How do you use your three ring Universal bit?

[MissJessica]

Considering a three ring Universal bit, possibly a NS as cheaper than the Sprenger.
Just wondering which rein options you use?

Double reins?
Pelham rounding?
Third loop??


The reason I am considering it as my boy gets really excited jumping or cantering out hacking and I just don't have a hope, he is currently in a loose ring snaffle and is for everything we do and has been for two years but last year I went Autumn hunting, explained to my friends I'd stay quietly at the back and kept flying past them at every canter ending up with new "friends" quickly apologising at the stop point and retreating back!

Reason I haven't considered changing it before is I haven't had transport and therefore hadn't competed but I do now and as we've done more in the last few weeks I have been more and more of a passenger, he is completely loving life but I feel like I am constantly using my energy pulling when I'd rather just be able to check him.

 

[Equi]

I only used it when i didn't know how to use it and shouldn't have been. It was on the second hole and one rein. They should only be used with roundings or double reins though.

 

[EQUIDAE]

Roundings are a compromise and not fair on the horse as their is no reprieve from the poll pressure. It also stops the bit working to it's full effectiveness when it is needed. Using two reins means that you can ride off the snaffle but bring the bottom (or second) ring into play if needed. Using roundings means you will never get full play of the bottom rein (same with a pelham too).

I have two reins on a pelham and if an inexperienced rider is riding my mare I tie a knot in the bottom rein and leave it lying on the neck. It is their to grab if needed but not to be relied on.

There were lots of jumpers at the European Champs riding with two reins which was lovely to see Not gags though...

Meredith Michaels Beerbaum

Daniel Deusser

Maikel Van derVleuten

 

[MissJessica]

I like the idea of roundings, just because I am only considering a bit change of fast pace, hunting/jumping work and therefore might not be able to cope with double reins as I haven't needed them before.
Just concerned whether roundings would be appropriate? Love to hear more thoughts, thank you Equi

 

[MissJessica]

EQUIDAE - thank you for these beautiful pictures, maybe I need to get juggling with some reins?

 

[EQUIDAE]

EQUIDAE - thank you for these beautiful pictures, maybe I need to get juggling with some reins?

It's not that difficult when you get used to it - try with a knot in first so if you get in a mess and drop them they just lie on the neck, rather than losing them

 

[Equi]

I tried mine with two reins, coulnd't get used to it tbh. Roundings were good but i never had as much power as i had with one rein, so i poped a hanging snaffle in. Same job. .

 

[EQUIDAE]

I tried mine with two reins, coulnd't get used to it tbh. Roundings were good but i never had as much power as i had with one rein, so i poped a hanging snaffle in. Same job. .

All psychological - a hanging cheek has no leverage at all. Hence why they are dressage legal... It might just be that the horse preferred a bit that is a bit more still in the mouth. A full cheek/fulmer with keepers on the shanks can have the same effect.

 

[ester]

Middle ring with a curb strap to stop it over rotating.

I'm quite happy with 2 reins as also ride him in a double at times but as I'm hacking on the buckle most of the time and the brakes are only used when needed I don't really see the point.

 

[blood_magik]

Double reins for both of my boys' universals. You soon get used to juggling two sets of reins although I have had the odd hairy moment jumping where I've picked them up the wrong way round.

 

[MissJessica]

I think I'll trial one from the horse bit shop & have a practice in the ménage.

I'm coping in a snaffle at the moment so can only gain more control not loose any by practicing with the two.

 

[rara007]

Single rein and we're both happy

 

[Equi]

All psychological - a hanging cheek has no leverage at all. Hence why they are dressage legal... It might just be that the horse preferred a bit that is a bit more still in the mouth. A full cheek/fulmer with keepers on the shanks can have the same effect.

Yep it was all in our heads! lol

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I use my NS Universal with 2 reins, one on the snaffle ring and the other on the curb ring. We don't jump but my mare can get very strong away from home, so I can ride her on the snaffle rein for most of the time and bring the curb into play if it's needed, which eliminates the need for any pulling, or as is more likely my having to fix my hands to control her. I have never had another horse which wasn't ridden in some kind of snaffle bur soon found it easy to use 2 reins.

 

[MissJessica]

That's good to know Pearlsasinger. Thank you.