Education

Hyoid Apparatus

02/01/202202/01/2022 by Dave Elliott

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 …

The difference between a CRICKET and a ROLLER

05/05/202211/24/2021 by Dave Elliott

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 …

A horse “collected” too much.

12/13/202111/15/2021 by Dave Elliott

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 …

Curb Strap Explanation

01/11/202310/25/2021 by Dave Elliott

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 …

Bit Mechanics: SU-10, with MPC-21

12/13/202106/03/2021 by Dave Elliott

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 …

Updated Design: SU-01 and SU-02 Cheeks

12/13/202101/14/2021 by Dave Elliott

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 …

New Mouthpiece: MPC-26

12/13/202109/16/2020 by Dave Elliott

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 the jaw soft, and the mouth moist. Saliva helps neutralize acid in the stomach.

A Little Story About Bit Adjustment

12/13/202108/21/2020 by Dave Elliott

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 …

New Mouthpiece: MPC-W

12/13/202103/24/2020 by Dave Elliott

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 …

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