Bits N’ Such Equestrian

Kim recently came across a blind wolf tooth in one of her clinics.

“I found one blind wolf tooth on the upper jaw of a horse that was brought to me because it would never take a contact. The horse always had to be ridden with a loose rein.

Understanding the physics of how bits work is crucial! A snaffle bit, with the exception of a hanging cheek or baucher, will always slide up in the mouth when contact is taken and rotate downward onto the bars and tongue. Even though this was on the upper jaw the lack of space in the mouth was still an issue. In this horse's case, every time contact was taken on the reins, the bit made contact with the wolf tooth. The owner was told that the wolf tooth did not need to be removed, as it would never be a problem.

I referred the client to a dental specialist who removed the tooth and noted that the tooth had been constantly moved by the bit and was surrounded by scar tissue. In addition to the owner having the wolf tooth removed, I fitted the horse with a bit to remove the pressure from that area. This guy will feel way better in a couple of weeks!”

We’re on our way home from a packed trip to Germany. Lots of bit fittings and very productive meetings with suppliers.

The updated USEF Annex A has been published with updates. Be sure to check that your equipment is legal!

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment?fbclid=IwZnRzaARqQ1NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEez1Q7NKQ09bieGvCMQa-TJuudKl254P1a1_oSQYVjSw-NF529O4_lcVJn3NU_aem_Gil766ieyy9VHRzUk1DucA

www.usef.org

We are excited to offer the new Bombers Generous Port mouthpiece as a Weymouth, Loose Ring snaffle, Eggbutt snaffle or any other cheekpiece offered by Bombers.
Kim tested the Weymouth with top riders and her own horse and had very good results.
For more information or to try this bit in a fitting contact Kim or Felicia to participate in a clinic!
[email protected]
901-286-8892

Kim spent the day in Rheinberg, Germany fitting bits for Isabell Werth’s horses including her current star Wendy!

Interesting research.

https://askanimalweb.com/rein-forces-in-double-bridles-versus-snaffle-bridles/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Gk_zokh2HNJGK3zBQsGx9hNlBQNwIEyDuNOnlvV4S-VbecQpD5o_wYAQ_aem_D-yWCL7zJXc8SG4w-4tz_Q

Rein Forces In Double Bridles Versus Snaffle Bridles - AskAnimalweb There has been a huge amount of speculation concerning double bridles recently, with many suggesting that snaffles are “kinder” or “more gentle”. Last year, a large group of researchers, including myself, undertook a study to measure rein tensions and under-bridle pressures in 13 high-level ...

FEI postpones the implementation of the noseband measuring device.

https://eurodressage.com/2024/12/03/fei-postpones-implementation-noseband-measuring-device?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1DQVwRkYdiTjChkxD9t6siwpEFAPvNcyy2YrubdlkACpou9OsebWtHQM0_aem_RAj8CSUmjoj-T5VJ46i33A

FEI Postpones Implementation of Noseband Measuring Device The implementation of the FEI Measuring Device in FEI Events, initially planned for 1 January 2025, has been postponed to 1 May 2025, following approval at the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in November 2024.

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/double-bridles-create-less-pressure-than-snaffles-in-elite-dressage-horses-research-finds-873053?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1q1fD_rNYSjcnHhUQuTfTvNjbiImMNvwnpq1aYGUtSBkhELb__-ig_FxA_aem_70kTs09nMgfYPfLbQ8LzaQ

Double bridles create less pressure than snaffles in elite dressage horses, research finds - Horse & Hound Double bridles exert less nasal and rein pressure than snaffles, a study involving top competition horses has found. Studies comparing the noseband pressure and rein forces exerted by the two types of bridle were among those presented in a session on biomechanics at the British Equine Veterinary Ass...

It’s USDF Regionals time! Is your bit and bridle legal? Check the USEF Annex A to be sure that your equipment is legal before you head to championships.

www.usef.org