This is a passion of ours, and we hope to fill it full of knowledgeable posts in an easy to reference layout, where you can learn infinitely.
As published in: 2006 HORSE BREEDERS AND OWNERS CONFERENCE The anatomy of a horse’s head plays an important role in the form, function and design of a bit. By understanding where the bit applies pressure in or on the horse’s head, we can better judge the response we want to achieve. If we are creating excessive physical pressure, keep in
With your headstall and bit on a horse, and with the curb loose, adjust the headstall so that the mouthpiece of the bit just makes contact with the upper curve of the lip. This will be the starting point as each horse is different. Once the headstall and bit are adjusted, then the curb can be adjusted to make contact
In honor of Sue’s 2023 NFR Qualification, we are bringing you her Top Five Favorite Bits. #1: Spur Up 02 This bit was designed to transition your horse from an O-ring (with two piece mouthpiece) into something with less bar pressure and additional leverage. The Spur Up 02 has a 1 to 1 ratio and a slightly shorter 7 1/8″
The balance of the horse side to side is the first step to complete Body Balance in motion. As the horse walks, the back should swing left or right. This means there is a consistent contraction and extension phase side to side in the horse’s back. Make sure the swing at a walk is the same on the right as
We all know that a horse can do all the maneuvers that we would like him or her to do without us being on his/her back. So why does a horse struggle with those maneuvers when we ride them? I think some of the problems arise, because the rider does not fully understand what has to take place to allow
With recent interest in the hyoid apparatus, I would like to share what I have learned in my research and numerous dissections in relationship to the hyoid apparatus and bitting. The hyoid apparatus suspends the tongue and the larynx in the floor of the throat. This includes a collection of five bones. The two long bones (stylohyoid) attaching on the
The cricket is made of steel and has an uneven center hole that is mounted on a square center bar. This creates a cricket sound when the horse rolls it with his tongue. The more motion the horse has with his tongue the more relaxed the lower jaw is. The relaxation of the lower jaw helps keep the lateral bend
Preview in new tab The below question was asked in response to the Curb Strap Explanation post. QUESTION: I have a mare that has been ‘collected’ too much. I am teaching her how to extend her poll and only get after her when she attempts to collect too much. She is softening some but she is used to ‘leaning’ on
Please be sure to read this entire post, as there is important information at the end. 1. WRAPPED CORD WITH QUICK LINK This curb was designed to help keep the bit balanced on the horse’s head. It is used on the bits with higher purchase and medium to long gag action. The wrap stiffens the cord which will help with
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] DAVE’S ANSWER: The Spur Up-10 has a one to one ratio with limited slip, so this
The changes you may feel in the new design will be very subtle. Our goal for this bit is to fit in more horses and rider’s hands, with a positive outcome. In the new design I added more forward slip where the mouthpiece slides in front of the shank. With the added forward slip, this will give the bit a
The beaded mouthpiece in the cage gives more width which distributes contact over a larger area of the lips and bars. The beads in cage has an oval profile so that as it rotates in the mouth it does not give an abrupt change. The center piece is the cricket which encourages the tongue to stay active which helps keep
Sally emailed Elliott Bit ‘N Spur looking for the just right bit for her horse Speedy. After lots of talk and deliberation, Dave and Sally settled on what might be perfect for Speedy, the Spur Up Combo #2. So off in the mail went the just right bit to Sally and Speedy. Upon receiving the bit, Sally wrote us because
I’ve designed this new mouthpiece referred to as the W. This is my explanation of why it was designed this way. The design concept is anatomical. Not mechanical. This mouthpiece is designed to make contact with the lips and the bars. With the flat surface of the mouthpiece distributing contact over a greater area, the initial feel may seem like
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