corrosion, it is the most common alloy for bits.
Be careful, the stainless steel bit can be very cold in winter for horses, put it in your pocket beforehand
– Rubber bit: Horses accept it easily compared to stainless steel because it is warmer and more flexible. Be careful, rubber bits are easily damaged and are not necessarily ideal for horses with small mouths.
– Copper bit: Relaxing metal, it promotes your horse’s salivation. Be careful though, some horses can be allergic to it.
– Cyprium bits: A mixture of copper, aluminum and iron, cyprium offers warmer and stronger bits than copper.
– Resin and silicone bits offer a higher end and more durable version of rubber bits.
But how do I choose the right bit for my horse?
In fact, it is not uncommon to have several bits for the same horse. Your horse should not be afraid of his bit, but he should respect it. The bit is a fundamental communication accessory, for an optimum quality of contact, the actions must be fluid and precise. Confidence in the hand is essential, the horse must cross its bit and yield to combine lightness and commitment. We must not hold or freeze a horse with a bit that is too hard…
There is a compromise to be found between trying bits to find the optimal comfort for your horse and expecting a bit to solve fundamental dressage problems! There are essentials in the choice of your bit:
– A bit that injures your horse (even very slightly at the corner of the lips) is to be avoided
– If your horse grinds its teeth, choose a bit that promotes relaxation and salivation
– Before choosing a bit to go out in competition, make sure that it is authorized in the level of competition in which you will compete.
Are you now ready to buy a bit? Why don’t you give these Neue Schule bits a try?
