Neue Schule Verbindend? Bitting help please

[RachelB]

Sorry, jumping on the bitting bandwagon!
Do the NS Verbindends actually help the horse lift the shoulders? Long story but I have a horse I cannot school (or trot, yet) but is so horribly downhill and on the forehand that there are only so many walk-halt-walks I can do before going completely crazy! She's in a loose ring lozenge (fairly thin mouthpiece) but since coming back into work after 18 months off she has become insecure in the contact but very heavy when she IS working into it.
Ideas please? Comments on the Verbindend?

 

[flyingfeet]

Don't think it will help with the shoulder problem unless it stems from tongue pressure.

I use the verbindend on one of mine, before he used to stick his tongue out at the pressure from normal bits. I now use the verbindend and no longer see his tongue.

 

[Tinkle]

I popped to the Neue Schule stand at YHL to have a chat about my youngster who's in the starter bit at the moment. The lady advised me to try the Verbindend when I needed more lift with him. This confirmed what I already thought about that particular bit as I use it with my older mare. She used to lean and get very strong in her Myler Comfort Snaffle but was like a different horse after a few sessions in the Verbindend - really rate it for her. She also was very happy in her mouth with it and I was able to start riding her without her flash.

x

 

[RachelB]

The only reason I asked specifically about the Verbindend is because that's what it says on the website, something about giving more "lift" through the shoulder

I was trying to find the NS stand at YHL - must have missed it

I might give NS a call this week to see what they think. I have started to wonder if she is finding the narrow mouthpiece a bit too narrow... but then I wondered why it's only started since she's had the time off

Thanks for your thoughts guys, much appreciated!

 

[Tinkle]

I picked the Verbindend based on the advice of the people at the NS stand at YHL last year he he. It worked well but then the old girl went lame!

Bear in mind though if your girl's only just coming back into work she could simply be struggling due to loss of muscle strength in her neck and back. My older mare is far easier to school if I get her fit and toned with lots of hillwork before I try to do too much in the school. Transitions and so on will obviously help with this though so sure you're doing the right things to help her. But certainly contact Neue Schule. The lady I spoke to was very helpful when I asked about my youngster - certainly didn't try to sell me anything for the sake of it as she said I could keep my youngster in the starter bit for the rest of his life if he's happy.

x

 

[KatB]

I use the verbindend for the same reason as Cotswold sport, and he is alot softer through his neck and shoulders, as i dont think he is "bracing" against the contact all the time! It is amazing how tension in the jaw can effect the whole head and neck... and thinner bits are better IMHO as they take up less room in the mouth and therefore are more comfortable.