Stephanie from Horse by Horse has been busy this year at the Neue Schule Academy where she attended a course recognized by Lantra to focus on the correct bit and bridle fit for both horse and rider. She is now the first and only Lantra Certified and fully qualified bit...
The results are, in some instances, straight forward and in others help to resolve long-standing debates. For example, the action of the Baucher/Hanging Cheek snaffle bit on the poll has been unresolved with a clear division between two schools of thought, the first, that it causes pressure on the poll,...
The purpose of the bit is for communication and control. In order to achieve communication we need relaxed, confident acceptance of the bit by the horse. Research conducted under controlled scientific methods has recently radically enhanced our understanding and knowledge of mouth anatomy and the different pressure points required to...
The Weymouth should be a snug fit and you don’t need to see any of the mouthpiece. The lips should be allowed to spread naturally and brush up against the shank. If you have a fixed cheek for a bridoon the fitting would be the same as above for the...
Washing When cleaning and checking your tack, the bit should also be included. After each use it is advisable to wash your bit under the tap and dry it thoroughly. It is not necessary to polish your bit, however if you wish to do so you may use any reputable...
You know your own horse better than anybody and if you suspect discomfort is stemming from the mouth a process of elimination will usually determine this. Firstly an MOT is necessary. Examine the mouth yourself – please refer to the section on ‘Mouth Management’. Also have the teeth and mouth...
Teeth do need regular attention – at least once per year by a fully qualified Equine Dentist or Veterinary Surgeon, or sooner if you suspect any problems. When we return to our stable or field after hacking, schooling etc we naturally remove our tack. When we remove our saddle we...
Methods Of Measurement There are various devices (mouth measures) available that will enable you to measure your horse’s mouth in order to determine the correct size of bit. We’ll look at three examples. This design is bulky and it takes time to adjust. This method of measuring is invasive and...
Giving a young horse the right start to its training is essential to finding its true potential and making sure you are using the right bit is a major factor in doing this. The support offered by using the right bit for a young horse is essential when starting to...
There are various measurements to consider when sourcing and assessing the correct size of bit including length, thickness, ring size and design. Loose Ring Cheeks The picture below demonstrates a popular loose ring snaffle bit, the Neue Schule Team Up. Other cheeks that are measured this way include the Universal,...
The Neue Schule Turtle Top (top) and Neue Schule Turtle Tactio (bottom) The Turtle name is derived from its central link shape (shown below), which itself, takes inspiration from the Box Turtle. What is so different about this revolutionary method of lorinery design? Initially, in order to achieve the optimum...
Nosebands are usually used to shut the over active mouth. But before we employ a flash noseband, etc, there are factors we must consider, because if the horse is uncomfortable in the mouth then closing the mouth will further increase pressure, and the horse’s way of going will deteriorate. Check your...
