Advice/query: bits for dressage

K

katiejaye

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 September 2005
Messages
1,347
Location
London/Herts
Visit site
Just a query really, Louis is schooled in a normal loose ring french link and has had it for about 7 years. Recently, since he has gone up a level in his training/competing he has become a little grabby with the bit especially in the lateral work. He has always been a bit heavy in the hand in general but normally softens of my hands after a proper warmup and once he is working properly. However, these days he's a lot stronger and fitter! What I wanted to ask to you dressage peeps out there is what loose ring bits you recommend (obviously ones that are dressage legal)? Also I have noticed that there are a lot of expensive bits on the market such as the sprenger bits, are they worth the money and do you notice a big difference?

I was interested in the WH Ultra Snaffle:

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/153_270_311/products_id/1195

thanks
grin.gif
 
Neue schule bits are fab quality and cheaper than sprenger. Do alot with curved mouthpieces that can prevent grabbyness cos give more tongue room.....
grin.gif
 
i swear by my KK ultra bits, both mine are in them and go really nicely in them.

As with him getting strong, lots and lots of transitions within the pace to get him to lighten his forehand and work through from behind more - should help him to stop getting heavier/stronger in your hand.

Also have you had his back/teeth/saddle checked since you started 'uping' his work? As he might be feeling it a bit in his back hence being heavier in the mouth. just a thought
smile.gif
xx
 
[ QUOTE ]
i swear by my KK ultra bits, both mine are in them and go really nicely in them.

As with him getting strong, lots and lots of transitions within the pace to get him to lighten his forehand and work through from behind more - should help him to stop getting heavier/stronger in your hand.

Also have you had his back/teeth/saddle checked since you started 'uping' his work? As he might be feeling it a bit in his back hence being heavier in the mouth. just a thought
smile.gif
xx

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks P_G That's what my instructor says, he also swears by the KK ultra bits!He's working really well from behind and as always I do loads of transitions. He's very very sharpe now in his transitions and has also started doing piaff which he seems to be picking up very well. He's very short coupled so finds collecting and extending exercises easy but struggles more on the sideways movements.He isn't too heavy on his forehand, his head carriage is 100% improved and much more consistent, he just gets a bit grabby/fiddly in his mouth if that makes sense.

His teeth have been recently checked but the dentist is out again next week to see my YO horse so i'm getting him double checked. Back lady is coming out this week too to see Louis so i'll see what her verdict is.

Apart from all that I was also just interested to see if it was worth investing in a Sprenger as he's had his old bit for so many years
crazy.gif
 
I used to ride my boy in a loose ring snaffle and as we progressed and I started to ask more of him he began to snatch at the bit and lean on it sometimes (he also wears a double for showing). I tried the Sprenger Tournado and it had no effect what so ever! £50 down the drain...

To be honest my boy is a worrier and gets stressed when doing new or complicated things for the first time - he tries so hard bless him to get it right.

My friend suggested a hanging cheek snaffle (as it worked on her youngster who tends to hang onto the bit for balance) and it's worked wonders - he is alot softer and I can use more subtle signals than I used to - I think because it's slightly raised in the mouth rather than sitting on the tounge....
 
I had a problem with Gin getting strong at one point. She used to fiddle quite a lot and play with the bit. I put her in a KK snaffle as I had heard good things about them but she gradually got wise to it and realised that it didnt hurt her if she wanted to play up. I thn put her in a jointed bradoon and this was the only bit that she respected. She goes really well in it and it was soooo much cheaper than the other bits I tried.

So my point is that sometimes 'normal' cheaper bits suit horses better than expensive bits
tongue.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I do have a hanging cheek that I used to use for competing and it was quite helpful so I may try going back to that for a while. Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

Definately worth a try before you splash out on something different.... I also find my boy creates alot more saliva in the hanging cheek (and it's just stainless steel) which apparently means he's accepting the bit and is happy.....
 
I agree sometimes spending a lot isn't the answer, I was interested though whether there was a big difference. I can't use jointed bits as he really disslikes them but I may try switching to my hanging cheek for a while.
 
[ QUOTE ]
How about hiring one and giving it a go?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think I may do that, in fact I think my YO has a collection of bits so may g and raid his collection and have a play
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top