The Northern Bitting Company Ltd

11/11/2022

Due to a rearranged clinic we have space available on Tuesday 22nd November for either a clinic or individual sessions, please PM to book 😊

05/10/2022

Our lovely sponsored rider and her gorgeous horse are getting famous!

Australian Lipizzaner enthusiasts are leading the world with a global database for the famous breed and attracting international entrants for the first Lipizzaner Global High Point competition.

01/10/2022

Some fabulous second hand (good quality bits) available at Nose To Tail based at Northallerton Equestrian Centre

02/08/2022

Fab article 🙌

This study showed that oral dimensions vary by age, s*x and breed in adult horses and ponies. Horses commonly had bits that did not fit in terms of the bit size in relation to oral dimensions. Horses have on average room for a 14 mm thick bit without causing compression of the tongue. Measuring oral dimensions as part of routine dental examination aids in choosing a bit mouthpiece size that fits in order to avoid discomfort. It is recommended to check bit fit regularly as the horse ages.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.879048/full?fbclid=IwAR3Jk4RjT_Hvt-qRaborjJaEGKKZGqrGmr7y3hSAnqRZyCd8sSbgOqd214w

A bit that fits is essential for horse welfare and good communication with the ridden, driven or led horses. The bit causes pressure on the sensitive structures of the horse mouth. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in oral dimensions related to bit fit in adult horses and ponies and...

30/07/2022

The mouth is directly linked to the hind legs - the reason why you shouldn’t catch your horse in the mouth when you go over a fence, it drops the back legs into the fence. And if you want to experience true collection - ain’t no pulling gonna make it happen - ever. 😋

30/07/2022

Fantastic link to bitting and bridle changes up coming - if the FEI do it, everyone else follows suit usually 👍🏼😬

https://www.facebook.com/113393104702124/posts/144326461608788/

*IMPORTANT CHANGES TO FEI DRESSAGE LEGAL BITS AS OF 19th July 2022*
British Dressage will be updating their permitted bit rules in due course.
Major changes made by the FEI to previously allowed British Dressage legal bits:

NOT ALLOWED GOING FORWARDS:

FLAT PLATE bits such as the Fager Carl, Bombers control Plate have been disallowed. (Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
The French link is currently allowed. (However, I predict this may change in the future)
FEI - “Bits with control plate as centre piece are not allowed. The centre link must have rounded edges and be shaped so it is not a plate”

HANGING CHEEK - With rotating arms/mouthpieces. (DC Morgan type)
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage.)
FEI: “The hanging cheek with rotating arm is not allowed as the cheek piece is different from the standard cheek piece. The rules do not allow for rotating mouthpieces”

CABLE JOINTED bits. (Bombers Cable Snaffle type)
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage.)
FEI: “Any single or double jointed cable bits are not allowed as they are not listed in the Rules of either Dressage or Para Dressage”

CURB BITS.
Neue Schule Turtle tilt. (Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
FEI: “Bits permitted if the maximum height is 30m from the lower part of the side of the tongue to the highest point of the deviation and must have a minimum width of 30mm. The height difference should not be downwards”
Forward tilt is allowed.

ROTATING type Weymouth. Revolver/swivel cheeks type bits
(Currently on approved list by British Dressage)
FEI: “Curbs with arms rotating around the mouthpiece are not allowed as the rotation allows the mouthpiece to rotate fully in the horses mouth which is not allowed for in the rules. The rules do not allow for rotating mouthpieces”
However, sliding cheek (up and down) styles are allowed.

No jointed/rotating mouthpieces on a curb. Where the rotation comes from the centre of the mouthpiece.
Such as Myler type Weymouth
FEI: “The rules do not allow for a jointed curb or a curb with rotation in the mouthpiece”.

Going forwards, I predict there will be more changes afoot, perhaps for next year or 2024. Especially in regard to the French link and bits that place focused pressure on the tongue. The recent amendment by the FEI to their approved bits list is a positive step forward in recognising horses welfare in competition. Photos from the FEI Dressage and FEI Para Dressage Guidelines for Use of Tack, Equipment and Dress amendment as of 19th July 2022.

29/07/2022

Having a fabulous time watching top horse and rider combinations with our stand at