doodle
Well-Known Member
Instructor suggested a waterford but with bit rings. Why are they needed or just for the same reasons as you would any loose ring?
Do i need runber bit rings with a waterford?
- Thread starter doodle
- Start date
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
I never used them.
I think it partly depends on the horse's anatomy tbh. I think compared to most normal loose ring snaffle the waterford can have a bigger gap between the end link and the bit ring, but provided the bit is the correct size I have never found them to pinch. Obv if your horse has really fleshy lips then it might do.
I think it partly depends on the horse's anatomy tbh. I think compared to most normal loose ring snaffle the waterford can have a bigger gap between the end link and the bit ring, but provided the bit is the correct size I have never found them to pinch. Obv if your horse has really fleshy lips then it might do.
MotherOfChickens
MotherDucker
I use them because you can get them in yellow *gets coat*
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
😂😂😂
Good a reason as any I suppose 😅
I think they can also give a mild steering effect OP but if you need that then you'd be better off with a full cheek version really.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
Royal blue in my case!
Shay
Well-Known Member
Bit rings stop the corners of the mouth being pinched when using a loose ring bit. If you have a loose ring bit - of any mouthpeice - you should use bit rings. Nothing to do with steering or colours. Everything to do with not hurting your horse.
Unless you are not using a loose ring with the waterford in which case... refer to the above.
Unless you are not using a loose ring with the waterford in which case... refer to the above.
Pinkvboots
Well-Known Member
A lot of loose ring bits are made with beveled edge so the pinching of the mouth doesn't happen, I just have a good look at what I am buying and I haven't used bit rings for years and not had any pinched mouths.
irishdraft
Well-Known Member
I use a Waterford gag for hunting with avacallo bit rings they are moulded to sit just inside the lips my horse gets very strong but have never had a split lip with these.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Agreed, I have used loose ring bits exclusively (other than my Weymouths) for about the last 10 years, no bit rings needed. Not only due to the shape of the bit, also the width and also if your horses are even between left and right hand then the bit stays pretty central in the mouth so the junction with the rings isn't in contact with the lips anyway.
Horses for courses, as with many things imo
Pinkvboots
Well-Known Member
I agree I think if the bit pinches it's probably too small or not hanging in the mouth correctly.
MotherOfChickens
MotherDucker
doodle
Well-Known Member
Eekkk didnt mean this to get heated.
I have used loose rings for years without guards and never had a pinched lip. was just wondering if there was a particular reason with the waterford. I could go woth purple one side and orange the other....
I have used loose rings for years without guards and never had a pinched lip. was just wondering if there was a particular reason with the waterford. I could go woth purple one side and orange the other....
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C1airey
Well-Known Member
You usually go up a size in a Waterford so that it sits more comfortably at the corners of the mouth. I would worry that the guards might contradict this, shrinking the available width of the mouthpiece and making it more likely to pinch at the first joint on either side.
ester
Not slacking multitasking
Err given that you aren't even permitted to use them for dressage loose ring bits really don't need bit rings to not hurt the horse.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
Although I’ve never really given it much thought or heard that you ‘should’ I can see why bit rings on a loose ring Waterford are a good idea.
You wouldn’t really want that type of mouthpiece being accidentally pulled through in an oopsie moment, it could very easily pinch lips and the rubbers would help stop that.
But for everyday loose ring snaffle use - unless you are having a specific problem - then no need to use them and, like Ester points out, they aren’t legal for dressage anyway.
You wouldn’t really want that type of mouthpiece being accidentally pulled through in an oopsie moment, it could very easily pinch lips and the rubbers would help stop that.
But for everyday loose ring snaffle use - unless you are having a specific problem - then no need to use them and, like Ester points out, they aren’t legal for dressage anyway.
SpringArising
Well-Known Member
I don't see any logic of using bit guards to stop pinching in the corners on a bit that pinches all the way through...