Hels_Bells
Well-Known Member
I have recently changed my horse from a fixed ring french link snaffle to a neue schule loose ring team up bit but am really worried about the loose ring nipping my boys lips. I have never used a loose ring on a horse before so am a bit unsure as to how much space there should be between rings and mouth.
His french link was a 5.25" which seems pretty small sizing for a 16.1 WB but it fitted him fine and he had gone happily in it for a couple of years. In accordance with advice I gave an extra 1/4" each side when I changed to the NS but I am still really concerned it might nip him as there is room either side but not much. He has quite a lot of lip but if I raise the cheek pieces higher I think he is smiling too much. I don't think I'll be happy until it is really clear of each side but how much should it be clear?? At mo it's about 1/8" clear each side when his bridle is on but with no contact from me. But obviously as it moves from side to side when ridden it will touch his lips and might nip!
I have been out twice with the NS once on a fairly loose careful rein for him to try it out first time and there was no evidence of nipping, then the 2nd time I used bit guards, which worked great and gave me peace of mind but they are not dressage legal for BE. I am chuffed to bits with the action of the NS, I can be so light with my hands and he accepts the contact beautifully. But am paranoid that it might nip.
Should I move up to a 6" which is the largest they go? It seems a big jump from 5.25" to 6"!!?? Just looking for reassurance/bit expertise/advice!! Thanks!!
His french link was a 5.25" which seems pretty small sizing for a 16.1 WB but it fitted him fine and he had gone happily in it for a couple of years. In accordance with advice I gave an extra 1/4" each side when I changed to the NS but I am still really concerned it might nip him as there is room either side but not much. He has quite a lot of lip but if I raise the cheek pieces higher I think he is smiling too much. I don't think I'll be happy until it is really clear of each side but how much should it be clear?? At mo it's about 1/8" clear each side when his bridle is on but with no contact from me. But obviously as it moves from side to side when ridden it will touch his lips and might nip!
I have been out twice with the NS once on a fairly loose careful rein for him to try it out first time and there was no evidence of nipping, then the 2nd time I used bit guards, which worked great and gave me peace of mind but they are not dressage legal for BE. I am chuffed to bits with the action of the NS, I can be so light with my hands and he accepts the contact beautifully. But am paranoid that it might nip.
Should I move up to a 6" which is the largest they go? It seems a big jump from 5.25" to 6"!!?? Just looking for reassurance/bit expertise/advice!! Thanks!!
