Leather bits

[HelenBack]

Can somebody tell me about leather bits please? A friend asked me if I've ever tried one and they're not something I know anything about.

Just curious to know what sort of circumstances people use them/ what type of horse and how you find them etc.

Thanks

 

[GypsGal1718]

People use them because they think they are nicer in the mouth then a metal one

 

[clairebearfur1]

Could imagine they would taste weird and hold bacteria

 

[Goldie's mum]

I think they're a last resort for horses with unusually shaped mouths. The leather changes shape & fits to the mouth after a few uses. (All the ones I've ever seen are straight to begin with.) They're a lot less common than they were. Maybe because there's more choice of shapes of metal bit now?
Edited- you asked how to find one. You used to get a harness maker etc to put a leather bar on your existing rings. I think you can buy them off the shelf now.

 

[Irish-Only]

Many moons ago, I wrapped a snaffle in lint then soaked in vegetable oil. Probably a lot cheaper and works just as well.

 

[Mrs Jingle]

My Polish friend rides her TB mare in one, she tells me they aren't uncommon in Poland. I have no idea why she chooses that particular bit, but them I am often puzzled why a lot of horse owners use a myriad of different bits to be honest.