Neue Schule starter bits

[littleme]

Are they worth the money? I have an 8yo that has done as much as a 4yo really, forward going has a tendency to run, and either stick head up and evade or curl up, however can work beautifully, who is currently in a straight bar happy mouth loose ring. She isn't at all strong but wondered if she may be more willing to take up a firmer contact in this, but won't bother spending the ££ if not worth it!

Also, does anybody have a 2nd hand one they would part with?

 

[flyingfeet]

there are now cheaper alternatives called tongue saver

 

[peanut]

Hello again. I think you must have my mare's twin sister!

We have been through the exact same evasion problems (with her going beautifully the next moment) during which time I have tried the NS team up bit (I think it's called) and various other bits only to return to the happy mouth straight bar loose ring as the others seemed to make her worse rather than better.

My mare is the sweetest horse in the world but also the most awkward! I'm not in any position to tell you how to ride yours and besides I'm sure you are a whole lot better at it all than me, but the only way I've managed to get my mare now working consistently well most of the time is to pretty much ignore her and just get on and ride her backend as it should be ridden (whatever she thinks about it!) - leg into the hand etc.

I suspect your horse, like mine, doesn't want a stronger contact, she just needs to know she has to work. Whenever she runs, don't take your leg off and put your leg on firmly to send her forwards when she curls up.

Sit quiet, be consistent, gentle and patient and I'm sure you'll get there. We still have days of the same evasion you have, but they are now far fewer.

Let me know if I can help further. Ignore my post if it's way off the mark!

 

[eggs]

I use Neue Schule bits on two of my horses who were both previously in Mylers. With the more advanced (and tricky !) horse it made a big improvement and he now takes a good, even contact. Did not make much difference with the younger horse but he is very comfortable in it and mouths up well and has always had a natural tendency to be on the bit.
As bmb has already said, it doesn't really matter what bit you use if you haven't got your horse in front of your leg.

 

[sky1234]

The Salox metal is supposed to be very warm and sweet for the horse, encouraging it to accept the contact. They are expensive new, but look on ebay for used ones.

I've just put a Universal on ebay today. It's not what you want, but it was £70 new and I don't use it anymore so hoping to get half the cost back.

 

[littleme]

Bmb no thats great help!
i tend to take as little contact on her mouth as possible and keep my hands still - but she likes to play her own little game with her head! I think she thinks it is a game! will work on that tomorow, thanks!

 

[SCG]

Yes I would recommend, my horse is actually 7 but rides more like a green 4 yro

He also has a fleshy mouth/large tongue, I tried several bits before this one (inc Happy Mouth, Magic bit and Myler Comfort Snaffle) but he is much more settled in the NS Starter, its a nice gentle bit and encourages a contact.