NS Tranz Angled vs. NS Tranz Angled "Hunter" Bit

[eclectic]

From the picture shown at NS sites, it appears the not-“Hunter” tranz-angled lozenge bit may have straighter cannons then the bit with the same name but excluding the word “Hunter.”

It seems to me that having straighter cannons would be a bit gentler - that the curve at the front of the bit would results in pressure applied to a wider surface of the tongue, with possibility of pinching the edges, and fitting less well into a narrower palate.

NS does not make a distinction between the two bits (“Hunter” vs. non-“Hunter”) in their marketing description. That and their described effect on the horse are the same.

Has anyone had experience with both bits, and could speak to the difference (if any) between them?

TIA

[stb]

I can’t speak to the Hunter version of the NS Trans Angled, but I do have experience with the regular one. It has been a great bit for my horse, who had been overbitted in the past and was inconsistent in taking contact.

[Bluey]

@eclectic

From the picture shown at NS sites, it appears the not-“Hunter” tranz-angled lozenge bit may have straighter cannons then the bit with the same name but excluding the word “Hunter.”

It seems to me that having straighter cannons would be a bit gentler - that the curve at the front of the bit would results in pressure applied to a wider surface of the tongue, with possibility of pinching the edges, and fitting less well into a narrower palate.

NS does not make a distinction between the two bits (“Hunter” vs. non-“Hunter”) in their marketing description. That and their described effect on the horse are the same.

Has anyone had experience with both bits, and could speak to the difference (if any) between them?

TIA

No direct experience with those, keep that in mind, but looking at those bits, I would think this eggbutt seems a more balanced, more clear signaling bit.
It may have less directional help than D ring does.
I like my D rings to swivel down the whole long side, as in the second link, better than just that little there:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/neue-schule-tranz-angled-lozenge-dring-12137?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=br_shopping_tes&utm_term=BR_Shopping_TES&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7MDK_vKp7AIVkIzICh0yHgASEAQYAiABEgKmfPD_BwE

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/neue-schule-tranz-angled-lozenge-dring-12137?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=br_shopping_tes&utm_term=BR_Shopping_TES&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Nqc0vKp7AIVyeDICh0Ejw82EAQYAiABEgKsevD_BwE

This seems like a nice eggbutt most horses would accept:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/neue-schule-tranz-angle-lozenge-eggbutt-bradoon-14mm-18417?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=nb_shopping_tack_dsk_3p&utm_campaign=&utm_term=2109814880&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkce2n_Gp7AIVAYTICh0iOgWXEAQYBCABEgIvCPD_BwE

As far as mouth pieces, you just have to try, each horse has their own preferences.
We had one older horse that absolutely didn’t like any other than plain iron/steel.
He showed a pinched expression with any other metal on a bit, no matter what kind of bit.
He would not easily accept them and would spit them out quickly and make faces when taking bridle off.

Everyone has different experiences, let the horse tell you what it prefers.

Maybe someone has tried them both and can answer from direct experience.

[eclectic]

Thanks @Bluey! I have actually been trying lots of different bits with my mare. We have the tranz-angled model from your 3rd link in loose-ring, part of her regular rotation. She accepts it well, has seemed to like loose ring best. She was in a Tom Thumb at her last place so anything double-jointed and non-curb is a relief.

I’m looking for a D-ring now for steering issues that show up when hacking narrow curvy tree-lined trails and especially down steep hills. After reading the descriptions on some Sprenger bits I’ve gotten a clearer picture of the action of curved double-jointed lozenge vs. straight double-jointed lozenge.

Your first 2 links, btw, are to the same item. That one looks like NS’ version called “Hunter” - with the straighter joining pieces. Smartpack doesn’t show the diameter, which would be 16mm if it is the Hunter. (Smartpak also doesn’t carry large enough width).

I would have bought the Sprenger KK Ultra but they’re sizing system doesn’t work for us. And I question the quality as the one I received from Dover had pitting in the inner rings - making them rough.

Was reading the descriptions of Fager bits at BitsofBritain site. Someone here was asking about them. They have even better descriptions for how the various shaped double-jointed snaffles act on the tongue and bars. Some put more pressure on the tongue and off the bars. Others more on the bars, and in the case of a fixed cheek, the poll. Each action has it’s use for particular horse behavior. We want more on the tongue, less on the bars/poll.

[Bluey]

The second link was supposed to be this one, where the swivel is on the whole straight bar of the D itself, not just on the bars, as the first one:

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/jp-korsteel-hunter-dee--copper-oval-link-5125

D ring bits do offer a bit more direction to a horse as it indicates on the cheek part the d touches more than eggbutt or loose rings do.

Have you tried full cheek snaffle also, just to compare how the sides of the bit may work differently?

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/herm-sprenger-dynamic-rs-full-cheek-sensogan--16mm-14901?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=nb_shopping_tack_dsk_3p&utm_campaign=&utm_term=2109778593&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLeOpMSq7AIVDonICh1gbQzBEAQYBSABEgKSifD_BwE

I generally check how a horse’s body is responding in general, work on that, more than exactly which kind of bit it is wearing, unless a horse is telling me something in the bit is bothering it when asking for contact.

Everyone rides differently, all aids need to be trained for properly, but it is a dance between them that will give us the best communication.

Maybe also check that your body is not giving contradictory signals, that part of how your horse is responding, especially outside.
Some times just sitting up and looking where we are going indicates a sensitive horse where to go next better than any one kind of bit is using.

I hope someone else will know more about those bits to help here, but sounds like you already have an idea where you are going with this yourself.

[eclectic]

@Bluey Yes, now I see what you mean about the swivel part being different lengths (from your link to the JP Korsteel).

I had decided against the full cheek snaffle for several reasons and wish to try the D instead.

[Bluey]

@eclectic

@Bluey Yes, now I see what you mean about the swivel part being different lengths (from your link to the JP Korsteel).

I had decided against the full cheek snaffle for several reasons and wish to try the D instead.

I agree, don’t like full cheek ones either for several reasons, but they are one more choice of such bits out there.

My preference is D snaffle for starting colts and race training, eggbutt for other training later, after a good start with a D.

As for mouth pieces, there I let horses tell me what they prefer, most did fine with a regular old two part snaffle.
With so many choices today, you can please more horses and fit different rider’s hands better.

A well known western performance trainer said that he tried all kinds of mouth pieces, by chance once a chain one and that has been working best for most colts he started and even older horses.
I do fine with what I have, don’t know how those chain ones may work, have not seen one in person, just pictures.
Was interesting how different trainers can have all kinds of different ideas.