Tell me about this bit

[SharonA1]

Just curious for my own education. The horse I part-lease comes with a stainless steel slow-twist full cheek snaffle. He is in his mid-20s and quite wonderful and we’re not having any problems. He seems perfectly fine with this bit, other than always rubbing his face on his front legs for a couple seconds when done riding, as if maybe the cheek pieces are a bit itchy. I think he has had this bit and bridle for years, if not decades. He is a former eventer, and while he can move out (he’s still got “it”), he listens to any number of cues besides the bit.

I was gifted a new bridle, so will need a new bit (assuming the owner is okay with a new bridle, etc.). I’m fine with getting the exact same bit; I just was curious.

I am a casual pleasure rider and ride somewhat barely recognizably dressage-ishly, at a flailingly basic level, and we love the trails.

[luvmyhackney]

Ask his owner if she’s ok with you trying a softer bit. There might be a reason he is in a slow twist.

[Sarah616]

I doubt he’s scratching his nose because of the bit. I have almost never used a full cheek, but many horses will rub their nose after riding, especially if they get sweaty. It’s just kind of natural. Just take extra precautions and don’t let him scratch while wearing the full cheek, wait until the bridle comes off, because that full cheek can get caught on so many things very quickly.

[mmeqcenter]

A slow twist usually has sharper edges and has a bit of a bite; usually used to get a more significant reaction from a rein signal and usually used on a “strong” horse. I used one on my old gelding for a while after I bought him because that’s what the seller used but ultimately decided I’m not a fan. A stronger bit can’t fix training issues. But to each their own.

A full cheek shouldn’t be a problem for any of them, unless maybe it is not sized appropriately. If it is too small, it might be pinching, which would be the case for any cheek pieces on a bit too small.

Or, he’s just itchy. Some of them just like a good rub after a ride.

However, it doesn’t really matter if this bit is “appropriate” for the horse or not. You’re a part-leaser and it’s somewhat overstepping to ask to change to a different bit. If it was a full lease, I could understand a little more asking if you could try something different if the horse owner seemed like a not-picky type. But a part lease is really just a rental.

[CBoylen]

A slow twist is basically nothing. One step up from a plain snaffle. Almost all horses will rub their face if you let them.

[SharonA1]

@mmeqcenter

You’re a part-leaser and it’s somewhat overstepping to ask to change to a different bit.

Well, possibly, depending on the relationship and the expectations/comfort zones of the owner and leaser, however we can not worry about this, because I did not at any time imply that I was asking to change to a different bit. That is what I meant by, “I’m fine with getting the exact same bit.”

Really and truly, sometimes someone just is looking for education, especially when they state that as the first thing in their post.

[skip99]

Why not just put the current bit on the new bridle?

[SharonA1]

@skip99

Why not just put the current bit on the n

The real answer is, “Because I was in retail therapy mode and actually did not think of that,” but I’m going to bob and weave and mutter some excuse about two complete bridles. But you know the truth.

[IPEsq]

For the ones that like that bit, it’s a great bit. If you aren’t having problems, I’d just stick with that.

[Demerara_Stables]

@mmeqcenter

A slow twist usually has sharper edges and has a bit of a bite; usually used to get a more significant reaction from a rein signal and usually used on a “strong” horse.

This.

As far as the full cheek goes: I usually use a full cheek for young horses, as the longer cheek pieces exert a little bit of sideways pressure on the face when you are giving a direct rein signal, and help the young ones learn to turn. For instance, when you pull on the left rein, you’re exerting pressure on the left corner of the mouth, and also on the right side of the face, to “push” the head to the left. Once a horse is reliably moving laterally off the leg and doesn’t need as much/any rein aid to turn, I switch them to a loose ring.

There might be a different reason the owner is using a full cheek, but I can’t guess what it is. Slow twists also come in other cheek piece varieties (eggbutt, D ring, etc). Maybe this is just the bit the owner had, or what the horse has always gone in so that’s why they use it?

[skip99]

no judgement!! It seemed like the simplest solution.

[endlessclimb]

Maybe try it in a d ring if the owner is ok with it. I hate full cheeks because they’re just asking to get caught on something

[mmeqcenter]

That was unclear from the comment about needing to get a bit for your new bridle, The mention of the bridle made it appear that you were contemplating asking the HO about a different bit. If not, why wouldn’t you have just gotten the same bit automatically? You could have just posed the question without mentioning your new bridle.

[Janet]

@SharonA1

ride somewhat barely recognizably dressage-ishly,

I picked up on this part. If there is any chance you will ever ride in a dressage show (or a dressage test at a horse trial), even at the most basic schooling level - any kind of “twist” bit is strictly illegal for that.

[beowulf]

@CBoylen

A slow twist is basically nothing. One step up from a plain snaffle. Almost all horses will rub their face if you let them.

Some may rub their face if their noseband is aggravating them. They’ll rub more the more snug it is.

My local org (that I would probably see you at OP! I’m usually the ring steward ) that hosts schooling dressage tests wouldn’t be checking bits. Just FYI. Our mantra is we would rather people be safe, and if that’s what keeps their pony safe and in the ring, then…