All About - Bits (Part 2)

Following on from my first bit blog and last week's blog about Double Bridles this week I want to talk about the different types of bits available. 

 

I used this quote before - it is something I think we all need to bear in mind!

 
In my first blog about bits I talked about the pressure points which they are designed to act on:

• The tongue 
• The bars (the flesh covered jaw bone between the front and back teeth) where the bit rests 
• The lips 
• The curb groove (chin groove) 
• The poll 
• The nose 
• The roof of the mouth

The Snaffle is the most commonly used and most widely varied bit available but there are others that are relatively common.

The Pelham
This combined bit is often used instead of a double bridle.   It is simpler because there is only 1 mouthpiece but it is designed to have the combined action of the two bits.  It has attachments for 2 reins and a curb chain.  It can give increased control but not for all horses as some learn to over bend or lean on them.  In many ways it cannot replace the double as the specific actions of the 2 bits are limited when combined!  See last week's blog for more information about double bridle bit action.

The long cheek gives the fulcrum action that the Weymouth bit gives a double bridle.  So when used with 2 reins pressure on the bottom rein will cause pressure on the poll and the curb groove.  As with the snaffle there are several mouthpiece varieties available.

 Straight Mouth

Jointed

French Link

 

 

 

 Ported

It is possible to use only one rein as 'roundings' can be purchased to link the 2 sections together.   This however, will limit the poll and curb action of the bit.

The Kimblewick
This is a type of Pelham, it has a curb chain and some can be used with 2 reins.  The mouthpiece is positioned above the centre of the 'rings' which creates some leverage. The rings for the bridle attachments are separate which can put mild pressure on the poll.  Like the Pelham they can have a variety of mouthpieces.  

 

The slots in the bit rings allow 2 pairs of reins to be used giving more of a double bridle feel.

The Gag
In some ways these look similar to the snaffle, however, they  raise the head by applying more pressure to the corners of the mouth.  They also apply some pressure to the poll.  These bits have special cheekpieces which attach to the headpiece of a bridle.  These cheekpieces pass through holes in the bit rings and attach directly to the reins.  This means that in inexperienced hands the bit will be 'hauled' up high in the horse's mouth.  

Ideally, these bits should be used with 2 pairs of reins, 1 pair attached to the bit rings as usual and 1pair attached to the gag cheek pieces.  This will then allow the rider to use the bit as a normal snaffle  until some more control or lifting is needed when the gag rein is used.

There are many new varieties of gag's available now and each should ideally be used with 2 pairs of reins! 

 

These 2 Dutch gag's should be used with a snaffle rein attached to the big ring and another rein attached to the bottom ring.  The cheekpieces are attached to the small top ring.  The bit pictured below has the option for more leverage if using the bottom ring.

Bitless Bridles
These are designed to control a horse by applying pressure on the nose and curb groove. They can be quite strong and are useful for horses' who may have damaged their mouths or dislike bits.  There are many options available now.

Biting is a complicated and confusing topic so always try to get someone really knowledgeable (who knows you and your horse) to advise you.  It is worth remembering that riding with 2 reins is difficult and takes practice.  Choose the simplest, kindest bit that you can whilst ensuring that you have control! 

Did you see this weeks' video?  'Riding In Review Tag' 
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Floss and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Photo Day!

Have a look at yesteday's video the 'Riding in Review Tag!' on my You Tube channel.  
Horse Life and Love. Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Floss and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

 

Ragwort Alert!

I mentioned Ragwort in my Poisonous Plants blog a few weeks ago but as it is so common and widespread I felt that it was worth a blog of its own!  Now is the time to start looking for the rosettes, before the flowers appear.  If you find flowering plants dig them up as quickly as possible, once they set seed you will have years of plants ahead of you.

Ragwort is poisonous to horses and causes liver damage when eaten. If your horse eats small amounts over a long period of time the toxic effects can build up causing the same effects as if he ate a large quantity all at once.  Unfortunately there are often no signs that anything is wrong until it is too late to help. The only option is euthanasia.

Signs of Liver damage (Ragwort poisoning)

Horses become lethargic and behave abnormally. They may become photosensitive (pink skin becomes inflamed when exposed to sunlight – like sunburn). They often lose weight even when still eating well. As the liver failure progresses horses may go blind, fight to breathe, wander or stagger. Often symptoms can progress so quickly that the first an owner knows of the problem is finding their horse dead. The best way to prevent this is to remove all traces of the Ragwort from your horses reach.

The Plant

Ragwort has an unpleasant taste, and most horses won’t eat it – but this is not a safe assumption to make. Young plants are less bitter and as it dies Ragwort loses this unpleasant taste. Therefore using a weed killer is not a safe option. It is equally important to check your hay or haylage before feeding it to your horse. 

1. Ragwort rosettes can be found from early spring onwards.
2. Mature plants flower from May to October and can reach up to two metres in height.
3. After flowering, most of the plants die and the seeds germinate in the area where the mature plant had been.
4. Each of the plants will produce thousands of seeds which will be dispersed by the wind, you or your animals. 
   
   

Dealing with Ragwort

Ragwort is also harmful to humans. Make sure you wear protective gloves and cover your arms and legs when handling it. If you do touch the plant then thoroughly wash the area with warm soapy water.

The best way to remove the plant is to pull the whole plant including the roots. It is best to do this at the seedling or rosette stage. Pulling (or digging) the plant after rainfall is also preferable because the ground will be softer. As Ragwort can regenerate from any root fragment it is essential to remove as much of the root as possible. There are special forks available to help remove the roots.  If possible remove the Ragwort before it flowers, if not use a face mask to avoid inhaling the pollen.

Specialist sprays are now available for attacking a widespread infestation. Fields must then be rested for the recommended time. DON’T FORGET that the dead plant is still poisonous, so you must remove all traces before putting your horses back out.

Disposal of the Ragwort is again critical, the best and most effective way is to burn the plant.

Key Points: 

• Ragwort remains toxic when sprayed, cut, dug or pulled
• Once cut the flower can still set seed and these are still viable
• In its fresh (just cut) state it is difficult to burn
• Can only be composted in controlled conditions
• Should only be transported in sealed bags or containers

Ragwort control is an ongoing process. The seeds can remain in the ground for many years before they germinate, this means you are likely to find that you will have plants to remove year after year.

If ragwort seed is spreading onto your land from the surrounding area, contact Defra for advice. For ragwort enquiries in Scotland, please contact the Scottish Government.

For further information visit:

http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/ragwort#sthash.b1izAtbg.dpuf

http://www.bhs.org.uk/welfare-and-care/horse-health-and-sickness/the-dangers-of-ragwort

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-ragwort-disposal-options-guidance

Look out tomorrow for my latest video. Horse Life and Love
Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Floss and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo