Tacked up: On the Bit Part 2

TACKED UP

On the bit Part 2

If you find the world of bits confusing, you’re not on your own. SUZY JARRATT sheds light on the more complex designs.

Last month we profiled some of the simpler mouthpieces on the Australian market. This time we outline a range of stronger, more controlling bits which may assist in training.

Full Cheek Snaffle: An option when a horse stops well but isn’t always willing to turn. It encourages bit acceptance, but is not a good choice for tongue sensitive horses. Baucher or Hanging Cheek Snaffle: Promotes a round outline. The mouthpiece simultaneously lifts up within the mouth taking pressure off the bars and tongue, and is often recommended for horses who are poll sensitive, or tentative into contact. Good for shoulder control and helps prevent falling in. Horses can sometimes over-bend in this type of bit so it is unsuitable for those tending to go behind the vertical.

Gag Bits

Gags can be too strong for some horses and should only be used by riders with independent hands and seat. The cheekpieces run through holes in the bit’s rings directly onto the reins, and they have a head raising effect by working on the corners of the lips.

Cheltenham Gag: Useful when riding a strong horse with a sensitive mouth, or with one who’s prone to leaning or snatching the reins.

Nelson Gag: Popular with show jumpers and eventers, it provides extra control and assistance with turning. The full cheeks reduce friction and lessen the risk of rubbing.

Balding Gag: For sensitive mouthed horses who tend to block through the rein. The rings have more play than a fixed cheek thus discouraging the horse from leaning.

Dutch Gag: Not really a gag; a leverage bit normally featuring three or four rings. The cheek pieces are attached to the top rings and the lower rings offer a variety of rein settings depending upon how much control is required. In the wrong hands it can cause severe overbending.

Pelham bits

One bit with two sets of reins and a curb chain. Pelhams use leverage and the action of the curb chain to lower the horse’s head and achieve a more rounded outline. Used where a single mouthpiece is preferred but the look of a double bridle is desired.

Bendy Rubber Pelham: A mild, flexible mouthpiece ideal for novice riders using a stronger bit for the first time. The horse should have enough space in its mouth to comfortably accommodate this bit.

Neue Schule Tranz Angled Lozenge Pelham: Designed to comfortably promote a rounder outline whilst also encouraging more freedom through the

Sprenger Rigid Mullen Mouth Kimblewick with Port

Stübben Baucher Double Broken Copper Mouth

Pelham Flexible Rubber Mouth

Stübben Full Cheek Snaffle Double Broken Copper Link

Neue Schule Tranz Angled Lozenge Pelham

shoulder. Often sourced for control and self-carriage.

Slimma Show Pelham: Its loose rings help when a horse tends to lean. The port shape suits finer types such as Thouroughbreds, or horses with thin tongues. Avoids contact with the palate.

Kimblewick: This bit has D-shaped rings and a curb chain. Like a Pelham it combines a snaffle and a curb bit but

with only one rein. The mouthpiece attaches to the top of a D-shaped cheek and not to the shank, offering a slightly different action to a Pelham. The shank is shorter so Kimblewicks are usually considered a little milder than Pelhams.

Double Bridles

These comprise a Weymouth (curb bit and chain) and a bradoon (small ring snaffle), and come in many different combinations.

Start Softly Double: The Weymouth mouthpiece forms a wide, low bridge over the tongue which takes pressure away from the sensitive outer edges and distributes it evenly across the tongue. The thick bradoon is simple and comfortable, sitting evenly in the mouth. This set can encourage lengthening of the neck and a consistent contact - ideal for horses transitioning from a snaffle to a double bridle.

Pony Double: Kind for sensitive little mouths. The snaffle or bradoon features

a lozenge link and the pony Weymouth has short shanks.

Neue Schule Warmblood Double: For horses slightly heavy in the hand or with very fat or over-active tongues. Combines a Warmblood Weymouth’s forward tilting wide port with a NS Verbindend bradoon which helps with lightness, flexion and turning. Not suited to thinner tongued horses or lightweight Thouroughbred types.

Bit tips

Equestrian Hub mentor Warwick Schiller suggests that when choosing a bit for control you should keep in mind that: ƒ Ultimately horses must learn to control themselves

ƒ ‘Big’ bits are for pulling less, not more

ƒ Complicated bits are meant for welleducated horses.

Focus on light hands and gentle aids to improve the horse’s response, and then carry those lessons over to a milder bit. Your horse will appreciate this, especially during those ‘oops’ moments when you accidentally yank his mouth – it happens!

If you’re facing a difficult problem you probably need to go back to basics. However a little extra ‘oomph’ doesn’t hurt in some circumstances when:

ƒ Beginners or timid riders ride a strong (but safe) horse

ƒ The horse speeds up in certain situations

ƒ The horse leans on the forehand or bucks

ƒ A well-trained horse needs a tune-up.

Warwick believes the goal should be to use a stronger bit on a temporary basis. “Focus on light hands and gentle aids to improve the horse’s response, and then carry those lessons over to a milder bit. Your horse will appreciate this, especially during those ‘oops’ moments when you accidentally yank his mouth - it happens!”

For more information visit Bit Bank Australia and Horse Bit Emporium – but when in doubt, always consult a bit fitting specialist.