Bit lifter?

[Abacus]

A random Facebook ad. Firstly I haven’t seen this wholesale site before (upmarket Temu?) but I definitely haven’t seen a ‘bit lifter’. Thoughts? Is it a thing? What does it do and why? I can kind of imagine it neutralises too strong a pull from the rein and redistributes onto the nose. Which isn’t what the description says (aren’t cheekpieces ‘bit lifters’?). Oh, I’m confused. I’ll drink a glass of wine until someone tells me the answer.

 

[Daiquiri]

How odd. I know bit lifters are sometimes used on driving bridles and you can buy Worcester nosebands that are fairly similar but the converted grackle is odd.

I did wonder at first if it might be AI or weird photoshop but I found an etsy listing with a video so it seems like it's a real thing
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/136...kZCHL5MPlWNd1rk3bF7HzU1fhrn8aRVkaAir6EALw_wcB

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Excellent - another new solution for a problem I didn’t know I had.

What the heck……………

 

[Haniki]

I guess its purpose somewhat resembles that of the Australian cheekers that you sometimes see on racehorses.

 

[Cragrat]

I guess it would work in a similar way to the bit clips on a Micklem too. I have used them in the past to very good effect on a horse which which got highly excited XC. If I needed to say 'slow the f down or you'll kill us both' the clips spread the pull to his nose, and instead of stuffing his ears up my nostrils and inverting he dropped his head and listened. After a few sessions he didn't need them, but I would use them again.

 

[Abacus]

I don't actually disagree with this in principle, it's also like the combination bits that transfer pressure to the nose. I used one very effectively, temporarily on a lovely but strong horse who was very sensitive in his mouth. There are far harsher bits out there. I was just surprised to see yet another new thing.

 

[Elno]

It's not a new thing, nor is it a gimmick.

A bit lifter is a handy tool when you need to take the pressure of a bit away from the bars. The bit clips with a Micklem bridle works in similar way. My horse has mucosal hyperplasia over his bars (from prior home where he was harness raced) and I have strict instructions from the vet to only ride him with a bit lifter if I use bits on him to take pressure of the bars.

 

[Cloball]

I suppose it's a bit like a kineton noseband which has been around for yonks. I'm not convinced the fit in the picture provided is great though, looks like it would put pressure on the upper jaw?