Thanks for any advice! The tighter the curb strap, the less pressure applied to the poll. The rider must experiment to determine which bit a particular horse performs better in. A slow twist, or one with fewer turns, is less severe than a fast twist with more turns. The port provides tongue relief because as the rider pulls back on the reins, the horse?s tongue moves inside the port, thereby placing more pressure on the bars of the mouth and less on the tongue. Bombers make their bits from the incredible blue sweet iron, which is a characteristic which we have all come to know and love from the brand. However, to perform correctly in a curb bit, the horse must have already learned how to be guided willingly and submit to bit pressure. He also had a minor injury in Jan that put him off for a few weeks, so timing hasnt been on our side! Not every bit fits neatly into a category, especially when trying to classify everything as either a snaffle or traditional curb. EORI GB885855458000. UGA Extension offers a wealth of personalized services The points on the horse?s head that can be affected by a bit or some type of headgear include the tongue, bars, cheeks, lips, palate, nose, curb area and poll. 1 Kylee J. Duberstein, Ph.D., Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia2 Edward L. Johnson, Ph.D., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Status and Revision History I always thought the lozenge would be more space but can see how it doesnt work for so many. A few updates for those interested: I did a very light ride today and really focused on keeping my hands connected to the bit but soft. Hes never been so quiet or easy to work with. Some of these are USDF dressage legal, but Im not sure about eventing. He will walk and canter very comfortably on the bit and pushing into the contact, but at the trot he objects frequently to my outside rein, going into giraffe mode. A mouthpiece that is solid will place more pressure across and over the tongue while one that is broken in the middle will take some pressure off the center of the tongue when the reins are pulled, thereby placing pressure more on the bars of the mouth and the sides of the lips. Also I know you have been told he has a fat tongue but it's worth considering that the horse may have hydoid pain and neck pain with causes the horse to draw the tongue back to relieve it. Kylee J. Duberstein, Ph.D.1,Edward L. Johnson, Ph.D.2. Get weekly updates sent to your inbox with the latest UGA Extension news. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, Best Bit for Horse with a Big Tongue Resisting Contact. After determining whether to use a snaffle or a curb and deciding on the appropriate width and material, the next step is to determine the style of mouthpiece needed. The Happy Tongue Snaffle from Bombers Bits is designed with a medium port to create space for the tongue, meaning that your horse has relief from tongue pressure and is encouraged to be ridden in a relaxed way. The suggestion was for a curved single joint (very different action to a nut cracker style). and prosperous Georgia. Inexperienced riders or horses should be equipped with softer, less severe bits. It is important to find a bit that works well for both horse and rider based on the experience level of both. Again, I SO appreciate all the advice. Availability and prices correct at time of publishing, Equiport, 1 London Road, Both did well with a French link Baucher. Wow! Stainless steel is commonly used to manufacture bits today. Full cheek bits and very large ringed bits are used in some training situations to apply pressure to the side of the horse?s face when being asked to yield laterally, thereby encouraging the horse to yield better and also to prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth. This can lead to the horse's acceptance of the bit. Many horses carry this bit comfortably because of its weight. Changing the cheekpieces would then allow you to adjust the level of control. A hollow mouthpiece is a lighter weight than the same bit made with a solid material. However, single joints can create a so-called nutcracker effect that pinches the horse's tongue and bars (the space in a horse's mouth between the incisors and molars). The rider will know immediately if this is the correct bit, as a horse with a sensitive tongue will finally begin to work into, and accept the contact. Another metal that is sometimes seen in bit making is aluminum. The looser the curb strap, the more pressure can be applied to the poll as the top of the shank can move farther forward. The mouthpiece may or may not have a port, rings, keys, dogbone, etc. The same is true to some degree with the narrow bits, although there is a wider selection in snaffle bits. This bit is slightly more severe than a French link, but it's gentler than a Dr. Bristol because there's no edge on the link to press into the tongue. Some ports also include rollers or keys. She tolerates Mylers but is not that keen so I've just got a Bomber on trial and we'll see how she is with that. (It can be hard to picture what fleshy lips look like North West EquineVets has on their home page some pictures of a horse with very fleshy lips that fold over and almost meet in the mouth). Another aspect to consider when selecting curb bits is the port. Chain mouthpieces use either link or bicycle chain. It is important to experiment with bit selection to determine which bit works best for a particular horse and rider combination. All my horses are now in much smaller bits as well. The shank can be either a solid cheek or a shank that can swivel (swivel cheek). I had a lesson on my 5 year old on Sunday and was told by instructor he has a fairly large tongue - he tries to lift his tongue and put it over the bit (he hasn't got it over bit yet), I tried loads before my horse was happy in a Cotswold sport baucher. I recently purchased this bit as well for a young horse with much of the same issues. Ive only ever had him in a loose ring snaffle and now the D ring myler, so I appreciate all the suggestions. Fleshy lips and tongues, again common to Connemaras, dont help the equation! I may also look into bitting experts in my area if things dont get better over the next few months! Its nice to know this isnt an uncommon problem, though I sincerely hope for all of us to find answers that keep us and our horses happy! Mouthpieces broken in only one place might come into contact with the horse?s palate as the rider pulls back on the reins and the mouthpiece closes at the break. There are many instances when using the appropriate bit can enhance the training process. Immobile, thin mouthpieces arent generally recommended; mullens (like the Bombers Moulded Mullen) and curved mouthpieces, such as the Bombers Ultra Comfy Lock up, can work well to spread the pressure. Let me get something recent this week (all the vids I have are from last show season and weve changed a lot as a pair since then) and Ill send them over! Kimberwick, pelham, gag and elevator bits should be considered combination bits, in that their action is not exactly that of a snaffle or true curb bit. My mare also likes it. In inexperienced hands, this can damage a horse's mouth. Inexperienced riders lack the hand control to use more severe bits effectively without damaging the horse?s mouth. The Myler you describe would fall into that category. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. My mare has a big tongue and small mouth. This is a desired response used to achieve greater performance in many disciplines. This large diameter can be troublesome for horses since it is typically used on young horses whose mouths are not big enough to carry it comfortably. Im overwhelmed by the input from people on this post. This creates the leverage. The intelligent designs curved mouth piece snaffle for the really persistent tongue pressure haters. There are a number of signs which will indicate to you that your horse has increased tongue sensitivity and these include your horse shaking his head when bit pressure is applied, putting the tongue out of the side of the mouth or trying to get his tongue over the bit. When selecting a bit, the first consideration is to determine the appropriate or desired type of bit (snaffle or leverage). Thank you! My trainer broke her hip and hasnt been able to get on, but I just started taking lessons with another eventing trainer right before the corona virus hit my area (WA State). The summary was that her mouth was only 5 inches (I had her in 5.5) and that with her big tongue and lips that she needed something which gave room and did not place too much pressure on her tongue. For information or the status on programs, contact your local Extension office by email or phone. The reins attach to the bottom part of the shank and the cheek pieces of the bridle attach to the upper part of the shank. Having a few more weeks of turn out and no schooling might actually be very helpful as it could heal or resolve many injuries and niggles. A French link is a double-jointed mouthpiece with a small plate in the middle. A curb bit, on the other hand, involves leverage, which means the reins are attached to a shank of some design. I do ride her bitless sometimes but she can be very strong and it's not always a great idea. With our eagerly awaited delivery having arrived, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at this bit and how it could be suitable for your horse. The quarter or half moon is another type of link for a mouthpiece. As the rider pulls back on the reins, the top part of the shank moves forward as far as the curb strap will allow. Going back to the issue of not taking the contact forward, this is common in an equine without much room in the mouth, as they experience pressure from all angles, and may even have trouble swallowing. Bits with tongue relief via a suitably-sized port may work well. https://nsbits.com/products/mouthpiece/turtle-tactio/turtle-tactio. I want to rule out that he just hates the bit. Published on Jan 20, 2011Published on Feb 04, 2011Published with Full Review on Jun 05, 2014. In addition to these two types of bits, there are hackamores, which generally do not have a mouthpiece. Ports have a raised areatypically the shape of an inverted "U"in the middle of the mouthpiece, which reduces pressure on the tongue. JavaScript is disabled. Sometimes it is necessary to have a bit custom built by a bit maker to achieve a desired style and size. They also allow for immediate relief from pressure when rein aids are relaxed, thus rewarding the horse quickly for a correct response. http://www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk/ShopEaAsvqEALw_wcB. This allows the bit to maintain its new-looking appearance outside the horse?s mouth while the part that is in the mouth is made of the more palatable metal. The reins on a snaffle bit attach directly to the mouthpiece, not to a shank. The Top Ten Beginner Horse Riding Mistakes, What You Need to Know About Curb Chains and Straps, Learn Why Your Horse Is Tossing Its Head When You Ride, Learn What a Port on a Bit Is and Why It Is Used, 12 Signs You Need to Call a Professional to Check Your Horse's Teeth, Description, Action, and Uses of the Eggbutt Snaffle, Here's What You Need to Know About Horse Teeth, 5 Reasons Why Your Horse Bucks and How to Stop It, How To Choose the Right Bit For Your Horse, How to Treat Locked Stifle Joints in Horses, Learn How to Find the Right Sized Bit For Your Horse, Choose the Right Noseband for Your Horse's Bridle. Was it Perfect? Looking for advice ? But some horses with a low palate or large tongue might find thick bits uncomfortable. A snaffle bit may have a solid mouthpiece, a two-piece mouthpiece, a three-piece mouthpiece or multiple links such as a chain. It is not a bit for training horses or correcting habits, such as pulling or head tossing. It as been a revelation along with her developing her own balance. I am very impressed so far, he seemed to take the contact forward confidently, and worked really well, and through, she reported happily. The function of a high port is to bump the roof of the horse?s mouth, causing the horse to respond by lowering its head and flexing at the poll with minimal pressure applied to the reins. The key to identifying a snaffle is that it is a bit that operates off of direct pull; there is no leverage involved. Keys are small, elongated metal beads most often seen on mouthpieces used to introduce young horses to the bit. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. Bits wider than 5 inches may have to be special ordered, and the availability of styles and mouthpiece designs may be limited in commercial production bits. Even so, for some horses, this variety might be more comfortable than a straight-bar mouthpiece. Once the type of bit and mouthpiece are selected, the next consideration is to be sure that it is the proper width to fit the horse. Also called a Doc Bristol, this double-jointed mouthpiece has a flat link in the middle and looks similar to a French link. Thicker mouthpieces arent generally advised for horses with fleshy lips, as they can stretch the skin at the corners of the lips. Sometimes bits are composed of a sweet iron mouthpiece with stainless steel cheek pieces. Some horses might prefer the rounder version of the French link known as the lozenge or oval mouth. If you have a video clip you want to share with me, Ill be happy to chat through PMs. Sweet iron may help with salivation to help prevent soreness. | network of committed specialists, agents and volunteers to help Georgians learn, grow and do more. The moon provides room for the tongue, while the double joint softens the nutcracker action compared to a single joint. Bits that have broken mouthpieces and/or swivel cheeks are slower acting and provide the horse with what essentially amounts to a preparatory signal. Shank length determines the bit?s severity. An eggbutt would reduce additional movement through the mouth, but some horses prefer a loose ring, as it doesnt have that snug fit on a mouth that may be sensitive. Selecting a curb bit is similar to selecting a snaffle bit; however, in addition to selecting the type and size of the mouthpiece, it is important to determine the appropriate shank. Many of these bits use a modified gag action and many also function like a mechanical hackamore. Also, someone here posted that she was told that these bits need to be just a bit smaller than you would fit a regular snaffle. #bombersbits #bombersbluebits #teambombers#bombersbitsbringbalance #bombersbits#BombersEquestrianEquipment #BombersBlueBits, 2016 Worldwide Tack. You have successfully removed your county preference. These are used in many disciples that require turning maneuvers since the rider can essentially pick up one side of the bit by pulling on that rein. Soft bits can also be problematic because is easy to teach a horse to pull against and evade them. Lots of free time these days. 5 or 5.25 max whereas I had everything in 5.5 previously (all 16.2hh plus). No one ever told me that, but that is consistent with my experience as well - I tried one size, thought it was too small, tried the next size up, which I thought was just right, but the horse let me know that he preferred the smaller one. A bit that is broken in multiple places will conform around the tongue and place pressure more equally over the tongue, bars and lips. A longer shank produces more leverage than a shorter shank, but is slower acting. FIND OUT MORE. This is particularly true of rubber bits, which are often also very large in diameter. This incredible brand combines their innovative designs with handmade quality, attention to detail and testing by world renowned riders. They are often composed of some type of metal, although bits made of other materials can also be found. I made the mistake of putting him back in his old bit (a neue schule team up) when I switched bridles and didnt feel like swapping them out. Also similar to the French link, the ball link of this mouthpiece sits directly on the horse's tongue and exerts pressure. This metal is a popular choice because it does not rust and, therefore, is appealing both for show purposes and everyday use. Whilst all horses are different, there are some breed characteristics that can help us ascertain what likely conformation the equine has within its mouth, as follows . Mostdraught horsestend to have fleshy lips and may be prone to pinching with loose rings, unless theyre scrupulouslyfitted so the bit doesnt move about. These differ in the areas on the horse where each applies pressure. 1379, The University of Georgia 2020 | All rights reserved. A thinner mouthpiece is generally more severe, as it concentrates all the pressure on one narrow area in the horse's mouth. Other signs which are also worth noting, are your horse sucking his tongue back and as a result making an intermittent coughing noise, going behind the bit to avoid the contact and also snatching the reins forward and down in order to resist any kind of bit pressure. The twist is meant to apply strong pressure in the horse's mouth, placing the mouthpiece among the most severe varieties. When using a snaffle bit, the main factors that affect severity are diameter and mouthpiece texture. In addition, it is not possible to classify bits as either English bits or Western bits. Field Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Production, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Equine Parasite Control: Moving Beyond Rotational Deworming, Basic Nutritional Guidelines for Equine Management, Feeding Strategies for Peak Performance in Horses, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences. All Rights Reserved | Website designed by Fith Creative & built by SGN Media, Worldwide Tack Ltd, Lower Honeys Green Farm, Lewes Road, Framfield, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 5RE. There are many gradations between the two extremes of soft and harsh bits, and a moderate bit is probably the best choice for most people and horses. Since then Im lucky that my barn is still allowing limited visits, but no training/lessons, so well have to wait until things settle a bit more before I can get someone on him. For horses that tend to produce less saliva and have a drier mouth, this increase in saliva allows the bit to slide or rotate more easily. However, a rust-covered bit does not necessarily indicate decreased quality. Check out the entire Bombers Bit range. Copper is often included in bit making because it causes the horse to salivate. Could not recommend this bit enough! If a minor injury in January put him off for a few weeks and we are still only mid April, I would leave alone, try him again when life returns to normal and then see what kind of horse you have. Due to the medium port, this bit is often suitable for horses with sensitive or large tongues as it gives them more space in the mouth and limits the overall pressure. Each horse responds differently to different types of bit pressure; some horses respond better to bits that are solid while some respond better to bits that are broken. Best bit is it only costs 24.99 nice thin mouthpiece too so leaves lots of room for tongue. The next criterion should be to select the desired mouthpiece. Allostock, Knutsford, I tried the Bomber bit and he was okay with it but preferred the PeeWee. You can buy it from the horsebitbank in Britainwith the strong dollar vs. British pound the price is substantially less than what youd pay from a U.S. shop, plus they carry all of the sizes of the bit. Hes still in a rehab program of sorts from injury; were taking things super slow as I want him to be able to go up through at least training level and given the fact that our summer is pretty much canceled I have the chance to take things super slow. Mouthpieces can be either smooth or textured. On the other hand, using an inappropriate bit may produce undesired responses such as resistance to pressure, head shaking, excessive mouthing of the bit, excessive reaction to the bit (such as rearing) or overflexing at the poll. MADE IN THE UK Too much poll pressure too early in a horse?s training will often cause the horse to either fight or evade the bit. Even if a curb is not used, there is still leverage on the horse?s poll due to the fact that the reins are not attached directly to the bit but instead to a shank that rotates forward when pressure is applied to the reins. Thoroughbredscan be fairly easy to bit and often have plenty of room between the tongue and the roof, but this is mainly because their tongues are often small, rather than that the roof of the mouth is generously proportioned. Some equestrians use twisted bits for horses that don't respond to rounded ones. Full cheek bits are also popular, but should always be used with bit keepers for safety reasons; a full cheek bit that is not properly secured with a bit keeper can easily get snagged on surrounding items or injure nearby horses and riders. The small, rotating pieces of metal encourage the horse to play a little with the mouthpiece, ideally relaxing its tongue and jaw. A common texturing technique is to make a bit with twists in the mouthpiece, which can either be slow and rather smooth or fine and sharp. But is the PeeWee legal for any kind of competition? You might see this called a mouthing bit, and many trainers no longer favor it because it sometimes encourages the horse to play too much with the bit. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that persons own risk. I have the Jeffries version of the N'S Verbindend and my big tongued boy likes it. A mouthpiece that is broken in several places will conform around the tongue more than a mouthpiece that is solid or only broken in one place. Bit guards can help, although eggbutts are usually preferential. The average shank length is 6 to 7 inches, but may vary from approximately 4 inches to 8-plus inches. Animal & Dairy Science. Bulletin There is also a very large group of bits used primarily by the speed events and rodeo disciplines that cannot be neatly classified. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy Mylers! You must log in or register to reply here. I graduated my mare with a small mouth, low palate and biggish tongue into the Turtle Top (she preferred that to the Tactio - I tried them both for two weeks) from the Verbindend; she initially went well in the Verbindend but started leaning on it (her go to since she is VERY long-backed and long-necked and is not uphill), but every horse is different, obviously! O-ring and egg butt bits are probably the most popular styles. Bombers Nel explains more about the Happy Tongue in this video below: Whether your horse is sensitive, pokes his nose up and out, pulls his head down or has a more specialised problem Bombers will more than likely have something which will completely change your horses way of going for the better! Find out what Extension has for you! In most instances, the problems perceived as resulting from not having the correct bit are in reality training problems. Does he have the same issue when ridden by someone with more experience? Consequently, many people feel wire mouthpieces are cruel. My horse with a thick tongue and a low palate liked the PeeWee snaffle (mullen mouth, sweet iron). It requires that the reins not attach directly to the mouthpiece, but instead to some type of shank on the bit. How well a horse responds to a certain type of mouthpiece depends on each horse?s mouth conformation and preference. The difference is its link is longer and set at a slight angle, so the edge of the link puts more pressure on the tongue. Im definitely interested in playing around with some other bits and just figuring out what he likes. I have now moved everything into the same type of bit and it tends to work for them all. Irish Draughts and their crosses, as well as Dutch Warmbloods, are often said to have large tongues this is easy to spot with a quick look in the mouth, e.g. Their thin nature, along with any twists, greatly concentrates the pressure in the horse's mouth. Inexperienced horses often have not learned the desired responses to bit cues and may be confused or overwhelmed by severe bits. You can simply remove this by wiping the bit with a damp cloth. The aluminum bit trend started many years ago and still exists today, primarily in lower quality bits. Poll pressure can be a very effective tool in eliciting certain responses from the horse. A high port is found in correction bits and cathedral bits and should only be used on highly trained horses and by riders who have the knowledge to use them effectively and correctly. Although there are many different factors to consider when selecting a bit, it is important to understand that there are always exceptions and modifiers to most rules. However, hes a chunky 16.3 warmblood and letting him sit for extended periods of time, while maybe good for his brain, is very bad for his musculature and joints. Connemarasdo not tend to have a great deal of room for a bit this is generally because the palate is lower. They have a range for fat tongued horses and very reasonably priced, The simple blue bomber bit loose ring with a port ( not dressage legal ). The Bombers Happy Tongue Loose Ring is dressage legal, so whatever kind of horse you have, if he is showing signs of sensitivity then this could be your answer! In general, for a fat tongue I usually look for a fairly thin mouthpiece. Some horses may prefer this type of bit and respond well to it while others may not. 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Agree - my gelding loves his Bombers Happy Tongue. This can lead to annoying habits such as excessive mouthing of the bit. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. The spade comes in contact with the horse's palate when the reins are pulled, and the pressure can be quite great. Teeth were just done last month and saw no change in him so dont think its related to that, but my vet did comment on how big his tongue is. This is due in part to the vast number of mouthpieces available, and also to the lack of understanding of the conformation of the mouth and how the various mouthpieces fit and function in the mouth. Hackamores may either be true hackamores (bosal or sidepulls), which are direct pull devices, or mechanical hackamores, which employ leverage. Hes my first horse that Ive owned outright so I want to do right by him. They may be straight, have a gentle sweep (C-bit), an acute sweep (grazing bit) or a variety of patterns (S shank, 7 shank, cavalry shank). I think he might be objecting in part to my hands as well, which Im working on, but does anyone have any recommendations of bits for a horse with a large tongue to help keep them comfortable? The two joints help to soften the nutcracker effect, but they still give the rider control on each side of the mouth.