My 17h warmblood mare has a big tongue and as we are working up the levels I’m noticing her tongue poking out a little more. I’m planning to try the NS Verbindend loose ring snaffle but am curious to get some opinions on it from those that have used this bit.
I know some people have had great success with it - my trainer uses it on a horse that was good in a KK, but went even better in the Verbindend. OTOH, my pony reacted very negatively - he was striking at his face - he is fussy about bits and contact, and ended up going much better in a single link eggbutt novocontact (after trying a LOT of bits).
I know of a few others whose horses did not like the Verbinden at all. And others who love it. That is the thing with horses - each one has their own preferences;)
1 Like
Thank goodness Dressage Extensions lets you try bits for $15 now!
1 Like
Yes, I would arrange to try it out first (which is what I did); my mare seems to really like it - she is a bit fussy in the mouth in general, but gets nice lipstick and responds well to the Verbindend. She has a small, short mouth, low palate, biggish tongue - and previously went in a Myler Level 1 loose ring - but tended to lean on it. She is long in the back and neck and not uphill (and is 5), so has not learned to “carry herself”, but the NS seems to work well for her.
I would give it a try and see how it works for your horse (he may love it, he may not!), but you will know after a couple of rides 
My horse has a big tongue and I’m pretty sure he hated the verbindend. I just had his TMJ injected so I may try it again (I bought the bit), but he would really suck behind and over curl his neck.
My difficult-mouthed horse sucked back in it. I sold it to my trainer, whose Friesian loves it and goes beautifully in it.
I’m using the thinnest Sprenger Sensogan KK, and he seems comfortable in it and happy to take up a nice elastic contact.
Have the NS company send a rep out to do a bit fitting clinic. You pay them a day fee and you get to try all the bits… amazing experience!
Best thing is you end up buying a bit your horses loves not just tolerates. Oh and we guess wrong for them almost every time! Funny thing is; your horse will never guess wrong! Ha
best of luck
1 Like
My wb schoolmaster has a big tongue in a long and narrow mouth. Like Dr Doolittle’s, he was in a Myler comfort but leaned. The verbindend gives him more room in his mouth and does what is say on the packet re lifting the shoulder and giving more nuanced lateral aids. The solox gold on the mouthpiece warms up quickly too. My boy carries his tongue just slighly peeking out on the right and it hasn’t stop this but this is a habit I think. A lovely bit. I got the smaller ringed bridoon version and swap it between my snaffle and my double bridle. xdd
I have 4 of them. (2 are on double bridles) The horses that like it, really like it. One of them objected to it for a couple days. It was almost like he didn’t like the control it gave me over the placement of his shoulders. Once he settled down and accepted it, it was the best bit for him.
Do be aware when ordering the NS Verbindend that it comes in 2 thicknesses, and 2 different size loose rings, and you may want to get advise about the mouth size as many people find that bit’s sizes fit a little different.
My mare has a large tongue for her mouth and, at first, liked the Verbindend a lot. Then I attended a bitting clinic (put on by Horse By Horse who represents NS) and my mare much preferred the NS Turtle Tactio. When I tried to put the Verbinend back in (since the Tactio wasn’t yet USEF approved at the end of last year), she immediately sucked way behind the vertical to get away from it. Point being, it may be a little harsh if your horse is sensitive and I would super recommend (especially if you have a bunch of folks at your barn that may be willing to try) bringing in a bit retailer as you can try 10+ different bits in one ride.
My mare with fat tongue and low palate is fussy with the Verbindend ( had it both on my snaffle bridle and on the double), She is much better in a single jointed bit.
I just rented a bunch of bits, and this is the one my mare LOVES. So I bought it today. I mean she just adores it. It’s rather odd looking but her lack of chomping tells the story.
My fussy mouthed horse didn’t like it all. She is much happier in her HS KK Ultra. I recently got to speak with a NS rep, and wrote about what I learned here: https://draftmare.wordpress.com/2018/01/20/a-bit-about-bits-and-a-success-story/. There is a reason a lot of horses suck back off of this bit and do better in others. Eventually I would like to try the Starter on her.
1 Like
I have tried the Verbindend, it worked great one one horse and the other acted like he swallowed a stick. Turns out he couldn’t tolerate the type of metal.
1 Like
