Polo catalogue by HRCS

Polo Bits Catalogue 2012

Fitting The Correct Bit If you are having problems with finding a bit that is suitable for your horse there are a few steps that you need follow to get the right bit in its mouth. First you need to make sure that it doesn’t have any mouth, back or neck problems. No bit will help if the pain or discomfort lies in the mouth, back or neck. The most important part of fitting the correct bit is finding the right mouth piece for a particular horse. Here it is what the horse is doing with its head that tells you what bit is needed.

• The horse sticks his nose up in the air the moment the reins are taken up. This is the horse telling you that it is experiencing pain in its mouth. If using a Snaffle, you need to change to a threepiece bit such as a Control Plate. • The horse shakes its head, which means that he does not want tongue pressure. From the Snaffle or Control Plate, you would go softer to the Happy Tongue, designed specifically to take pressure off the tongue. • The horse bringing its chin up to its chest in an effort to evade the bit is a sure sign of too much bit for the horse and it trying to relieve the pressure. The solution is to either ride on a looser rein, or use a softer bit. From the Snaffle one could use the Lock Up. • The horse that pokes his nose forward, trying to pull the reins out of the rider's hands in an effort to relieve the pressure of the bit. Once again the solution being to use a softer bit. We have also introduced colour coding of our bits to make this process easier.

The next step is to measure the horse's mouth. This is a crucial aspect of fitting the correct bit. Using a bit measure or straight rod, put it in the horse's mouth and lift it to the correct place in the mouth, and mark the bar on both sides just outside the lip crease.

This measurement can then be used to determine the size of the bit required. The bit size will differ depending on the type of mouth piece required. Most horses are fitted with bits that are too tight and this just adds more pressure points. With a fixed mouth piece bit the size required is the measured size, and with the single and double break bits this should be the measured size plus 10 mm to take into account the set. In addition to this add 5mm if the bit has a loose ring cheek piece. Nothing additional needs to be added for fixed cheek pieces. Once you have established the mouthpiece and the width, then you have to establish which cheek piece would be suitable. This is dictated to by various things including the discipline the rider is participating in and the skill level of the rider.

Bit Measure

Increasing Pressure

Colour Coding Sensitive Tongue & Head Shakers

Bomber Blue Happy Tongue McHardy Lock Up Waterford

Neutral

Snaffle

To Drop Head Down

Control Plate Elliptical Colin Miles

To Lift Head Up

Sara Grills Buster Roller Barrie Smooth Barrie Reversible

Specialised

Mullen Johan du Plooy Spinner Petros Control Plate Petros Elliptical Petros Colin Miles Petros Buster Roller

Big Ring Gag The Big Ring Gag is stronger than the usual Loose Ring and Eggbutt as the ropes going through the rings create leverage which will exert more pressure through the mouthpiece whilst at the same time introducing more poll pressure. The Big Ring Gag creates more leverage making it stronger than the Medium Ring Gag version.

Happy Tongue A horse shaking its head when bit pressure is applied or its tongue trying to escape the bit are classic signs the horse has a sensitive tongue. With this in mind the Happy Tongue was created, it has a medium port creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure, allowing the horse to relax.

Bomber Blue A unique bit which produces amazing results for the majority of horses.

Ported for tongue relief and very light, it is available in a variety of cheek pieces.

McHardy A horse shaking its head when bit pressure is applied or its tongue trying to escape the bit are classic signs the horse has a sensitive tongue. With this in mind the McHardy was created, it has a medium port creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure. The link in the middle is to increase bar and tongue pressure making the bit sharper than conventional Happy Tongue. Best suited for a horse with a low head carriage and which leans on the bit.

Snaffle Our Snaffle mouthpiece is popular due to the curved mouthpiece which distributes pressure more evenly over tongue and bars. With the offset centre link it will reduce nutcraker action and pressure points on the tongue.

Snaffle Square Twist Our Snaffle is a popular bit due to the curved mouthpiece which distributes pressure more evenly over tongue and bars. With the offset centre link it will reduce nutcraker action and pressure points on the tongue.

The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece which will make it stronger than the Round Twist and Smooth.

Control Plate 45 The Bombers Control Plate is set at 45째 to follow the contour of the horses tongue. Consequently, a horse who uses his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control. This differs from a Dr Bristol which sits horizontlaly with the edge of the plate on the tongue.

Control Plate Square Twist The Bombers Control Plate is set at 45째 to follow the contour of the horses tongue. Consequently, a horse who uses his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control. This differs from a Dr Bristol which sits horizontally with the edge of the plate on the tongue. The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece which will make it stronger than the twisted wire and round bar.

Elliptical The Elliptical is a 45 mm lozenge, it is stronger than the Control Plate due to it having a smaller surface area. Consequently, a horse using his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control.

Elliptical Buster The Elliptical Buster is a 40 mm lozenge, it is stronger than the Control Plate due to it having a smaller surface area. Consequently, a horse using his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control.

Buster Roller The Buster Roller is a great bit for schooling, the link in the middle is shortened to 40mm increasing bar and tongue pressure making the bit sharper than conventional link bits. Best suited for a horse with a low head carriage and which leans on the bit. The increased pressure on the bar will lift the head and the roller will increase pressure on the tongue bringing the chin in.

Buster Roller Square Twist The Buster Roller is a great bit for schooling, the link in the middle is shortened to 40mm increasing bar and tongue pressure making the bit sharper than conventional link bits. Best suited for a horse with a low head carriage and which leans on the bit. The increased pressure on the bar will lift the head and the roller will increase pressure on the tongue bringing the chin in. The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece.

Barrie The Barrie is a severe bit due to the centre links of the two pieces being offset by 20mm giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue and bar pressure. Good for strong older horses.

Barrie Reversible The Barrie Reversible is a severe bit due to the centre links of the two pieces being offset by 20mm giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue and bar pressure. It is a versatile bit that can be flipped and used either way. The Round Twist providing a harder bit and the Smooth creating a more forgiving and softer bit. Great bit for the experienced rider and strong older horses.

Barrie Square Twist The Barrie is a severe bit due to the centre links of the two pieces being offset by 20mm giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue and bar pressure. The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece which will make it stronger than the Round Twist and Smooth. Good for strong older horses.

Barrie Round Twist The Barrie is a severe bit due to the centre links of the two pieces being offset by 20mm giving it a double nutcracker action, which creates more tongue and bar pressure.

The Round Twist creates more pressure points on the bars making it a stronger bit. Good for strong older horses.

Spinner The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

Petros Control Plate The Petros mouthpieces rotate preventing the horse taking hold of the bit. Often good for a horse that leans or tries to take hold of the bit. The Control Plate is set at 45째 to follow the contour of the horses tongue. Consequently, a horse who uses his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control. This differs from a Dr Bristol which sits horizontlaly with the edge of the plate on the tongue.

Petros Elliptical The Petros mouthpieces rotate preventing the horse taking hold of the bit. Often good for a horse that leans or tries to take hold of the bit. The Elliptical is a 45 mm lozenge, it is stronger than the Control Plate due to it having a smaller surface area. Consequently, a horse using his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control.

Petros Buster Roller The Petros mouthpieces rotate preventing the horse taking hold of the bit. Often good for a horse that leans or tries to take hold of the bit. The Buster Roller is a great bit for schooling, the link in the middle is shortened to 40mm increasing bar and tongue pressure making the bit sharper than conventional link bits. Best suited for a horse with a low head carriage and which leans on the bit. The increased pressure on the bar will lift the head and the roller will increase pressure on the tongue tucking the chin in.

Cherry Roller Snaffle The Cherry Rollers roll in the horses mouth giving him something to play with and reducing the likelihood of the bit being held in the horse's teeth.They are constructed tightly so there is no chance of pinching. When pulling on the reins, the rollers allow the bit to move along the bars of the horse's jaws as opposed to rubbing. Very useful for horses that: » Lose sensitivity over time » Lose concentration » Cross their jaws

Cherry Roller Control Plate The Bombers Control Plate is set at 45° to follow the contour of the horses tongue. Consequently, a horse who uses his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control.

The Cherry Rollers roll in the horses mouth giving him something to play with and reducing the likelihood of the bit being held in the horse's teeth.They are constructed tightly so there is no chance of pinching.

Eggbutt Gag The Eggbutt shape will prevent pinching of the lips. The release is slower and some slight poll pressure is introduced. The Eggbutt Gag is the gag version of the Eggbutt is stronger and will create more leverage on the mouthpiece whilst at the same time introducing more poll pressure.

Lesley du Bruin The Lesley du Bruin is an excellent bit for breaking in a young polo pony having been designed to teach correct head carriage. It is supplied with curb hooks and a polo curb chain.

Polito Gag The Polito Gag is stronger than the usual Loose Ring and Eggbutt as the ropes going through the rings create leverage which will exert more pressure through the mouthpiece whilst at the same time introducing more poll pressure. The Polito Gag creates more leverage making it stronger than the Medium Ring Gag version. Snaffle Our Snaffle mouthpiece is popular due to the curved mouthpiece which distributes pressure more evenly over tongue and bars. With the offset centre link it will reduce nutcraker action and pressure points on the tongue.

Polo 3 Ring A Ring cheekpiece introduces poll pressure as well creating leverage on the mouthpiece. The 3 Ring is our most popular version.

Bomber Blue The Bomber Blue is a unique bit which produces amazing results for the majority of horses.

It is ported for tongue relief and very light.

Spinner The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

Polo Pelham 55 The Pelham has attachments for two reins, one near the mouthpiece and one at the end of the shank. These reins have similar action to the curb and bradoon reins in the double bridle. The Polo Pelham 55 utilizes a heavier cheekpeices than a standard Pelham and has 55 mm shanks. It is supplied with curb hooks and polo curb chain.

Bomber Blue A unique bit which produces amazing results for the majority of horses.

Ported for tongue relief and very light, it is available in a variety of cheek pieces.

Elliptical Roller The Elliptical Roller is made of brass or sweet iron, which is designed to heighten the horses awareness of the bit. When the rein is used this mouthpiece wraps across the tongue creating tongue pressure and reducing bar pressure. Please note appearances may be deceiving, this bit joint is stronger than the Control Plate as pressure is more concentrated on the tongue.

Mullen The Mullen is a strong bit which creates direct pressure on the tongue which will in turn create direct pressure on the bars. Used for a strong older horse and will also bring the head down.

Johan du Plooy The Johan Du Plooy is a ported mouthpiece with a central roller filling the port, this helps keep the tongue beneath the bit and provides something for the horse to play with.

Spinner The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

Gavin Chaplin The Gavin Chaplin has a port creating space for the tongue, relieving some pressure. It is a strong bit which creates direct pressure on the bars.

The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

Polo Pelham 75 The Pelham has attachments for two reins, one near the mouthpiece and one at the end of the shank. These reins have similar action to the curb and bradoon reins in the double bridle. The Polo Pelham 75 utilizes a heavier cheekpeices than a standard Pelham and has 75 mm shanks. It is supplied with curb hooks and polo curb chain.

Bomber Blue A unique bit which produces amazing results for the majority of horses.

Ported for tongue relief and very light, it is available in a variety of cheek pieces.

Mullen The Mullen is a strong bit which creates direct pressure on the tongue which will in turn create direct pressure on the bars. Used for a strong older horse and will also bring the head down.

Johan du Plooy The Johan Du Plooy is a ported mouthpiece with a central roller filling the port, this helps keep the tongue beneath the bit and provides something for the horse to play with.

Spinner The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

T足Bar 3 Ring The T足Bar 3 Ring was developed by Bomber for Polo, it will have the same effect as the traditionall Fulmer in that it will prevent pinching on the sides of the mouth however the shortened and extended pins above and below the bit prevent the bit firstly being pulled through the mouth and secondly has the effect of guiding the the horses head into the direction the bit is facing which is great for schooling and training purposes. The T足Bar has a Loose Ring fitting which allows for immediate release whilst the shortened pin extensions prevent it from being hooked up.

A Ring cheekpiece introduces poll pressure as well creating leverage on the mouthpiece. The 3 Ring is our most popular version.

The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece which will make it stronger than the Round Twist and Smooth.

T足Bar Gag The T足Bar Gag was developed by Bomber for Polo, it will have the same effect as the traditionall Fulmer in that it will prevent pinching on the sides of the mouth however the shortened and extended pins above and below the bit prevent the bit firstly being pulled through the mouth and secondly has the effect of guiding the the horses head into the direction the bit is facing which is great for schooling and training purposes. The T足Bar has a Loose Ring fitting which allows for immediate release whilst the shortened pin extensions prevent it from being hooked up.

The Big Ring Gag is stronger than the usual Loose Ring and Eggbutt as the ropes going through the rings create leverage which will exert more pressure through the mouthpiece whilst at the same time introducing more poll pressure.

The Square Twist will create more pressure points on the mouthpiece which will make it stronger than the Round Twist and Smooth.

Spinner The Spinner sits on top of the horses tongue and prevents the horse putting its tongue over the bit.

Watson Pelham The Watson Pelham gives the impression of being part of a double bridle setup without using two bits. The bit is like a regular Pelham, but the snaffle rings have been moved so that they are connected through the center of the Mullen mouthpiece and now act as loose rings. The Watson Pelham has a longer centre shaft, than the Watson Ring Pelham, making it an excellent schooling bit.

Mullen mouthpiece with a leverage cheek: This combination gives very definite downward tongue pressure. As the cheek turns, the mouthpiece of the bit pushes it down into the lower jaw. This is good for a horse with ample lower jaw capacity that needs to be ridden in something stronger than a snaffle and dislikes, or does not need, a joint or a port. The Pelham was developed as a combination between the snaffle and curb bit. It consists of a mouthpiece, shanks with two rings per side, a curb chain and to be used correctly, two reins.

Watson Ring Pelham The Watson Ring Pelham is like a regular Pelham , but the snaffle rings have been moved so that they are connected through the center of the Mullen mouthpiece and now act as loose rings. The bit gives the impression of being part of a double bridle setup without using two bits. Mullen mouthpiece with a leverage cheek: This combination gives very definite downward tongue pressure. As the cheek turns, the mouthpiece of the bit pushes it down into the lower jaw. This is good for a horse with ample lower jaw capacity that needs to be ridden in something stronger than a snaffle and dislikes, or does not need, a joint or a port. The Pelham was developed as a combination between the snaffle and curb bit. It consists of a mouthpiece, shanks with two rings per side, a curb chain and to be used correctly, two reins.

Bit Rubbers All of our bits can be fitted with bit rubbers which we supply in a variety of colours.

Bit Measure Essential for getting the perfect fit.

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340 Victoria Road Pietermaritzburg 3200 Kwa足Zulu Natal South Africa +27 (0)33 3454669 +27 (0)33 3425860 info@bombers.co.za www.bombers.co.za Latitude: 足29.59337 Longitude: 30.376354 息2011 Bombers Equestrian Equipment. All rights reserved.