Neue Schule bit broke (whilst hunting)

[HBII]

OMGoodness that is horrendous

I dont think Ill be using my NS bit anymore! Glad horse and rider are alright.

Is it supposed to be stainless steel? It has completly sheered off!

Shocked.

 

[k9h]

Think it is SS. But when you look on the bit that has sheerred it is a rusty colour there is only very small amount that is shiny so looks like it has been like that a while. Wether it was like that when I got it or has progressed??? It has been cleaned after use, so don't think I could of done anymore??

 

[HBII]

[ QUOTE ]
Think it is SS. But when you look on the bit that has sheerred it is a rusty colour there is only very small amount that is shiny so looks like it has been like that a while. Wether it was like that when I got it or has progressed??? It has been cleaned after use, so don't think I could of done anymore??

[/ QUOTE ]

It looks like it is plated?! Which would make sense as the D ring would twist/rotate causing the plating to be rubbed off?! I am just guessing now.... I always thought SS did NOT rust at all! IMO you shouldnt have to clean a bit to keep it 'safe' to use, I rarely clean mine and when I do they go in the dishwasher. Not fit for purpose at all.

Hope NS do something about this for you.

Hb

 

[_jetset_]

I am quite shocked at NS's replies to your emails!

If something had happened to you, and it very easily could have done, it would have been entirely their responsibility for providing a faulty bit. The problem I have is that the recalls were on their website last time, but not much publicity about them. It was only because someone put a post on this site that people found out. A large advert in H&H would have done the trick!

 

[Stella]

I have had one that rusted on the rings when it wasn't used for 6 months (it was kept in a cupboard at home)! The guarantee that they don't rust isn't worth anything IMO. I have also had several with chips around the part of the ring that joins to the mouthpiece. They arrived like that new! I became dispointed with the quality years ago. Unfortunately, as you know they are the make that produce the widest range of bits and we often can't find exactly what we need in other ranges. I'd rather pay the extra and buy Sprenger when they have the required bit.

 

[k9h]

Well I emailed Gail last night at the bit bank to say that the envelope still hadn't arrived. (Even with the post strikes my post was hardly affected...)

Well she emailed back this morning saying she would ring be to check that my address had been written down correctly when I rang them on Monday.

Only annoyed, as am hunting in a wilkie at the moment & it is no fun!..

 

[k9h]

Well envelope still not turned up!

ANyhow I bought the bit of Shop4bits so thought I would ring them & let know hwat had happened.
I spoke to Matt & he was very concerned asking if a accident happened & if horse & I were OK. Said we were.
He then went straight into the shop to find a replacement to send to me, no questions asked.
He said he has very similar dealings with NS over another broken bits not one of the recalls & the rider had only had that bit 3 weeks.
Turns out on his records I got the bit last October so actually will of only been used 50 times not 100!...

So be very weary of your bits. Shall give this new bit a go & if it happens again I shall be demanding my money back & danger money me thinks!

Be safe everyone.

 

[integraleevo]

I had a Sprenger bit give way when i was schooling

 

[Weezy]

After Sunday's strange behaviour I put the french link back in today - guess what, she was perfect, so deffo a problem coming from my NS

meant to bring it home to have a good check but forgot - will do it tomorrow, but tomorrow I will be hunting in a loose ring french link instead of the NS waterford, and just hope I have control

 

[Stella]

I'm really sad to hear this. I wanted to carry on believing that Sprenger didn't have faults. Yours is the only case I've heard of though. I have lost count of the number of broken Neue Schule bits that I have heard of! Which part broke?

 

[AMBERCAV]

I recently had a bit breaking episode!! Very frightening! Was a neue schule pelham, schooling away when bit broke at both sides horse bolted and galloped around the outdoor around 30 times in such a panic he jumped out onto concrete but managed to slow down for a second as negotiated a six bar gate then could jump off!!! Sent bit back awaiting reply. Only had bit for 5months n what a waste of £100! Totally unsafe these bits, BEWARE!!! I've recently heard a few story's since this incident.

 

[Circe]

I personally would be worried about using any stainless steel bit that was rusty... Not an expert but that would make me wonder about the quality/ grade of ss used.
With the bit pictured, it looks as though the mouth piece is made in one piece, and the cheekpieces are cast, then secured through the mouth piece possibly secured with a pin... if this is the case, I would suggest either a fault in the casting process, which can happen, or that the pin isnt' stainless steel, and is the part that has caused the rust, and has snapped.
I don't know how Ns test their bits for quality, they aren't cheap, so I think we, as consumers are already paying for the fact that they should be as high quality as possible.
Having some second thoughts about my own NS bit.
OP, I hope you get a satisfactory answer about why the bit broke, please keep us informed.
Kx

 

[EnduroRider]

I've just had an NS snaffle break but this one has sheared on the bit ring rather than the mouthpiece. Am wondering if there is any point sending it back as opinion seems to be that NS will just say it is wear and tear.

 

[alainax]

Omg thats awful! Titan and I would end up a few hundred miles away, me clinging on for dear life if his bit broke!

 

[hayinamanger]

Strewth, what a shocking story, glad op and horse were not hurt. I have lots of NS bits, always thought they were the best, will definitely give this some thought. Am also surprised at the lack of customer service from NS.

 

[CrazyCarly]

Oh my goodness - so pleased to hear you where both alright!

It's a terrifying thought that you cant trust your equipment,even when checked and maintained appropriately. I too am shocked at NS's lack of caring regarding the (and many others so it seems!) incident...i wont be purchasing one for my tack room,put me right off!!

 

[Tallauders2]

Just had a very unpleasant experience with a NS Mors Lotte Pelham. Luckily we were just out hacking on the bridleway when my 18.1hh 750kgs Irish Draught/Warmblood's Neue Schule Mors Lotte Pelham broke clean through where the mouth piece meets the cheek piece leaving my rider with no control over my very big lad whatsoever!
Cruz is a very large horse and he is strong. We were trotting along at a leisurely pace when I heard her squeak behind me. I turned to see her with a bridle dangling by the reins. I stopped and fortunately Cruz stopped for her too, but that left us with a long walk up a very busy narrow country road to get home and the only control she had over this massive horse was a rein run through his mouth and held tight round his face - very scary!!!
NS are sending me the packet to return the broken bit in and are sending me a replacement bit to carry on with.
My problem is that with him being such a big lad - very few makes do make a 6.5" bit!
I have photos but don't know how to add one on here!

 

[Penny Eater]

Deleted

 

[Penny Eater]

I had a NS Mors L'Hotte Pelham that broke last year while riding - right where yours did and sheared through the bit ring too. They wouldn't refund and insisted on sending me the nearest replacement, which as they don't do the Mors l'hotte pelham anymore was a Show Pelham. Horse hated it and I thought it was really badly made with the rings at different heights on either end of the bit. I sent it back and said I just wanted a refund on my original bit - cue them digging their heels in and refusing, even trying to refuse to take the Show Pelham back. In the end I had to go back through about 5 years of bank statements to show them the transaction where I purchased it as they tried to tell me I hadn't bought it direct from them!
Wouldn't touch Neue Schule with a barge pole now. Have a bog standard stainless steel Mullen mouth Pelham which horse likes and goes well in.

 

[mulberrymill]

Not had a bit break, but having had quite good results with the NS Verdinband, my lad seemed to need a more fixed ring, so ordered a NS hanging cheek from the bit bank to try. After one session noticed the hanging part had rubbed his face sore, even though the bit was his usual size and the mouthpiece itself had plenty of room. The angle just seemed totally wrong. Ordered a Sprenger similar instead and the angle of the lozenge sent him into a hissy fit. Eventually bought an HKM cheapie, and it fits lovely, he goes like a dream.
Moving on he is now ready to start his Pelham education ready for the show ring, the NS that he needs is about £120, the Sprenger £146. Eventually found one in Cotswolds Sports that is perfect, for £46. It arrived this week, beautifully made and finished, first trial ride tonight, he loved it, totally comfortabel and super responsive.

Seems that expensive isnt always best by a long way. Can recommend Cotswold for service, quality and speed of delivery. Dont think I will be buying any more NS bits.

 

[quan9122]

Well had 3 first at tea time on Zeus. First ever broken bit full cheek came off , Zeus spooked sharp turn right, no bridle on his head. First side exit from Zeus , first time Zeus riderless in the open he trotted for about 100 yards I called he waited and started to walk at the side of me when I got close. I got the reins round his neck we walked home. So thankful he didn't tank off. Will be sore on left bum cheek long way down. — at Hambleton Hough.

 

[Red-1]

I missed this thread first time round, I too had a NS bit break, whilst a friend was out hacking OH's big, fit hunter, whilst trotting towards home.

I saw it happen and called for him to jump off as the horse was gaining speed and worried about the flapping of he broken pieces. By the time he jumped off, the horse was in canter, it could have been so much worse.

I was aghast at the response. The bit was only a few months old and it was a ball and socket in the mouthpiece that had come undone (I think it may have been a comfort mouthpiece). When I saw the design, it was patently obvious that there would be wear on an inherently weak spot, and no way to check on it.

I sent the bit back and had a refund, but I did suggest it was an inherent design fault and they were not interested. I also checked some months after and the bit was still for sale, so they may well have discontinued it, but it will likely have been after a lot more people were put at risk. I also did not see any recall, so if mine had not at that stage broken, I would have had no way to know not to use it. I agree that it should have been a publicised re-call.

Because of this, I would not buy a NS bit. Besides, I can't pronounce or spell the name!

 

[ycbm]

Zombie thread alert.

 

[Red-1]

Zombie thread alert.

I looks like yes, it was a zombie thread, however quan9112 has just had a recent, so relevant, new case of this happening.

I have added my experience as although that is not recent, the company has not publicised the difficulties with recalled bits, so many will still be in daily use.

quan9112 has fallen off, been injured and lost their horse as a result of this incident yesterday.

 

[ycbm]

It's just that when these old threads get reactivated, people start responding to posts that were made six years ago, and sometimes ask questions of posters who aren't even on the forum any more.


Quan9122, what make was your bit and how old was it?

.

 

[quan9122]

NS full cheek trans lozenge about 4 years old and I was looking to see if anyone had the same problem and this thread came up have contacted NS as well and sent picture as it was a long way down from my young Friesian to the ground.

 

[ycbm]

NS full cheek trans lozenge about 4 years old and I was looking to see if anyone had the same problem and this thread came up have contacted NS as well and sent picture as it was a long way down from my young Friesian to the ground.

I hope you are OK.

 

[quan9122]

yes sore today but took him out last night as I wanted to give him a positive memory in another NS turtle top this time x.