Dressage Bit comparable to the Wonder Bit?

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

I’ve been recommended to try a Baucher, but there are so many out there, I’m having a hard time figuring out which one to get. Test rode in a Wonder Bit last night and probably had one of my best rides on my mare, who is normally a heavy leaner and evader of the bit. I currently ride in a HS Dynamic Eggbutt.

It was the first time I was able to really ride with soft, consistent contact and she responded well to half halts and did not appear uncomfortable or unhappy in the new bit.

I wish the Wonder Bit were dressage legal, but since it is not, can someone point me to something similar that is, i.e. Baucher?

[Sandy_M]

I don’t know anything about the “Wonder Bit.” My last two horses have both been very happy with the Steubben French link Baucher, which, miraculously, is one of the less expensive ones (compared to the Sprengers, for instance) at about $78-$90. It has the similar to Aurigan mouthpiece with a bead in the middle and the cheeks are turned slightly outward so they don’t pinch.

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

[QUOTE=Sandy M;8708568]
I don’t know anything about the “Wonder Bit.” My last two horses have both been very happy with the Steubben French link Baucher, which, miraculously, is one of the less expensive ones (compared to the Sprengers, for instance) at about $78-$90. It has the similar to Aurigan mouthpiece with a bead in the middle and the cheeks are turned slightly outward so they don’t pinch.[/QUOTE]

They make them under other names, but this one.
http://www.bitofbritain.com/Wonder-Bit-Made-in-England-p/740.htm

I was looking at the Stueben baucher as well.

[Sister7]

The wonder bit gives you a slight gag action, which you will not find in any dressage legal snaffle. The baucher does not apply any pressure on the poll, and will ride very differently. It will mostly increase the stability of the bit in the horses mouth, which can make it easier for him to hang on your hands.

For a leaner, I would go with a loose ring double jointed snaffle, and put in the work to strengthen and educate the horse.

[alibi_18]

The “Wonder bit” is a leverage bit and therefore, is not meant to be ridden with a consistant contact. This bits are meant to put the horse behind/off the contact (rounder/lower - so not exactly like real gag bits) hence why you felt how light the “contact” was. It’s quite a severe bit and should be ridden with 2 sets of reins (like any other leverage bits)

If your horse leans a lot, I would really try to find why.
Is it because he’s not strong enough? Is he downhill in his conformation?
Is it riding/training problems?

A good trainer should be able to help you find good exercices for you and your horse to improve this problem.

A thinner Baucher bit could be a good choice of bit to start a new training program.

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

It’s a training issue. Trainer and I have been working on this since I got her. Current bit is just not helping though.

I decided to go with this Baucher:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GH5KZK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3UEZXCYCIRL1W&coliid=I2EAHCYL4F0HFK&psc=1

It should arrive tomorrow. Will see how it works.

[soloudinhere]

[QUOTE=Smthn_Like_Olivia;8709158]
It’s a training issue. Trainer and I have been working on this since I got her. Current bit is just not helping though.

I decided to go with this Baucher:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GH5KZK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3UEZXCYCIRL1W&coliid=I2EAHCYL4F0HFK&psc=1

It should arrive tomorrow. Will see how it works.[/QUOTE]

I use this bit on my horse who can tend to get too low in the poll and not hang, but just get too deep and btv.

it does help but he is still in the process of learning that he must follow the bit OUT and not DOWN. It takes time and a lot of strength on the horse’s part to accomplish that, especially if they’re not born-and-bred for dressage.

The feeling you got with the wonder bit is a bit like what my horse is doing - coming DOWN against the bit and bringing the chin in. It feels nice and light but that’s not actually the contact you’re looking for. It allows them to drop the back and disconnect the front and back legs.

[lorilu]

[QUOTE=alibi_1r8;8708775]
The “Wonder bit” is a leverage bit and therefore, is not meant to be ridden with a consistant contact

really? better letall those double bridle users know!

This bits are meant to put the horse behind/off the contact (rounder/lower - so not exactly like real gag bits) hence why you felt how light the “contact” was. It’s quite a severe bit and should be ridden with 2 sets of reins (like any other leverage bits) again, really? all leverage bits in two sets of reins? better tell all those pellam and kimberwick users out there yes i know not dressage show legal

If your horse leans a lot, I would really try to find why.
Is it because he’s not strong enough? Is he downhill in his conformation?
Is it riding/training problems?

A good trainer should be able to help you find good exercices for you and your horse to improve this problem.

A thinner Baucher bit could be a good choice of bit to start a new training program.[/QUOTE]

l

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

I need a bit of leverage because she’s been ridden with heavy hands from a small child for years and doesn’t respect the contact at all. She will yank and pull even with loose reins. When asked to hold the contact, she will either lean heavily or dip deep behind the vertical to evade and completely ignore half halts. In the wonder bit, she did none of this. She settled onto the contact well and responded to light half halts. There was no fight and that’s all I’m looking for. Hopefully, the baucher will work as well.

[alibi_18]

[QUOTE=lorilu;8709326]
really? better let all those double bridle users know![/QUOTE]

What’s your point here? You don’t know how a double bridle work? You know, there are 2 bits, one bradoon / one weymouth… Used with 2 sets of reins… riding on the bradoon and using the weymouth when needed. It really can’t be compared to riding with just a curb (like in the western discipline or vaquero style and the like) or a pelham or a kimberwick.

again, really? all leverage bits in two sets of reins? better tell all those pellam and kimberwick users out there yes i know not dressage show legal

Pelhams are meant to be ridden with 2 reins. Converters were “invented” for those who just can’t ride properly with two sets of reins.

And all the different types of Kimberwicks are a whole other story and can’t be compared.

People should also ride with 2 reins on gag bits.

It’s not because people ride their pelham or gag with 1 set of reins that it’s technically the way these bits were designed for.

And again, I really don’t understand the point you are trying to make.
At least, you could have brought some insights for the OP…

[lorilu]

[QUOTE=alibi_18;8709733]
What’s your point here? You don’t know how a double bridle work? You know, there are 2 bits, one bradoon / one weymouth… Used with 2 sets of reins… riding on the bradoon and using the weymouth when needed. It really can’t be compared to riding with just a curb (like in the western discipline or vaquero style and the like) or a pelham or a kimberwick.

Pelhams are meant to be ridden with 2 reins. Converters were “invented” for those who just can’t ride properly with two sets of reins.

And all the different types of Kimberwicks are a whole other story and can’t be compared.

People should also ride with 2 reins on gag bits.

It’s not because people ride their pelham or gag with 1 set of reins that it’s technically the way these bits were designed for.

And again, I really don’t understand the point you are trying to make.
At least, you could have brought some insights for the OP…[/QUOTE]

first, there are leverage bits not used with four reins in other disciplines
second, in general only the most advanced horses go with “as needed” contact on the curb In fact I have been taught that light consistent contact is more kind than on-again, off-again contact.

My point to the OP? Question everything Or, as the old saying goes, question authority.

[Highflyer]

[QUOTE=alibi_18;8709733]
What’s your point here? You don’t know how a double bridle work? You know, there are 2 bits, one bradoon / one weymouth… Used with 2 sets of reins… riding on the bradoon and using the weymouth when needed. It really can’t be compared to riding with just a curb (like in the western discipline or vaquero style and the like) or a pelham or a kimberwick.

Pelhams are meant to be ridden with 2 reins. Converters were “invented” for those who just can’t ride properly with two sets of reins.

And all the different types of Kimberwicks are a whole other story and can’t be compared.

People should also ride with 2 reins on gag bits.

It’s not because people ride their pelham or gag with 1 set of reins that it’s technically the way these bits were designed for.

And again, I really don’t understand the point you are trying to make.
At least, you could have brought some insights for the OP…[/QUOTE]

A wonder bit is specifically designed not to be used with two reins, though.

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

The baucher did not arrive in time before I headed to the barn, so it was suggested that I try the wonder bit with the reins attached to the wide outer circle instead of the small loops. They said this would eliminate the gag action and work much the same way as the baucher. She responded just as well with the reins adjusted. The baucher had arrived when I returned home. It is a little thicker than the wonder bit, but thinner than the HS I was using. I’m hoping it still works as well. Will test it in the morning and appreciate all the feedback. I understand there will always be conflicting opinions. I just want to find what works for my horse.

[Rackonteur]

This is the only Wonder Bit I’ve ever heard of (it’s a western bit).

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/professionals-choice-snaffle-wonder-gag-bit/E003243/?srccode=GPSLT&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4pO7BRDl9ePazKzr1LYBEiQAHLJdRx—fIcoP3CwSnnWqI0Rtz2gIj7oRjm3G0WGR-KJSoaAqeZ8P8HAQ&kwid=productads-adid^53091238428-device^c-plaid^109329564588-sku^231339-adType^PLA

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

This one is made by Bit of Britain and used mostly in Eventing and Jumping.

http://www.bitofbritain.com/Wonder-Bit-Made-in-England-p/740.htm

[csaper58]

We call that a Beval Bit.

If you Google Beval Bit images you can find it with lots of mouth piece options.

[skipollo]

[QUOTE=csaper58;8711939]
We call that a Beval Bit.

If you Google Beval Bit images you can find it with lots of mouth piece options.[/QUOTE]

Agreed–I have a double jointed Happy Mouth version if it, not a BoB exclusive.

[Smthn_Like_Olivia]

Yes, but none would be legal for dressage if they are made with the same rings. I rode in the Baucher yesterday and it seemed to work just as well so we will stick with it for awhile and try to continue to improve.

[artisticgold]

I LOVE this bit so much that after I bought one and tried it on my fussy Lipizzan mare, I bought 2 more for my other guys. My upper level horse has never gone so well, he is so much more steady and consistent in the contact and happy!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HANGING-CHEEK-LOZENGE-BAUCHER-HORSE-BIT-S-STEEL-COPPER-MIX-AMIDLAE-6-SIZES-BNWT-/121644062762?var=&hash=item1c528d182a:m:mITCfxoHqBJKIzbuTk62YtQ