28/08/2026
Friday Fun π Here are the answers to Poor Bob is in a pickle!!! He has lost his bit π± Which one should he use? But... which one does he prefer? π€ π
Q1 - which bit should he try?
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E - the full cheeks will support his lateral flexion and the mouthpiece's slim design will fit in his mouth. The two copper rollers in the centre barrel might bug him so a plain barrel would be an alternative. The roller encourages the head carriage to come down onto the bit and seek the contact, good for when he shoves his nose into air. Independent side action will help with steering and lifting a shoulder. Downside? He leans on this, even though it is thinner, he manages to set his jaw against it and then refuses to listen. He twiddles with the barrel when he is bored.
Q2 - which bit does he prefer?
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F - this bit goes somewhat against his anatomy as it is the 16mm thick mouthpiece but he works nicely in it. He likes the stability of the eggbutt cheeks and the size and weight of the bit gives a good contact down the reins. The eggbutt cheeks are rounded against his face and corners of his mouth so there are no harsh edges rubbing him. Mouthpiece is simple for him and he seems to prefer the Salox to stainless steel. Downsides? It is a heavy bit and he can grab hold of it when I want him to walk forwards on a loose rein.
Interestingly, his first bit was the NS universal as he liked the mouthpiece but I only used the snaffle ring and it took a teeny bit longer for the rein to engage, also not dressage legal, not that we are planning anything like that for a while π
Quite a bit of Bob's reactions to bits is behavioural, although he has been schooled after racing he is easily bored and distracted and the first thing to get his attention is his bit (second is to turn round and try to bite my foot or grab his reins).
How did you get on?
If you want to know why he doesn't like the others, or why I don't, let me know and I'll do a deep dive into things π
π Sarah (& Bob)
