11 minute read
My fi rst bit Getting
MY FIRST BIT
HOW WE INTRODUCE A YOUNG HORSE TO A BIT WILL SHAPE THEIR RIDDEN CAREER AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CONTACT FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. STEPHANIE BATEMAN FINDS OUT HOW TO SET A YOUNG HORSE UP FOR A POSITIVE BITTING EXPERIENCE.
As dressage riders, we strive for a light, responsive and consistent contact, so ensuring our horses are happy and comfortable in their mouth is vital. Introducing a bit to a young horse for the fi rst time is an important part of their initial training, and everything should be done to make the experience a positive one.
Before starting the bitting process, owners are advised to employ the services of a registered Equine Dental Technician (EDT) who will identify and resolve any issues, give you an understanding of the conformation of the horse’s mouth, and help you select the correct bit.
“Don’t start putting anything in a young horse’s mouth until you’ve had their teeth checked,” says EDT Simon Pratley. “There is a lot going on in a young horse’s mouth and I suggest getting their teeth looked at two to four weeks before you start bitting them, because that will give you a window of time to allow any issues to be dealt with.”
Like humans, horses have two sets of teeth during their lives; a set of deciduous ‘baby’ teeth that fall out, and a set of permanent teeth that develop later. Deciduous teeth appear early – usually within two weeks of birth, while the permanent molars erupt at about one, two, and four years of age. The replacement of deciduous incisors and premolars by the permanent teeth begins at about 2.5 years of age. All permanent teeth are usually present by the time the horse reaches fi ve years of age.
“Any problems with the growth and shedding of the deciduous teeth can lead to long-term issues that not only aff ect the horse’s physical development, but also his acceptance of a bridle,” says Simon. “So, it’s important to get their mouths looked at.”
With multiple deciduous and permanent teeth in the mouth at any one time, the eruption of new teeth isn’t always straightforward.
ABOVE: MOUTH MOULDING, USED BY BITTING SPECIALIST SUE GILLIATT, CAN HELP TO RECOMMEND A BIT BASED ON THE DIMENSIONS OF THE EQUINE MOUTH, THE SHAPE OF THE BARS AND THE RIDER’S AND HORSE’S NEEDS. BELOW: MATERIALS SUCH AS TITANIUM CAN ENCOURAGE SALIVATION, WHILE MOUTHPIECES FOR YOUNG HORSES SHOULD BE ANGLED FORWARD AND AWAY FROM THE TONGUE.
“Dental examinations will look for normal eruption and any soft tissue pain, such as cheek ulceration from sharp points on the upper cheek teeth,” explains Simon. “Deciduous teeth that are about to be pushed out by the permanent teeth are known as caps, and very worn and loose caps can cause the horse pain and lead to gum disease, so it’s preferable to extract the opposite cap at the same time to keep the mouth balanced.”
The EDT will also check the correct number of teeth are present in the correct position.
“Sometimes you get retained deciduous incisors, but these are easily removed under sedation and local anaesthetic,” imon adds. “Early identifi cation and treatment are essential to prevent bigger problems, and I always advise owners of young horses to get regular dental checks as early as possible, from yearling age onwards. This will also get the horse used to the dentist.”
WHICH BIT?
With a huge variety of bits available on the market, what bits should we use to start a young horse off ?
“A young horse must be allowed to move their tongue, neck and poll to balance and eventually obtain the elusive light feeling in the hand, and self-carriage,” says Sue Gilliatt, specialist in e uine mouth moulding and bit fi tting. “ s obvious as it sounds, the bit has to fi t. If a horse has to deal with a bit that is too big or small, the only compensation technique they have to escape discomfort is using their tongue to place or hold the bit where it is tolerable. This is distracting for the horse, taking attention away from you, and is seen as resistance and bad behaviour.”
BEWARE OF THE WOLF
Wolf teeth are normally positioned just in front of the fi rst cheek teeth, but not all horses have them. Most don’t cause any problems, but some horses experience discomfort due to pinching of the cheek onto the tooth, caused by a bridle or headcollar.
“They are usually found in the upper jaw; however, they are sometimes found in the lower jaw as well,” says Simon. “They usually erupt at approximately fi ve to six months of age. Provided they are normally positioned, wolf teeth can be removed by a vet or an EDT under local anaesthetic (which must be administered by a vet) and sedation.”
ue advises using a solid or fi ed cheek with an eggbutt, dee ring or small fulmer.
“ ith a fi ed side cheek, it can’t move, turn or twist, but it will apply pressure to the side of the lip and cheek when asking for a e ion, she says. “ his brings stability and security in the contact for the young horse, instilling confi dence in the hand. dding a balancing strap under the chin, for schooling, furthers this eff ect. “ balancing strap is a piece of rolled leather that attaches loosely from one ring to the other, under the chin, says ue. “ he strap helps with steering and stops the bit from sliding through the mouth when the rein is opened wide to encourage a turn.
NOW THE CHEEKS ARE CHOSEN, WHAT ABOUT INSIDE THE MOUTH?
“ se a material that encourages salivation, off ers ue. “ itanium is a light and inert metal that encourages acceptance of the bit and a rela ed aw.
“ he mouthpiece should be forward ported, meaning it is angled forward and away from the tongue. his gives the tongue freedom of movement and helps remove pressure on the bars. hen considering the tongue, this connects to the hyoid bone in the horse’s head, which in turn connects all the way under the horse’s neck to the sternum. mall muscles also connect the hyoid bones to the temporomandibular oint and the temporal bone that makes up the poll.
“ ny restriction through the will result in restriction in the shoulder, and the discomfort will result in resistance, says ue. “ ltimately, try to lessen pressure in the formative years as much as possible. his means they are ready to concentrate without fear and able to move freely forward and straight.
THE PRODUCER’S VIEW
Ashley Jenkins, dressage rider and young horse specialist, has introduced many young horses to their fi rst bit.
“Before doing anything, we get our horses’ teeth checked by a registered EDT,” he says. “Ensuring they are free of discomfort and stress is number one.
“I start by soaking the bit (I use an eggbutt snaffl e) in warm water and applying bit butter before then putting the bit on in the stable, being careful not to bang their teeth, and attach it to their headcollar with baler twine. I then leave them with it on in the stable for about 20mins a time for a week. They work out how to eat and drink with it.
“I would then start to lead the horse around with the bit in his mouth but with the lead rope on the headcollar and pay attention to how the horse is reacting to it. As long as they are happy, you can start to gently turn their heads left and right with the bit to get them used to the feeling, and from there, you could start long-reining.
“Once I’m on and riding away, the full cheek is good for teaching them to steer, and I like to use a link to give them something to play with.”
ABOVE LEFT: IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO GET A YOUNG HORSE’S TEETH CHECKED TWO TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE BEGINNING BITTING, TO GIVE TIME TO DEAL WITH ANY ISSUES THAT ARE IDENTIFIED. ABOVE RIGHT: PRODUCER ASHLEY JENKINS, PICTURED WITH LA BELLISSIMA, SUGGESTS WARMING THE BIT AND USING BIT BUTTER WHEN GETTING YOUNGSTERS USED TO IT.
MY FIRSTBIT
PRODUCT WATCH
THE STUBBEN GOLDEN WINGS BIT combines the
advantages of movable rings with optimal mouth friendliness and a welldirected and sensitive impact. The anatomically-shaped wings on the side of the bit are designed to protect the horse's mouth, prevent pinching of the lips and ensure a correct position of the bit. The mouthpiece of the Golden Wings bit is made of sweet copper, a solid, nickel-free alloy consisting of 89% copper. It activates saliva production and encourages the horses responsive reaction to the riders direction. Available in fi ve different variations.
RRP: £99.95 | stuebben.co.uk
SPRENGER KK ULTRA LOOSE RING
SNAFFLE The Sensogan bit features a middle link, known as the bean, that is shortened and angled forward. This ensures the bit lies gently on the tongue and results in even and constant contact to allow clear instructions through the reins. Providing a precise contact between rider and horse, you can normally see a huge improvement immediately after switching to the KK Ultra bit. Featuring an anatomically-adapted mouthpiece that is extremely comfortable for the horse as the rider can give softer instructions.
RRP: £125.50 | zebraproducts.co.uk
BOMBERS EGGBUTT PORTED BARREL relieves
pressure on the tongue via the medium port, which creates tongue space. The barrel joint relieves pressure on the bars by spreading it over a larger area and limiting the nutcracker action. The eggbutt cheekpiece prevents pinching of the lips and gives a more solid feel against the face. The release is slower, introducing some poll pressure.
RRP: £99 | equineman.com
MYLER DOUBLE BRIDLE BITS Myler
Weymouths are unique in having the Myler’s special independent side movement, for a clearer lateral aid. Myler bridoons also have independent side movement and both have small ports: the MB04 low port comfort snaffl e partially collapses and the non-collapsing MB36 has a wider port which is angled forward and gives more tongue room.
RRP: WEYMOUTHS £195.95, BRIDOONS
FROM £104.95 | shawsequestrian.com NEUE SCHULE uses state-ofthe-art technology and CAD design to develop innovative bit designs with pinpoint precision and expert quality. Manufactured using our unique material, Salox Gold, developed solely for use in the horse’s mouth, promoting effective horse-human communication, optimising horse performance, comfort, and welfare. Our trained bitting experts offer free advice tailored for riders of all levels and horses of all abilities to solve your bitting needs.
RRP: POA | nsbits.com
MYLER MB36 FORWARD TILT LOW PORTED BARREL
is designed to give tongue room for swallowing; and a more comfortable, clearer action. The wide, ¼in high port, angled forward at 45 degrees, allows the tongue to pass under the bit comfortably even on the lightest contact. The MB36 does not collapse, but has the Myler’s independent side movement, providing a clearer lateral aid. Available as a loose ring, hanging cheek, or as a bridoon.
RRP: FROM £83.95 shawsequestrian.com
SPRENGER DYNAMIC RS Sensogan bit has an ergonomically-formed mouthpiece that allows a rapid and balanced effect on the tongue. The mouthpiece lies perfectly in the horse’s mouth for a soft and even pressure on the entire tongue area, encouraging the horse to chew. In addition the ergonomically formed mouthpiece allows a rapid and balanced effect on the tongue. This bit supports the contact to the corners of the mouth in a very effective way, keeping the horse on the bit. Due to the curved joints the bit remains in the correct and central position on the tongue. The fi ne lozenge can direct gentle pressure pivotally onto the tongue. The bit encourages the confi dence of the horse in the rider‘s hand and increases safety.
RRP: RRP £115 | thecentreline.co.uk
