Neue Schule Universal Bits

[sjp1]

Have a NS Verbindend with the universal sides.

Horse has been unbelievably picky about bits, but likes the Verbindend because it is very curved and quite slim and he has a low palate and a thick tongue.

I have always used it with roundings - bad, lazy me not using two reins.

However, he is pretty strong in company and I am off on a fun ride on Sunday.

He is quite a bucky, broncy horse in times of high excitement, but it suddenly occurred to me that maybe I should use the bottom ring instead of the roundings for a bit more control?

I also have the leather curb strap which I have never used, if I do use this is he likely to get arsey about it?

Going to go for a gallop with friend early tomorrow morning so thought I would remove the roundings and put rein on the bottom and put curb strap on.

Or should I not use the curb? He is a right monkey for opening his mouth as well, but I am not a believer in strapping their mouths shut.

 

[Cortez]

The only way to find out is to try it and see, really. Maybe have a go in a school first, rather than galloping?

 

[sjp1]

Sadly we don't have a school.

Perhaps I will just put the rein on the bottom ring tomorrow when off for a hack and see if that makes a difference, and forget curb strap.

Must make a bit of a difference with the action and make it a touch stronger?

 

[ecrozier]

It definitely makes a difference between snaffle/bottom rein. I can feel the difference on both my horses who both wear the universal to hack/jump. My little one is stronger and I use it mainly on lower ring with curb for him. Big boy more polite so tends to stay on snaffle ring except if he's having a particularly excitable day jumping!

 

[spotty_pony]

As ecrozier said - the Universal definitely has more brakes than the Verbindend - I have ridden my boy in both however, he now prefer an NS Hanging Cheek on the flat these days and the Universal Gag for hacking/jumping.

 

[calmgirl]

It won't really work and give any pole action without the curb if you use the bottom ring. I'd put the curb on not too tight and use away on the bottom or with the roundings would be a good interim step to try it. Mine goes lovely in hers with the lightest touch, eta its the standard universal.
Great bit if your horse likes a curb action.