Is this a strong bit?

Paint Me Proud

Paint Me Proud

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 October 2010
Messages
4,166
Visit site
Had a lesson today with a new instructor and she comments that the bit i was using, a NS loose ring verbindend, was a strong bit. Saying that due to the lozenge, loose ring and thin-ness of it that it had a strong action.

I was quite surprised as when i bought it i was lead to believe it was quite a gentle starter bit ideal for young horses.

Confused?

Bit in question on the Neue Schule website
http://nsbits.com/global/index.php/verbindend.html
 
I wouldn't of imediatly thought that it is a strong bit, however any bit can be strong in the wrong hands. I was always told that the loose ring part is good to encourage horses to salivate as it is harder for them to lean on.
We use the same bit on several of our dressage horses at work (advanced to grandpirx level) and they all work well in it.
:)
 
BentleyBelly said:
It is not a strong bit. Did they suggest an alternative?
Click to expand...

no, just said it was a strong bit :confused::confused:

She also told me to use a noseband as i dont currently have one on my bridle, said it would make him more responsive and less likely to avoid the contact. Not convinced but i'll try it.

Despite all my moaning it was actually a good lesson :D
 
Paint Me Proud said:
Had a lesson today with a new instructor and she comments that the bit i was using, a NS loose ring verbindend, was a strong bit. Saying that due to the lozenge, loose ring and thin-ness of it that it had a strong action.

I was quite surprised as when i bought it i was lead to believe it was quite a gentle starter bit ideal for young horses.

Confused?

Bit in question on the Neue Schule website
http://nsbits.com/global/index.php/verbindend.html
Click to expand...

The lozenge is set narrow side against the tongue and so yes, it is quite strong. However, that has nothing to do with it being a loose ring. If the losenge was angled to sit flat side against the tongue then its action would be milder. There are some horses though that find lozenge bits uncomfortable whichever way they lie and react by putting their tongue out to the side.
 
It's no stronger than a normal snaffle. NS bits are designed to mirror the anatomy of a horse's mouth and so are kinder than a normal snaffle. That is why they are the thickness and the shape they are.
 
spottypony said:
It's no stronger than a normal snaffle. NS bits are designed to mirror the anatomy of a horse's mouth and so are kinder than a normal snaffle. That is why they are the thickness and the shape they are.
Click to expand...

that in a nutshell is exactly what i thought when i bought it.

Oh well i think i'll just ignore her and carry on using it.
 
Wagtail said:
The lozenge is set narrow side against the tongue and so yes, it is quite strong. However, that has nothing to do with it being a loose ring. If the losenge was angled to sit flat side against the tongue then its action would be milder. There are some horses though that find lozenge bits uncomfortable whichever way they lie and react by putting their tongue out to the side.
Click to expand...

I was taught the smaller the lozenge the milder it will be all the NS bit have the lozenge angled to be mild . Some horses dislike lozenges but in my experiance most prefer a small lozenge to a standard joint.
Bitting is completly dependant on the conformation of the horses mouth warmbloods often have a very big and thick tongue so bits needs to be fine and the angle of the NS lozenge helps with this as well.
OP no I don't think the bit you are using is severe but you may find something that your horse is more comfortable and happier in ,a degree of trail is necessary to find the best Bitting for each horse and as horses change and train on you need to be aware that the Bitting needs may change to.
I often try different snaffles for the flat work perhaps you should ask your trainer what they would try and barrow one and see if your horse likes it more , you do have to try things, have an experiment with other bits and see .
It fascinates me how sometimes very small changes can affect horses.
 
Goldenstar said:
I was taught the smaller the lozenge the milder it will be all the NS bit have the lozenge angled to be mild . Some horses dislike lozenges but in my experiance most prefer a small lozenge to a standard joint.
Click to expand...

The tranzlozenge bits are angled to be mild, as is the training bit, but not this bit. It is angled to have a slightly sharper and more clear effect.
 
it is weird because Chico goes really well in the bit and despite not having a noseband or flash he doesnt open his mouth to avoid the bit action. He is soft into the contact when we get it, no fussing.

I am happy with it so will keep using it until Chico tells me otherwise :)

Thanks for all the input :D
 
Paint Me Proud said:
it is weird because Chico goes really well in the bit and despite not having a noseband or flash he doesnt open his mouth to avoid the bit action. He is soft into the contact when we get it, no fussing.

I am happy with it so will keep using it until Chico tells me otherwise :)

Thanks for all the input :D
Click to expand...

If he goes well in it I don't see the point in changing it.
 
Paint Me Proud said:
it is weird because Chico goes really well in the bit and despite not having a noseband or flash he doesnt open his mouth to avoid the bit action. He is soft into the contact when we get it, no fussing.

I am happy with it so will keep using it until Chico tells me otherwise :)

Thanks for all the input :D
Click to expand...

You obviously have good hands. It is a precise bit and so suits many horses so long as the rider isn't heavy handed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top