Just curious if Bedford Tack still sells these? I’d love to buy one!
[QUOTE=Alibhai’s Alibar;6871251]
That LG Bridle looks really neat!
I’m also thinking about the leather bit for my sensitive guy… Hmm…[/QUOTE]
FYI – there are some options now that are essentially the same as the LG bridle but less expensive. The Orbitless Bridle out of the UK is one and Nickers Saddlery makes another.
I use a Nathe and my horse would like these, too. Probably better once the saliva has made it soft. A good idea would be to get the molars shaped with a
'bit shape" (It has a name) so they cannot chew so easily. Essentially taking the sharp edge off the front plane ofthe molar. My Nathe has a bit of wear and tear on it and I may ask for that next time.
“Bit Seat” is what we call it here.
Just an FYI for anyone who comes across this thread in future, Bedford Tack told me today that they no longer make/sell leather bits.
Typically they’ll make anything you ask them to make. Would surprise me if they wouldn’t whip you one up.
I don’t know, but the response that I got when I asked was a simple no.
I have not read through the whole thread so I apologize if this has already been mentioned.
I got my leather bit from Winterpast Farm: https://squareup.com/market/winterpast-farm
Super customer service, and they’ll do custom sizes too.
Thanks, cheerio, I don’t believe that I have seen that source previously. They say they don’t ship to Canada but if they look like the best option when I’m ready to order one, hopefully I could work something out.
I like that they appear to have done their research about bitting rules, too.
Wouldn’t the chemicals used to treat the leather be bad for the horse?
How often do they have to be replaced?
Usually the ones made for horses use vegetable-tanned leather, though I did a bit of research and it appears that most well-made chromium-tanned leather isn’t likely to be toxic, either.
I’ve never used one but I don’t believe that they last as long as metal bits. I think that the lifespan depends on how well it’s taken care of, whether the horse chews it, etc.
If it works for horses who aren’t comfortable in the more typical options, then it’s worth it. The horse I’d like to try one with has a low palate and gets rubs inside her lips from every type of bit I’ve used on her so far.
Aren’t these illegal now? I think I remember seeing in the new bitting rules that they weren’t allowed anymore, but maybe I’m wrong…
They’re definitely allowed in Canada for eventing dressage (not that it matters much to me anyway since I’m primarily a jumper), but I can’t speak for the US side.
[QUOTE=AmarachAcres;7990338]
How often do they have to be replaced?[/QUOTE]
I’ve had mine for about a year now with no signs of wear. I wipe it down occasionally, but otherwise do no special maintenance, and I expect it to last for many more years. If it’s adjusted correctly, they shouldn’t really be able to chew it up.
Per the 2015 USEF rule book: https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2015/2015CompleteRulebook.pdf
Dressage: (I thought these were not allowed for straight dressage but this wording makes me wonder)- “Snaffle bits must be smooth with a solid surface. Twisted and wire bits are prohibited. A mouthpiece with more than one rolling part is prohibited. Bits may be made with a rubber or plastic covering, but the bit may not be modified by adding latex or other material. Bits with mouthpieces made of synthetic material are permitted, provided that the contours of the bit conform to the contours of one of the bits pictured above. Flexible rubber or synthetic mouthpieces are permitted.”
Eventing dressage: “c. A snaffle bit made of metal, leather, rubber or plastic material is permitted for all tests.”
[QUOTE=cheerio280;7991172]
I’ve had mine for about a year now with no signs of wear. I wipe it down occasionally, but otherwise do no special maintenance, and I expect it to last for many more years. If it’s adjusted correctly, they shouldn’t really be able to chew it up.
Per the 2015 USEF rule book: https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2015/2015CompleteRulebook.pdf
Dressage: (I thought these were not allowed for straight dressage but this wording makes me wonder)- “Snaffle bits must be smooth with a solid surface. Twisted and wire bits are prohibited. A mouthpiece with more than one rolling part is prohibited. Bits may be made with a rubber or plastic covering, but the bit may not be modified by adding latex or other material. Bits with mouthpieces made of synthetic material are permitted, provided that the contours of the bit conform to the contours of one of the bits pictured above. Flexible rubber or synthetic mouthpieces are permitted.”
Eventing dressage: “c. A snaffle bit made of metal, leather, rubber or plastic material is permitted for all tests.”[/QUOTE]
Okay good to know! Thank you! I was posting while at work earlier and couldn’t get the rules to open from my phone. I just remember a previous thread (maybe the FEI only bit changes?) that referenced something about all bits being metal (i.e. no plastic, leather or leather wrapped bits). I’ve never used a leather bit. I actually suspect one could have helped my old OTTB mare immensely. She has a tiny mouth, with a slight over bite and low pallet. She always required a very soft hand and preferred going bitless.
[QUOTE=cheerio280;7990108]
I have not read through the whole thread so I apologize if this has already been mentioned.
I got my leather bit from Winterpast Farm: https://squareup.com/market/winterpast-farm
Super customer service, and they’ll do custom sizes too.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for this link Cheerio! I ordered a bit from them for my horse last week, it was a custom size and it is already done and ready to ship. Customer service was great too. I’m excited for the bit to arrive so I can try it on my horse.
My Winterpast Farm bit arrived today, and while I haven’t tried it on her yet, I’m super impressed with the info that came with it! It shipped with a letter that was addressed to Princess Razzy (they ask on their order forms about the horse’s name and any funny things about them), a bag of treats for her, instructions, the rule showing that it is legal, and an endorsement letter from a veterinarian.
Now, will the Princess actually like it? We shall see!!
Very nice construction, and to the question up thread about whether the leather tanning chemicals are bad, the company states that nothing toxic is used in preparing the leather. The workmanship is quite nice and I’m very impressed!
Libby (who thinks that Razzy will be mostly impressed with the cookies)
I may have to ad this to my wish list. My OTTB filly is going pretty well in her loose ring KK Ultra…but this would be interesting to try.
She went REALLY well in it today. I’m not crazy about how the Micklem fits with it, but she went so well in it that I’d go back to a standard noseband bridle to see if she was ok in that.
The more it molded to fit her mouth, the better she went. Very pleased so far!
That’s good to know that it’s worked for yet another horse! Hopefully I’ll be able to find a Canadian source for leather bits (or someone to make one for me) one of these days so that I can try one.
