Connect Dalehead React Edgeware Symmetry Eggbutt
Pippa Dixon on Blue Dec 2020 Clarity Edgeware
Jumping and Schooling Bits
It is in my opinion very important to have good signals and control of your Horse or Pony The only way you are going to achieve this is to have a range of comfortable bits to choose from with a variety of mouthpieces to suit different Horses, stages of training, hands on the end of the reins and the variety of things that we do with our Horses
It is unrealistic to think that one bit is going to do it all if we are doing lots of different things, for example: In a Dressage test the Horse must be in a concentrated frame and it must wait to be told what to do it is not allowed to take matters into its own hooves ! Whereas over Cross country fences we expect a completely different frame and behaviour so it seems odd that we feel that one bit will give us all the signals and importantly rewards that we need
the way of looking at it is if you can do everything you need to do in a snaffle that is super.
If on the other hand you feel that all your schooling and lessons and Dressage tests are super in a Snaffle but you struggle a little with your jumping or when out in company then the addition of a well balanced bit with more signals, more release and reward and more control will be a good addition to what you do
If at the other end of the scale you have a Horse that is not in control and you feel compromised when riding it then look at it the other way around choose and good Schooling Bit to improve the way it goes and then you can dip in and out of a Dressage Snaffle if you need to for your lessons and arena work realising that the Schooling bit is probably the one you will ride the most in as you will always have the best signals in that one
Remember our goal is to improve the way our Horses go not ride the same Horse with the same difficulties every day and a strong Horse that has been allowed through poor training to get very strong is still a creature of flight and responds badly to ill fitting harsh bits But could potentially be trained to be much more responsive in a better balanced more comfortable bit and clearer training
It is unrealistic to think that one bit is going to do it all if we are doing lots of different things, for example: In a Dressage test the Horse must be in a concentrated frame and it must wait to be told what to do it is not allowed to take matters into its own hooves ! Whereas over Cross country fences we expect a completely different frame and behaviour so it seems odd that we feel that one bit will give us all the signals and importantly rewards that we need
the way of looking at it is if you can do everything you need to do in a snaffle that is super.
If on the other hand you feel that all your schooling and lessons and Dressage tests are super in a Snaffle but you struggle a little with your jumping or when out in company then the addition of a well balanced bit with more signals, more release and reward and more control will be a good addition to what you do
If at the other end of the scale you have a Horse that is not in control and you feel compromised when riding it then look at it the other way around choose and good Schooling Bit to improve the way it goes and then you can dip in and out of a Dressage Snaffle if you need to for your lessons and arena work realising that the Schooling bit is probably the one you will ride the most in as you will always have the best signals in that one
Remember our goal is to improve the way our Horses go not ride the same Horse with the same difficulties every day and a strong Horse that has been allowed through poor training to get very strong is still a creature of flight and responds badly to ill fitting harsh bits But could potentially be trained to be much more responsive in a better balanced more comfortable bit and clearer training
The Hand Test
When you are assessing the comfort of the bit your horse is wearing despite the advertising and the claims just try this simple test
Face a friend and hold your hand up knuckles facing them Get them to place your horses bit around your hand and get them to pull the bit closed
Your hand represents your Horses jaw and your friends represent your hands on the end of the reins if the bit you are using on your horse pinches your hand with finger pressure imagine how it feels to your horse when you are applying more pressure with body weight applied to your reins singles
Now decide whether the bit you have on your Horse is fair, comfortable and gives him or her the right signals and reward or whether it is restrictive and pinches.
Also look at your bit critically is it symmetrical and even all through the mouthpiece a Horse will not go evenly forward into your hands if the mouthpiece of its bit is uneven and asymmetrical.
React Edgeware
The strap is put on the same ring as the cheek piece on purpose so the action is carried high
The React mouthpiece is the Schooling version mouthpiece to the Response mouthpiece 14mm in diameter it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the flat lozenge and the positioning of the joints it discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are strong and too forward into the bit
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
· That are heavy in the hands
Edgeware Cheek
The Edgeware is not a gag but a leverage bit so as you pull the reins the Horse firstly feels a little wrap around mouth pressure then as the cheek turns there is a little poll pressure and then both these pressures are balanced by the high leather jaw strap tightening on the upper bottom jaw
The higher you go up on the jaw with pressure the more the Horse reaches forward into the action [ if the mouthpiece is right] the lower down you go on the jaw with pressure the more the Horse tips over behind the ears
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather jaw strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
The React mouthpiece is the Schooling version mouthpiece to the Response mouthpiece 14mm in diameter it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the flat lozenge and the positioning of the joints it discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are strong and too forward into the bit
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
· That are heavy in the hands
Edgeware Cheek
The Edgeware is not a gag but a leverage bit so as you pull the reins the Horse firstly feels a little wrap around mouth pressure then as the cheek turns there is a little poll pressure and then both these pressures are balanced by the high leather jaw strap tightening on the upper bottom jaw
The higher you go up on the jaw with pressure the more the Horse reaches forward into the action [ if the mouthpiece is right] the lower down you go on the jaw with pressure the more the Horse tips over behind the ears
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather jaw strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
The Jaw strap is put on the same ring as the cheek piece on purpose so the action is carried high
Connect Mini Edgeware fitted with a chain
The chain or leather jaw / balance strap is fitted high and not tight but snug so that if you were to gently to pull the bottom of the shank back towards the chest the cheek would not go back to more than 45% before the chain or strap had tucked neatly into the jaw and that stops the cheek turning any further back
It balances out the pressures and it is important that you fit a chain or strap as the balance of the design does not work with out it
Connect Mini Edgeware fitted with a chain
The chain or leather jaw / balance strap is fitted high and not tight but snug so that if you were to gently to pull the bottom of the shank back towards the chest the cheek would not go back to more than 45% before the chain or strap had tucked neatly into the jaw and that stops the cheek turning any further back
It balances out the pressures and it is important that you fit a chain or strap as the balance of the design does not work with out it
Clarity Edgeware
The Clarity mouthpiece is one of the Schooling versions of the Harmony it is 14mm in diameter and has a round lozenge and joints that give a little more feel to the action of the mouthpiece it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the joints discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are just a little strong for a Snaffle and need a little more
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
Edgeware Cheek
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
The strap is put on the same ring as the cheek piece on purpose so the action is carried high and is therefore well balanced
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather jaw / balance strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins or instead of a jaw / balance strap Quick links and a Chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
Harmony Mini Edgeware
The Harmony Mini Edgeware is 14mm in diameter and has a round lozenge and joints that go with the shape of the tongue it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the joints discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are just a little strong for a Snaffle and need a little more
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather balance strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain or a rubber covered chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw or Balance Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are just a little strong for a Snaffle and need a little more
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
- For young Horses that are strong in a Snaffle and need comfortable signals to train them to be lighter in the bridle
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather balance strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain or a rubber covered chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw or Balance Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
Clarity Mini Edgeware
has a 14mm in diameter and has a round lozenge and joints that are turned to give a little extra feel in the centre of the tongue it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the joints discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are just a little strong for a Snaffle and need a little more
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather balance strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain or a rubber covered chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw or Balance Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
has a 14mm in diameter and has a round lozenge and joints that are turned to give a little extra feel in the centre of the tongue it encourages a horse to move towards the bit but because of the structure of the joints discourages the Horse from getting too strong or set on the mouthpiece. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade the horse from leaning on the bit. It has a generous forward curve to stop the mouthpiece pinching the inside of the mouth
Very useful for Horses or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are just a little strong for a Snaffle and need a little more
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
- For young Horses that are strong in a Snaffle and need comfortable signals to train them to be lighter in the bridle
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Rein Handling and options
This bit will come with a pair of Pelham Roundings of your colour choice and a leather balance strap in the same colour
It can also be ridden with two reins and instead of a jaw strap Quick links and a Chain or a rubber covered chain
~I think it is important to have options so you might consider Schooling with two reins and Jumping using the Roundings and using the Jaw or Balance Strap sometimes but having the option of using a chain if the Horse is quite strong
Connect Mini Edgeware
The Connect Mini Edgeware
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Mini Edgeware Cheek
Is a shorter version of the Edgeware Cheek it is exactly the same proportions above and below the mouthpiece so it sends the Horse to the end of the rein
It is very important to have good balance when you create a cheek piece The part of the cheek above the mouthpiece ]the purchase] creates upper head and upper jaw pressure and the part of the cheekpiece below the mouthpiece [the shank] creates lower jaw pressure
In order to send the Horse to the end of the rein and give good release and reward for work done these two measurements must create balance This cheek must always be use with a curb strap or chain never without this brings to bear a third point of pressure on the upper part of the lower jaw as the bit is used
Doubler Leverage Bit
The Doubler mouthpiece instead of having large wide joints that do not fit well between the top of the Horses tongue and the roof of the mouth this bit has small ball bearings and a very small barrel. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade leaning on the bit.
Very useful for Horse or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are a little strong and too forward into the bit
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
· That are a little heavy in the hands
Wheel Twin: It is quite a simple concept in order not to have a huge ungainly cheek on a horses face this is basically a loose ring cheek with a loop to put the cheek piece of the bridle in and two rein options The mouthpiece is also captured in a loop for two reasons one to stop it harming the corners of the horses lips and two to make the signal very balanced as you pull the rein you get an instant lever action.
Very useful for Horse or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are a little strong and too forward into the bit
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
· That are a little heavy in the hands
Wheel Twin: It is quite a simple concept in order not to have a huge ungainly cheek on a horses face this is basically a loose ring cheek with a loop to put the cheek piece of the bridle in and two rein options The mouthpiece is also captured in a loop for two reasons one to stop it harming the corners of the horses lips and two to make the signal very balanced as you pull the rein you get an instant lever action.
Doubler Pelham
The Doubler mouthpiece instead of having large wide joints that do not fit well between the top of the Horses tongue and the roof of the mouth this bit has small ball bearings and a very small barrel. As the reins are used together the whole mouthpiece is pulled around the tongue and lower jaw, the mouthpiece has a structured feel in the centre of the tongue to dissuade leaning on the bit.
Very useful for Horse or Ponies that need to
· Pay more heed to the mouthpiece
· Are a little strong and too forward into the bit
· That block on one side as you flex or turn
· That are a little heavy in the hands
Pelham Cheek
This Doubler Mouthpiece ridden with a Pelham Cheek and a Pelham rounding is a really good way of riding a stronger Horse it fits neatly gives good clear signals and has good release and reward and with the Rounding there is no need to ride with two reins