Universal Bit

Featuring a fully adjustable cartwheel, the Universal Bit is perfect for training as the strength of the bit can be adapted by attaching the reins and/or cheek pieces to different rings.

Attaching your bit at various points will change how the bit is held in the horses mouth, as well as how much contact you have with your horse and how much pressure the bit applies.

BI020

UNIVERSAL BIT WITH SNAFFLE MOUTH

Single-jointed mouthpiece with ‘nut-cracker’ action, applies pressure to mouth rather than the tongue, stainless steel, multi-point cartwheel to adjust strength of bit.

SIZES: 5” OR 5.5” (135 OR 145MM)

BI021

UNIVERSAL BIT WITH STAINLESS STEEL BULLET MOUTH

Multi-jointed mouthpiece with rounded stainless steel lozenge, applies pressure to center of the tongue, stainless steel, multipoint cartwheel to adjust strength of bit.

SIZES: 5” OR 5.5” (135 OR 145MM)

BI022

UNIVERSAL BIT WITH COPPER BULLET MOUTH

Multi-jointed mouthpiece with rounded copper lozenge, applies pressure to the center of the tongue, sweet tasting copper, stainless steel, multi-point cartwheel to adjust strength of bit.

BI023

UNIVERSAL BIT WITH TWISTED BAR MOUTH

Single-jointed mouth piece with ‘nutcracker’ action, twisted bars place more pressure on the side of mouth for greater control (more suited for experienced riders), stainless steel, multi-point cartwheel to adjust strength of bit.

BI024

UNIVERSAL BIT WITH LEATHER COVERED MOUTH

Single-jointed mouthpiece covered in vegetable tanned leather for a softer feel in the horses mouth, places even pressure through the horses mouth, stainless steel, multi-point wheel to adjust strength of bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your helmets suitable for competing?

Our VX2 and NRG helmets carry the ASTMF F1163-15 SEI standard, which is approved for the majority of UK riding associations including British Showjumping, The Pony Club and British Dressage - a full list of which can be found on page 5.

My item doesn’t fit or is faulty - what should I do?

You should always try on goods indoors (where applicable) and keep labels attached until you are satisfied with the fit. If you are returning something that doesn’t fit, please ensure you return your items unworn and clean with labels still attached and with all original packaging. To return your item, please take your product back to where you purchased it from. If you purchased directly from Whitaker UK, please contact our office by telephone on 01706 340 500 and ask for the returns department. The Returns Clerk will inform you of how to return your goods.

How can I return an item?

Your goods should always be returned to the retailer you bought them from. If you bought your goods directly from John Whitaker International (either via telephone or through our website) please contact our office by telephone on 01706 340 500 and ask for the returns department. The Returns Clerk will inform you of how to return your goods.

How long do I have to return an item?

You should always return your product to the retailer where it was originally purchased. If you bought your product directly from John Whitaker International (either by phone or web) you have 14 days to return any unwanted or unsuitable goods. All returned goods must be returned with a proof of purchase, i.e a copy of an invoice showing date and price and must be in perfect condition with original packaging if applicable. If your item is damaged upon delivery please contact our office immediately. Please do not use your product, and please take photographs of any damage if you can. Our Saddles come with a two year guarantee against leather defects and a lifetime tree guarantee. If you are having issues with your saddle within the guarantee period please contact our Returns Department. Other products are subject to a standard 12 month guarantee, but will be subject to excessive wear and tear and correct maintenance procedures. If your item is faulty, please contact our Returns Department on 01706 340 500 and they will advise you on how to return your item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

I own a tack shop, can I become a John Whitaker reseller?

Of course! To apply for a trade account, simply contact our office. Trade accounts are issued after a consulatation and are subject to a minimum opening order and credit accounts will be subject to a credit check.

If you have any other questions, please vsit our website at www.whitakeruk.com, or telephone one of our friendly sales staff on +44 (0) 1706 340 500 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Which Tree is Best For Me?

With the option of 2 types of saddle tree, picking your next saddle can be a bit daunting especially if you aren’t a saddle fitting expert! We’ve put together a handy guide below that might help you in your decision, and remember you can always give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise!

How often will you need to adjust your saddle?

If your horse changes condition quickly, your planning to change horses soon or you train horses before selling them on, the Gullet Tree may be most suitable as the width can be adjusted in a matter of minutes using only an Allen Key and any size Whitaker Gullet Bar. Our HeatMould Tree can be adjusted an unlimited amount of times, but is has a 2cm narrower or wider limit and requires a specialist heating lamp for adjustments. We can adjust your saddle for you, but it can mean you are without your saddle for roughly 5 working days.

Does your horse have an unusual conformation?

Our HeatMould Tree can be adjusted to your own template resulting in a more tailored, precise fit. Because each adjustment takes place by hand you can discuss any concerns with our friendly staff who can offer the best solutions. Our Gullet Tree uses the rigid steel Gullet Bars to retain it’s strength, and the bars cannot be adjusted to a specific shape so may not be best suited to some horses conformations.

Is weight an important factor when choosing your next saddle?

Our HeatMould Tree is injection moulded from a strong yet flexible polymer which ensures strength whilst still being exceptionally lightweight. The Gullet Tree utilises a steel Gullet Bar as it’s pommel to shape the tree which makes it slightly heavier.

Still Unsure?

Both the HeatMould and Gullet Tree are backed by a Lifetime Guarantee, so regardless of which tree you chose you can rest assured that your tree is of exceptional quality. However, if you would like some help you may find it beneficial to discuss your decision with a qualified saddle fitter. If you don’t have a regular fitter, simply contact the Whitaker offices and we can point you in the right direction!