It’s just because the competition has started, so the information was moved to a different platform. It was only available before the jog.
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I used to have to ask to be as far from my mom as possible. Super awkward.
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Bumping this up because Team Wallace has a new post from Briggs regarding the enormous rings on his horse’s bit. He mentions the one bit being banned as well.
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Where is this post?
I found it…interesting… that they specifically chose the mouthpiece to have the large rings added to but the mouth is too big for her mouth. It is large enough that he has 2 bit guards on each side, wouldn’t that affect the horse’s comfort?
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I wondering what the mouth piece is & if using 2 bit guards on each side is more so to hide with is inside the mouth. Or it being too large means that if its a corkscrew or the like, means that it can work more on the lips & not just on the bars/tongue?
If its custom made, why not get it made in the normal size?
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If it’s too big and has any curve in the pieces, or port to it at all - the curves won’t be in the right spot.
I find it strange that they go to such lengths to put bizarre hardware in the horse’s mouth instead of making her more rideable. At some point it’s not the bit, ya know?
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Could not agree more. One of the parties involved behaves as a one-man PR machine for the pair. Kinda odd but whatevs.
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Agreed! I might have misread and only the bit pictured with the post has double guards but the mouthpieces he selected are a French link, leather, “3 piece”, rubber, and corkscrew.
As a caveat to this next gripe so as not to sound like I’ve got a “thing” against him, I spend a lot of time in my car and retain information easily and Rick spends a generous amount of time discussing the Wallaces on the pod 
It seems that BS has an affection for vintage equipment hence the desire to have custom items. He proudly discusses the old tack he outfits her in-no knee roll saddle, crochet wither pad, etc.
The saddle goes over the saddle pad (personal pet peeve) and his knee goes over the flap. Make it make sense!
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It’s on the Team Wallace fb page.
If the bits were being custom-made, why not get them in the correct size?
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I think why he likes the wrap on reins, they don’t move as easily on the bit so it holds steadier (jmho). That bit ring reminds me of those gigantic hoop earrings some women wear.
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Thanks!!
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I have no problem with people calling out sketchiness, but really, big rings on a snaffle bit? Too many bit guards? His preference for old school tack? This is starting to smack of a witch hunt. I remember those giant ring snaffles from eons ago - you had to get crazy short cheekpieces to use them - not my thing, but where’s the harm?
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I guess I’d think that a horse going at this level would have a bit that fits. I also would figure it would be ridden by someone who would realize after a million bit changes that it’s not the bit.
It’s not a witch hunt, it’s just very surprising to me.
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I get that. I’m not that familiar with this team so googled and clicked on the first video that came up - this one - https://www.facebook.com/teamwallacesouth/videos/super-pony/966803938376425/ - and looks like they’re using the bit we’re discussing. I can’t fault them for sticking with it. The horse looks happy and keen in it. Not sure I’d change it if I found something that works after a million changes, whether it technically fit or not. Also not my call.
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Curious about this - would those reins be legal in dressage? If they really don’t move (much) could they have the same effect as a fixed rein on a bit?
I think it’s debatable whether it actually works though. I don’t enjoy watching this pair run - even on their more successful outings they always look like they’re on the brink of losing control and like the horse is being pushed to or past its physical limits. That’s been true even with the current equipment they’re using. The constant commentary just feels to me like they’re looking to blame anything but the underlying training and fitness. It’s the bit, it’s the saddle, it’s the FEI, it’s [insert reason here]. That may not be their intent but that’s how it comes across, and it doesn’t help that they’re incredibly vocal and pushy on social media so they really draw attention to themselves. I don’t know them and I definitely don’t ride at that level so my opinion is only worth so much, but as a fan of the sport they leave a bad taste in my mouth.
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Very interesting question. I wonder if there is a rule on rein to bit attachment. Also, I don’t know that the connection doesn’t move like loose leather or metal, it just looks like it would be stickier.
