Sprenger - Dynamic v Novocontact

[lizziebell]

Can anyone tell me in layman’s terms the main difference between these two bits - or can recommend one over the other. Specifically looking at single jointed eggbutt. The marketing blurb make them sound like almost identical bits. Horse likes a stable bit (hence eggbutt and single jointed as hates fussy double joints/ loose rings), needs to take contact forward but can easily back off under too much pressure. Thanks.

 

[DressageCob]

The Dynamic is slightly curved (but the mouthpiece is fairly conventional otherwise) and aims for even pressure across the tongue. The Novocontact is slightly wider at the joint and narrower at the edges so that the pressure is spread wider when you have a steady contact and when you take a half halt the pressure is on a narrower area. It's sort of an oval shape. it's supposed to aim for a more precise feel and is supposed to suit horses who are too sensitive for a stronger bit but can get a bit heavy or pull.

I've heard a few people being quite positive about the novo contact but I do think you need to have reliably good hands otherwise the narrow bit remains engaged. The distribution of pressure when you're neutral is good, with it being wider, but it would easily be misused IMO.

I'd recommend hiring both from the bit bank and seeing which one your horse prefers.

 

[lizziebell]

That’s really useful, thank you DressageCob. He’s never heavy or pulls, so the Dynamic may suit best.

 

[daffy44]

I use the RS Dynamic on a horse who is reasonably sensitive and not strong, and it works very nicely.