The concept behind the bit.

During my career overseas, I came across many different items of tack that are not available as yet in New Zealand.  One of these was a bit, with the mouthpiece made from leather.  Once I had used one for the first time I was a complete devotee. 

The specific advantage of riding with a leather bit is that the bit is pliable and shapes to the horses mouth, in turn making the horse much more comfortable.  The horse begins to like the bit and take the contact.  From this point it is far easier to ride into the contact, therefore encouraging the horse to be between hand and leg.

It is a bit to be used by any rider with any standard of ability.  For the more novice riders who are not as secure in their riding position, and therefore are less steady with their hands, the leather bit has the effect of softening the hands.

I use these bits on all horses that I train, but during my teaching clinics, I often come across horse/pony/rider combinations with specific problems, such as being behind the bridle or fussy in the mouth. This is when the leather bit really comes into its own, and the effect is immediate and dramatic.  Horses/ponies that will not take the contact are suddenly comfortable to do so, and ones that have a great deal of head movement for whatever reason, immediately become still.

Our Range of Bits:

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Frequently asked questions

Are they available in a jointed version ?  - The simple answer to this is no, the nutcracker action of a jointed bit is undesirable in this case. The idea of the bit is to make it as comfortable for the horse as possible, the pliable nature of the leather ensures that it moulds well to the shape of the horses mouth.

Will my horse chew through it ? - Extremely unlikely!  This has never happened to me and I have used the same bits for years on many horses per day.  The leather used for the centrepiece of the bit is incredibly strong.  We have worked very closely with Mac Macpherson who makes the bits for us, to ensure that the design and quality is absolutely correct.  Every single bit is handmade so the attention to quality and detail is second to none.

Which way does the bit go in the mouth ? - The smooth side (one without the stitching) goes in the mouth first.

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