Which NS bit out of these three...? For youngster

M

McW

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 November 2011
Messages
570
Visit site
I have a 4 YO, he's snaffle mouthed and at this stage doesn't seem to be strong. I'm riding him in a borrowed snaffle atm and he seems to do well in it.

I want to invest in an NS, I used one on my old boy (hanging cheek)

For a youngster what would you recommend:

Starter bit, Verbindend or tranz-angled lozenge?

Does anyone have experience of these, to compare the differences? I know what it says on the website but I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on them.
 
I had a long chat with Heather, the business owner, when at BETA a couple of weeks ago. I have a 4yrs Highland and she recommended the 'team up' as ideal for a Highland shaped mouth. Also said to measure well as they often need a big bit, even up to 6 inches. Mine is 5 3/4
I think the best person to answer your question is Heather so I would give them a ring. She knows horses mouths and will give you good advice, potentially saving a lot of money buying the wrong one.
 
I have used the Starter bit to "bit" four ponies, all with normal shaped mouths, and gone happily in the bit. None of them were strong or resistant in any way.
If the mouth is small, I would look at a thinner bit, or if ready for more advanced schooling, but the starter bit is ideal for the average rider with a nice horse.
 
Last edited:
I started my youngster in the starter bit with excellent results.
We then moved on to the Verbindend as her schooling progressed and i still ride her in that now 2 years on :)
 
My four year old wears both the NS Verbindend and Tranz-Angled Lozenge. I have two bridles for her, one used for lunging and long-reining and the other for ridden work. She goes equally well in both bits and seems to prefer the metal, over stainless steel ones.
 
I've just started using a NS starter bit on my 4yo. She is going really sweetly in it and is happy with a contact, haven't tried any of the others
 
I'd speak to NS, they have a really excellent advice line. Unless for a particular reason then I wouldn't use the verbindent for a first bit as it has quite a pronounced shape in the mouth, I'd start with something more basic, easier to tollerate and more suited to the very earliest stages of schooling. I wouldn't worry about maybe changing in a few years time as the schooling comes on as they get near to new prices on ebay.
 
I would definitely speak to Heather, she is brilliant, I started one of mine in the starter bit and the other in the team up bit as they both had different mouths. You tell her the breed and she knows exactly what their mouths are like, amazing!!
 
I have the verbindend on my youngster - he did not like the team up as was a gitbag from hell in the tranz angle, resulting in going upwards - he nearly went to the sales at that point. So after some fiddling we popped him in the verbindend which he is really happy and settled with. He likes to flip his tongue over most bits but it doesn't happen with this one. I know the verbindend is meant for more advanced stages of schooling, but he's so happy in it and it suits his mouth a treat I will go with the flow - they are all different after all, and you have to just try things out, NS do a great try before you buy service and the advice is first rate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top