Anybody tried both novocontact and turtle tactio?

[MyssMyst]

@Dr. Doolittle

Interesting, thank you!

Is it possible to do a trial? I did with my Verbindend…

Might be worth seeing if dressage extensions has one. Play around with different cheekpieces too. I got a very different response between the tactio and turtle top, but also huge differences between d ring and loose ring.

[islgrl]

I tried the turtle tactio loose ring and the tranz angled eggbutt both bradoons. Horse liked both, but the turtle tactio was a shade too small and the next size was definitely too big so I got the eggbutt and love it and horse loves it.

[tollertwins]

I have seen trials for all the bits under discussion, I’d trial a tactio (still might) but since my guy needs a small I’d have to do a trial from the U.K.

PS…single joint novocontact is for horses who are shy about contact. It sort of encourages some lean.

[tollertwins]

@islgrl

I tried the turtle tactio loose ring and the tranz angled eggbutt both bradoons. Horse liked both, but the turtle tactio was a shade too small and the next size was definitely too big so I got the eggbutt and love it and horse loves it.

Good info! My guy is at the high end of the small, but medium would be way too big…

[mlb722]

@Kyrabee

I have a very difficult to bit mare. She gets pinched easily so jointed bits normally don’t go over well with her. I normally ride in a PeeWee bit (not legal). The Turtle tactio sounded interesting and the fact that it can “lock”, I thought I would give it a try since I could rent it first. It has worked very well for this mare. It may be 16mm at the bit rings but the part over the tongue is quite a bit thinner. That said, I have not tried the Novocontact on her. I have bought $$$$$ of bits over her lifetime. The TT is working…so no more experimenting.

Susan

Fwiw my mare went well in the TT but it eventually rubbed her. Stubben EZ control is the same idea and they have a very thin D bit, thinner than TT. IIRC my mares mouth is similar to yours. Just FYI my experience…

[Bogie]

@Kyrabee

I have a very difficult to bit mare. She gets pinched easily so jointed bits normally don’t go over well with her. I normally ride in a PeeWee bit (not legal). The Turtle tactio sounded interesting and the fact that it can “lock”, I thought I would give it a try since I could rent it first. It has worked very well for this mare. It may be 16mm at the bit rings but the part over the tongue is quite a bit thinner. That said, I have not tried the Novocontact on her. I have bought $$$$$ of bits over her lifetime. The TT is working…so no more experimenting.

Susan

My horse loves the peewee bit. I know it’s not legal, but it was a complete game changer for her. Now I can ride her in other bits, but for daily rides this is my go to bit.

[Kyrabee]

Bogie…that is what I have done although we (I have had a friend riding her also) have used the TT lately. She put the PeeWee on her and said she felt no difference so I’ve left it up to her. Kyra makes it very obvious if she is uncomfortable in her mouth.

When I discovered the mouth issue and had tried umpteen bits with no improvement in the pinching or her behavior under saddlle (LOTS of tension, reactivity and distraction) putting the PeeWee on her was like magic and I don’t normally believe in such things when it comes to horses :winkgrin:.

Susan

[Bogie]

@Kyrabee

Bogie…that is what I have done although we (I have had a friend riding her also) have used the TT lately. She put the PeeWee on her and said she felt no difference so I’ve left it up to her. Kyra makes it very obvious if she is uncomfortable in her mouth.

When I discovered the mouth issue and had tried umpteen bits with no improvement in the pinching or her behavior under saddlle (LOTS of tension, reactivity and distraction) putting the PeeWee on her was like magic and I don’t normally believe in such things when it comes to horses :winkgrin:.

Susan

That’s good to know. It might be worth trying. I don’t believe in magic bits either, but my mare was very fussy in her mouth and refused to accept contact until I tried the Peewee bit.