Anyone used one / any thoughts on this funky bit - Acavallo Sensitive bit? I’ve not seen anything similar before:
I’ve personally never seen one in person or used one, but I believe that it is just a fancy looking plastic-coated mullen mouth bit that is just all plastic rather than having a plastic mouthpiece with metal rings. It reminds me a lot of the happy mouth bits and sounds like it would be soft in the mouth with forgiving hands. I’d be interested to know if anyone has tried it as well!
I’d be up for trying it if it wasn’t $50. :winkgrin:
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I saw one for the first time at a tack shop this past weekend. It has a more rubbery feel than plastic. Very bendy. More like a nathe than a happy mouth.
This. Just has a plastic, solid side dee with slots for attaching rein, cheek pieces and such instead of a metal ring… Mullen mouth. It is a Snaffle, no leverage. Some horses will like it , fussy mouth for instance. Others will hate it, bit thick in the mouthpiece. Sort of a new generation Happy Mouth.
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I like it because it’s gluten free!
(this comment is accompanied by rolling eyes in case that wasn’t obvious)
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But is it non GMO ? BPA free?
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It also looks like the parts are joined so there aren’t any little gaps or areas where the bit can pinch. Also makes for easier cleaning! I’m intrigued.
Let’s be honest, “BPA free” is only the tip of the Plastic Iceberg :winkgrin: I’m only half way joking…
I would be nervous that the plastic sides would wear out and break!
I might order one. It’s cheaper than the similar bit I was looking at.
Edit: By complete chance actually saw one today. The sides of the bit do not move. They are completely attached to the bit at that angle. The bit itself is made out of plastic, not silicone as I had thought (I assumed more like a happy mouth, but it is more like a plastic hoofpick). The bit is still slightly bendable.
the mouthpiece is thinner than it appeared in the photos to me. It’s more thin than I think I would want for the horse I was looking at it for, but if you have a horse with a low mouth who prefers plastic bits this would be the perfect bit. Lastly it only comes in one size, which appeared to be about 5 1/4. I think the idea is because there are no moving parts you don’t need to have extra space on either side of the mouth.
So that’s all. I didn’t buy one so I won’t be able to speak for durability.
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I bought one and my horse is really happy with it. From what I have read it almost has a similar action to a baucher. I liked the fact that it has a bit of give, is much smoother than a happy mouth, and is significantly less than a Nathe. I find that my gelding is very light and carries himself slightly more uphill than he is inclined to in his Nathe D ring, in that he goes in a more hunter frame which is fine with me as that is his hunter bit.
I just got the Acavallo bit in January so can’t really speak to longevity however so far it is holding up well.
