Experiences with Neue Schule turtle top please?

[tashcat]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience with the turtle top bits by neue schule please? I'm specifically looking at the snaffle eggbutt version, but also interested in the difference in the 'jumper' bit too, for faster work.

We've previously tried their hanging cheek with a lozenge (which the horse liked) but have not tried the turtle top.

Which is the 'kinder' bit and does the turtle top increase pressure on the tongue?

I've read a couple posts on here from a few years back with mixed but mostly positive reviews. Any experiences and advice is welcomed! Thank you

 

[vmac66]

I have the loose ring snaffle version. Horse is happy in it. She was previously in a NS team up but didn't like the losenge as she has a low palette. Horse bit fit came out and recommended the turtle top.

 

[Surbie]

Same here - horse is in the loose ring snaffle. The sizing is annoying, (aka I got it wrong and had to buy another!) but my horse is working well in it.

 

[paddi22]

yeah I was in a team up, had bit fitting clinic and horse switched to turtle top and loves it! I use the d ring version for flat work and a trans universal version for xc

 

[DirectorFury]

Mine is in the eggbutt version for flatwork and the jumper for fast work, coincidentally! Until I found this we did the full merry-go-round of bits as the horse was very reluctant to take the hand forward in the contact, preferring to hide behind it, unless something was exciting and then she'd totally ignore it.

The turtle top has only been one piece of the jigsaw though, I suspect what's made the biggest difference is me being much more disciplined in the way I ask for and maintain the contact.

The turtle top applies pressure evenly across the whole mouth, and the turtle tactio applies pressure mostly to the centre of the tongue, so the Turtle Top is good if your horse doesn't like tongue pressure.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I was recommended a NS turtle top for my boy by a bit fitter and he really likes it.

 

[DabDab]

I have a hanging cheek version and have one horse who isn't a fan, doesn't like how it moves and leans into it to stop it moving, and gets reactive when I then move it. She prefers a solid bar bit in general though.

My big horse has it now and he loves it. He has a habit of sucking back from the contact but is much better in the turtle top.

 

[tashcat]

Thank you all - really helpful!

 

[SEL]

It was the only bit my big mare didn't put her tongue over when she was being backed. Still in it.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

On the other side, tried it, it felt ‘clumsy’ horses go miles better in Mylers or ID bits.