Bit Mechanics: SU-10, with MPC-21

QUESTION:

My horse is a 12 year old mare and feels dull in her mouth, and sometimes I can be heavy with my hands. Could you please explain the mechanics of this bit and how it should help my horse? [Spur Up-10, with MPC-21]

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DAVE’S ANSWER:

The Spur Up-10 has a one to one ratio with limited slip, so this means very little yellow light or warning. The ratio allows the curb to give a signal for the horse to move its poll forward which encourages the back to lengthen, the hind quarters to engage and allow the body to begin to find balance: front to back.

As for MPC-21, it has the 3 piece which takes away the leverage on the bars and will create the majority of the contact on the tongue. The tongue is all muscle where the mouthpiece rests so this should give you a soft feel. But due to the unevenness and the movement of the beads the horse cannot hold onto the mouthpiece, which should keep the horse soft and mobile in the jaw.

All this is based on the adjustment of the headstall, the curb and the ability of the rider to release when the horse attempts to or achieves some degree of balance.

When adjusting the curb, always adjust it so that when the rider releases the rein, the curb should release off of the jaw area. The horse learns from the repetition of the release. Not the pull.

It is the riders knowledge of how to ask the horse to achieve balance and realize and feel when the horse’s body finds some degree of balance, then strengthen the proper muscle systems so that the horse can maintain this position for longer periods of the ride. The release of contact is when the horse will respond positively.

With this in mind, the purpose of the bit should be to guide the horse into balance without physical force.

We hope this will help with your proper adjustments and use of this bit and others!