I have been hearing about these. Didn’t I read that KOC talks about using one? Where are they sold? Any experience by other riders?
Thanks.
To be perfectly honest, I know nothing about leather bits, but this post piqued my curiosity, so here are some links I found with some info on them:
http://www.ponybox.com/news_details.php?title=no-metal-in-the-mouth-the-leather-bit&id=1875
And here is where the writer of the previous link bought her bit from:http://www.grantcashmore.co.nz/productsmacs.htm
Looks interesting. I have a horse with a small mouth and extremely low palette and this may be worth reading into further. Hope others can post personal experience with these bits!
I was out foxhunting a few months ago with someone in the field using a leather bit. Her horse got really strong throughout the morning, bit the bit in half, ran off with her, and she came off in quite a serious fall.
I’d avoid them. What advantage could they possibly have over a happy mouth, or a regular metal bit in educated hands?
[QUOTE=hey101;6076152]
I’d avoid them. What advantage could they possibly have over a happy mouth, or a regular metal bit in educated hands?[/QUOTE]
I’ll throw in a related question: what advantage do they have over a nylon, Nathe, or Sprenger Duo type plastic/nylon bit? I’ve heard that they’re arguably a bit milder than the nylon/Nathe type bits, but that’s just through-the-grapevine reports. And if they really are milder than nylon/Nathe, my next question is “How do they compare to a rubber mullen mouth, meaning one that is made of straight rubber without any metal running through it”?
As for small mouth/low palate, I’d think something like the Nathe or Sprenger Duo with its cutout portion to accommodate the tongue would work better than these leather bits. Either that or an extremely thin bit like the Myler stuff.
“…but with quality care they can last for months.”
If that is actually the case, as far as how long they last, I can’t say I have a particular interest in them myself. There are so many materials on the market now that here are so many other materials that offer minimal pressure points, etc.
Will be interested to see the other replies and opinions on them, though!
i dont’ know…a leather bit seems like an invitation for my guy to move on to his other favorite treats…mainly my reins, lead ropes, halters…
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We used to use leather Mullen mouth bits on some of the young TB’s when they started training. Some youngsters just liked the feel in their mouth and the chewiness. We never had one chew through - I would think there was a defect involved in that case. I doubt there is any more benefit to leather over rubber or happy mouth…just use what works to keep the horse happy. I still have a leather bit in my collection and it looks like new - no defects or weaknesses.
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Big D Tack (I think the site is www.bigdweb.com) carries a lot of harness racing equipment and do sell leather covered snaffle bits for breaking colts. It might be called colt breaking bit. A Frisco June may be referred to this too, because it is split in the middle like a snaffle.
I have used these on yearlings when breaking to harness. They are soft on tender bars and lip corners. You can’t let them get dried out. After use, rinse them quickly in the water bucket, then dry with towel. Use leather conditioner on the ring protectors sides and just saddle soap on the mouth portion. The key is to keep them clean and if frequently used they’ll stay soft. They usually last a couple years before you have to replace one due to frayed stitching, etc. but I know old timers who had them for years.
http://www.bigdweb.com/FRISCO-JUNE-LEATHER-COVERED/productinfo/911/
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/ekkia/feeling-leather-covered-bits/index.html
This UK website has leather covered bits as well as plenty of other clearance goodies.
I have heard good things about these bits and hear that they soften the mouth very well and thinking about getting one for my horse.DO NOT USE FOR CROSS COUNTRY! i don’t think this gives you enough control.
I have a Sweet Billy’s baucher and my tb gelding seems to like quite a bit. I haven’t had it long but it seems well made and durable. I inspect it for teeth marks after each ride and haven’t seen a single one. I’m very happy with it!
I have one from Winterpast Farm too and it is lovely and it held up very well when I used it every ride for approx. 9 months before I sold the horse and it never showed any signs of wear like teeth marks or stitching fraying. I bought it for a horse that had some serious mouth trauma in her history and it was the only bit in which she was even remotely comfortable. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it again for a horse that needed something moldable and soft and/or unjointed.
Just like every other bit, it may or may not work on your pony. We have quite a few at our barn from Sweet Billy’s. They seem very well made and have stood up well. I tried it once, but my jughead got heavy in it. I do think it can be beneficial and is worth a try.
IIRC, they may be illegal for FEI level dressage; not sure about XC. The rules are very unclear. For dressage, bridoons and curbs must be made of metal or hard plastic and can only be covered with latex/rubber. Snaffles are as allowed on the test sheets. There is absolutely no discussion of snaffles covered in anything in the pure Dressage rules at all; eventing dressage uses the pure dressage rules for bits.
Jumping and XC seem to allow virtually anything.
Someone needs to contact the FEI to find out in what, if any circumstances, leather covered snaffle bits are legal.
FWIW, I’ve used a rubber “dog bone” bit wrapped in chamois to break all of my babies (12th and last one will go through the process this fall). I soak it in warm water mixed with molasses just before putting it near/ in the mouth. They come to love it in no time, and even later in life will open their mouths for the bit. Kind of fun!
I have been using a Sweet Billy’s bit for several months. I like that it conforms to Nike’s mouth. He seems to like it much better, than the stainless steel, lozenge snaffle that I used before this one. He has quite a small mouth. I like that this leather bit is much more affordable, than the other ones mentioned.
I have ordered a Mylar level 1 to try, too. I may use it on cross country, if there is truly a concern about the leather bit breaking. Nike has a good “whoa”, but I don’t want to test it while galloping.
Viney, As to if the leather bit is legal: It is for USEA dressage. It was added this year. I am not certain about FEI.
Bought my sister a leather bit for Christmas as she had asked for one. Bought it form HorseHaus Equestrian, rather expensive after the exchange to CDN.
It requires cleaning after each use, must be soaked in sunflower oil before first use, and recommended once a month after that.
She rides the mare bridle-less with just the bit now, the mare holds it and loves it. Seems like it was a good investment for her.
I love the Winterpast Farm bits, but my super mouthy mare has chewed three of them to the point that they are no longer usuable. She’s also chewed up two Sprenger Duos, so she is a special case. She liked the leather – it conformed to fit her mouth and she found it pretty comfortable. I just wish she didn’t eat everything!
