Looking to round out your bit collection? Here are 3 types of mouthpieces I like to have on hand ⤵️
🔵 A double jointed snaffle - Not any double joint will do though. I like to look for a mouthpiece with a wide center lozenge. This means no Dr. Bristols, French links or ellipticals.
🔵 A single jointed snaffle - Single jointed bits have a bad reputation for creating a nutcracker effect in the horse’s mouth, which actually doesn’t happen like most people think. A simple single jointed bit can be great for hacking or creating some lift for horse’s that lean from time to time.
🔵 A ported mullen mouth - I like to look for something with a low port, as this can fit many mouth types while also providing some tongue relief.
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How my client went from having an anxious horse to a willing partner in 3 steps
🔓Respect to the horse’s anatomy - The client permanently stopped using equipment that went against the horse’s oral anatomy
🔓Listening to the horse - The client tuned into what her horse was really telling her and swapped to a bit and bridle set-up that truly fit her horse.
🔓Utilize other equine professionals - The client worked closely with her vet to make sure her horse was feeling his best in other areas of his body. She also hired a bodyworker to help her horse recover from the effects of ill-fitting tack.
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How often do you look in your horse’s mouth?
Do their incisors line up?
Are there any cuts on their lips or ulcers on their gums?
Getting in the habit of looking in your horses mouth helps catch issues early.
Not every horse appreciates having their mouth looked in or poked at, so use precautions.
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What do YOU think? ⬇️ Some horses just WILL NOT accept the bit sizer. When this happens, I need to guess what size they are and sometimes try a size or two before finding the perfect fit. What do you think my go to size is if I can’t use the bit sizer? #horsesofinstagram #horsesofinsta #horsesofig #equestriansofinstagram #equestriansofinsta #equestriansofig #horselife #equestrianlifestyle #equestrianfashion #horseshowlife #horseshows #hunterjumper #dressage #eventing #adultamateurhunter #horseshowing #bitandbridlefitter #abitaboveequine
Just like people, horses have things they’re more sensitive to than others.
If your horse is fussy in the mouth or you can’t get a good feel with any bit you’ve tried, it could be the mouthpiece of your bit isn’t right for your horse. They may not tolerate pressure where the bit has it focused, or it may be uncomfortable due to their mouth confirmation.
The size of the lozenge, thickness of the cannons, or height of the port all play a role in how the bit functions and where pressure is applied.
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There’s a whole slew of information telling us how detrimental it is to have an overly tight noseband.
“It’s bad for horse welfare;” “It’s like a vice grip on the face;” “It’s not ethical.”
While those statements may be true, they don’t tell us WHY having a tight noseband is detrimental. If anything, those statements reflect on how bad it looks for us, the people who are responsible for our horses.
So WHY is it detrimental FOR the horse to have a tight noseband?
👃It can cause oral lesions from pressing the oral tissues into the teeth or sharp points of the teeth
👃A tight noseband will induce a stress response from horses like increased heart rate and increased eye temperature
👃It can cause facial numbness and nerve damage resulting in headaches and head shaking
👃Drop nosebands and double nosebands that sit low on the thin nasal bone can cause bruising and decreased air intake
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Hakini and I have a special announcement! Stay tuned to find out this later week!
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The point of a well fitted, properly adjusted bridle is so it doesn't interfere with important anatomical facial features. A number of cranial nerves can be impacted by the way your bridle fits.
The Infraorbital nerve exits the skull through the infraorbital foramen, which is located near the facial crest. This is a sensory nerve that affects the lower part of the face including upper lip, nostrils and cheek. This nerve can be effected by the noseband position, which is why your noseband should be about two centimeters below the facial crest.
The Buccal nerve is also a sensory nerve that runs along the cheek below the facial crest. This nerve innervates the cheek muscles, and can be effected by the cheekpiece of the bridle.
The Mental nerve exits the skull at the mental foramen. This exit is located on the outside of the lower jaw, below the bars of the mouth. This sensory nerve can be effected by certain tack like drop nosebands and curb chains and straps. The mental nerve gives feeling to the the lower lip and chin.
*I am not a vet. The statements made are solely to inform for the purpose of bit and bridle fitting.
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Did you know there are two kinds of Figure-8 nosebands?
Hakini is modeling the English Figure-8 which has leather loops that the top noseband straps slide through. The Mexican Figure-8 has metal rings that attach to the top noseband straps. The biggest difference between the two styles is the pressure distribution. A Mexican Figure-8 is generally going to spread pressure over a greater surface area. The metal rings sit just to the side of the facial crest and the top noseband straps crosses over it. The English Figure-8 distributes pressure over a small surface area. The leather loops sit just below the facial crest as does the top straps of the noseband. It's really what your horse likes best and personal preference as far as which style to use.
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Have you ever looked inside your horse's mouth? Getting in the habit of flipping their lips up and taking a look at their gums, incisors, lips and bars can help you determine what's normal for your horse.
It is a prerequisite of mine, that before any bit and bridle fitting appointment, your horse must have their teeth floated by a vet or equine dentist in a maximum of 12 months prior. Even with regular dental care, sores and sensitivities can still pop up!
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