What does anyone know about locking snaffles such as the Stubben EZ control or HS max control?
El cheapo over here bought a used bit off of ebay that was advertised as just a plain loose ring snaffle with lozenge ( I was shopping for one in a bigger size and smaller bean than what I currently had on hand for new horsey), but it came to me today and it’s a HS max control.
I can’t get out today to try it, but am not opposed to turning it away, yet.
Anyone have any special considerations when using this bit? I wasn’t looking for a bit with special features, but is it worth a try? Also I have pulling up mixed info as to weather they are legal or not.
Anywho, what say you? Just looking for honest reviews. Thanks.
The EZ Control is not legal. Or it wasn’t, last time I cared to check (which admittedly, was in 2012 or so).
I had to warn people who purchased them because they didn’t think to look, and it looks like a plain snaffle to the naked eye. I sold a lot of them for XC, though.
If you’re looking for a plain loose ring on a budget I believe Dover has an HS copper bit that fits the bill (loose ring, plain lozenge) and is dressage legal for ~$40.
I bought the Stubben EZ control loose ring a few years back, not realizing it was considered a locking snaffle and not legal in Canada for dressage. I do use it for jumping, hacking and cross country though. I like it and my horse seems happy with it too.
Both bits are legal, I asked usef and have email confirmation. So are NS turtle bits now . I use the stubben D bit for my mare. I think she prefers the locking because it is steadier in her mouth. It’s no harsher than a regular snaffle.
I thought the locking bit acted more like a mullen when engaged, and created tongue pressure versus a snaffle with tongue and bar pressure?
thats my understanding. My horse preferred Mullen’s to jointed which is why I tried it.
As noted, it functions like a mullen. It takes very little pressure to “lock” it, and each side will lock independently of the other, depending upon your rein contact.
I’ve used the Stubben EZ control in the French link on my mare for years and it is great! She’s a 1/2 draft and a little front strong and it really made a huge difference. Basically, when she tries to brace into it, it stiffens, which is slightly less comfortable and then she softens again. We’ve tried it on other horses in the barn and it’s not a universal hit, but, for her, it was definitely worth the money.
I’ll also throw out there a suggestion that bitting clinics are great (I’ve worked with Horse by Horse and loved it, although I’m sure there are others that do it). You can try a multitude of bits side-by-side to get a feel for what works best.
Edit: I’ve also been bit checked (US) and never been disqualified for it. I don’t think it’s on any banned list, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to check (I’ve had a double on my mare for the last 2 years, so I may not be up to date)
