Bit help?

[SkyRiposte]

Hi guys! First off I literally just joined about five min ago so I am not really sure if this or the hunter/jumper is the best forum to ask but since I am looking for dressage legal bits (I event) I figured this is the best place to start.

So, I ride an OTTB mare and I’ve narrowed it down between some combination of a french link/myler 02 level 1 and a Dring/baucher… the mouth pieces I know a bit about but for the cheeks sides not much and I’ve heard a rumor that the tops of the D’s can rub? I’d also love thoughts on how your horses enjoy the bit moving/being stable in their mouths?

I couldn’t find anything comparing those two cheek pieces in depth but if you know of anything please link in! I’d rather not clutter the forum if I don’t have to, thanks!

[piedmontfields]

I am not an expert, but will say that bits are very personal to horses (to their mouth shape, tongue size, amount of cheek flab, and preference for movement or quiet). It can be really useful to borrow or rent a bit bits before buying (unless you like spending $$$ x #). Are you at a boarding or training barn? If so, I bet you can find a few options to borrow and get some good ideas from your trainer. Dressage Extensions has a decent bit selection for borrowing at a modest price.

In general, D rings are helpful for quieting the bit in the mouth (helping to dampen rider’s hands) and for steering a greener horse (in a similar way to a full-cheek).

My horse HATES a multi-piece bit like a French link. But she likes a loose ring over an eggbutt or D ring. She can tolerate a single jointed bit, but goes even better in a solid bit. Other horses would be absolutely the opposite.

I tend to think of a baucher as being rather stronger on the poll than a regular snaffle. That can be useful for some horses, but other horses cannot tolerate that pressure.

Good luck!

[MissAriel]

@piedmontfields

I tend to think of a baucher as being rather stronger on the poll than a regular snaffle. That can be useful for some horses, but other horses cannot tolerate that pressure.

Actually, a recent study showed the opposite - the Baucher actually relieved the poll pressure when engaged. Loose rings, D-rings and eggbutts all had zero effect on poll pressure.

https://issuu.com/neueschule/docs/neue_schule_poll-pressure-guide-201

[piedmontfields]

That’s interesting, MissA. How does that correspond with your experience with how horse’s react to a baucher?

OP, I’m remembering that some horses like bauchers for the stability, too…

[MissAriel]

@piedmontfields

That’s interesting, MissA. How does that correspond with your experience with how horse’s react to a baucher?

OP, I’m remembering that some horses like bauchers for the stability, too…

I have never actually tried one or had reason to. I just like the methodology behind this study and how there were some interesting findings that contradict what we always thought we “knew”.

I have had success with previous horses in the loose ring or eggbutt double jointed snaffles they came with, and currently use a Myler comfort snaffle on my young horse who likes something he can jiggle, but he can’t pull this one back in his mouth.

[polkadotedpony]

Like people said above it really depends on the horse. For cheek peices I tend to divide them mentally by mobility- loose ring most mobile, eggbutt/D relatively stable, baucher/full cheek most stable. For horses that are leaners/heavy I prefer a loose ring, for really fussy horses or those reluctant to take contact I’d pick something more stable. Mouthpiece probably depends a lot more on the horse’s anatomy like how high their palate is and how big the tongue is. It’s probablu easiest to just borrow a Mullen mouth, single joint and double joint in similar cheek pieces and see what they like.

Bitting clinics seem to be gaining popularity and I’m dying to go to one, but unfortunately most seem like they’re designed to sell you heinously expensive bits. I’d love to see a bit co-op type thing with bits are $150 and under.

[EVneo]

My ottb personally likes the french link baucher (full cheek waterford for xc/jumping). He prefers the stability of a stationary cheek piece and I happened to have about 4 bauchers laying around. He gets inside his head in a loose ring and it’s an unproductive ride for all involved. In addition to Dressage Extensions, I think Bit of Britain also lets you rent bits to try. I’ve never been wildly focused on brand, and have also had luck getting bits pretty affordably on Amazon or off of tack trader facebook pages. The link below was also a nice visual for me in understanding the baucher - https://bitbankaustralia.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/the-truth-about-the-baucher-snaffle-bit-rattling-the-cage/

[Posting_Trot]

I had a TB mare who was very fussy about bits. She definitely preferred a baucher, and it was a kk ultra, double-jointed version. I think she definitely did like the stability of the bit in her mouth.

And yes, I have read in other studies and blogs that the baucher does not put pressure on the poll. It is not a leverage bit (at least as long as you attach it correctly to the bridle, with the arms facing up).

[polkadotedpony]

@EVneo

My ottb personally likes the french link baucher (full cheek waterford for xc/jumping). He prefers the stability of a stationary cheek piece and I happened to have about 4 bauchers laying around. He gets inside his head in a loose ring and it’s an unproductive ride for all involved. In addition to Dressage Extensions, I think Bit of Britain also lets you rent bits to try. I’ve never been wildly focused on brand, and have also had luck getting bits pretty affordably on Amazon or off of tack trader facebook pages. The link below was also a nice visual for me in understanding the baucher - https://bitbankaustralia.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/the-truth-about-the-baucher-snaffle-bit-rattling-the-cage/

I just got an amazon bit deal and was shocked at the quality. I was always suspicious of weird off brand bits on eBay but the reviews on this amazon one were great and my horse seems just as happy in the $40 knock off as the $280 original he had with his prior owner. The ring on the first one they sent was sticky but it was a an easy exchange as usual with amazon. Might be a more affordable option for the OP if she wants to try a number of bits and can’t borrow from barn mates.

[purplnurpl]

Bits are also rider personal. I am very very personal with the feel of different bits.

what is your horse doing that is making you question bitting??

I hate the feel of bouchers and I’ve also never had a horse go well in them.

For horses who need a very stable bit or very loose bendy horses, I use 1. A mullen on a loose ring or 2. A full cheek with the full cheek keepers.

For horses who are a bit stiff I use double or single jointed snaffles.

I also only use KKs or rubber mouth pieces.
in the past 20 years these are the only bits I’ve taken out of my bit bucket. Minus a mylar barrel mullen full cheek. I’ve used it a few times.

My little homebred has just recently grown into an adult horse bit. So proud of her. Lol. She needed stability early on. Then just recently started to hold the bit with a nice firm grip so I had to move to a double joint.

Her bit progression:
Mullen nathe D ring
KK training bit (mullen with wide square port)
KK mullen with baby bump of a port
KK novo contact loose ring (single joint)
KK Ulta loose ring (that’s a double joint)

[merrygoround]

Why are you bit shopping?

All of my horses go or have gone well with a double jointed snaffle. There was one who had a distinct dislike for Aurigan metal ( plebeian child).

I will admit to fox hunting in a Kimberwicke. It’s considered bad manners to pass the Master…