08/14/2024
Let me just start this post with a simple disclaimer: BITS DO NOT FIX ALL PROBLEMS!! …. HOWEVER, that being said, proper biting/equipment is so very important. This is my top Show Jumper, Orlina. I’ve had her for about a year and a half now and all though she can jump a house, she has been BEYOND tricky to bit to get the feeling I want just right. Now before you all launch veterinary investigations on her behalf, we treat , prevent and examine/exacerbate all possible other issues along with making sure the equipment suits each individual horse lol ! So the answer to all of the “have you done or checked this…” questions is YES(full stop). Lina is tricky in the sense that she comes across as dull or brutish.. some might say wooden in the mouth , but actually she’s very sensitive. But instead of tossing her head or throwing her tongue out of her mouth when she dislikes the pressure, she chooses to bear down and “numb” whatever sensation she disagrees with. So long story short , I end up with a horse that need something soft but a bit that gives me control when her blood is up in the jumper ring. Stronger bits, if too strong made her run faster and feel more ridged/ panicked , but simple soft snaffles were simply not enough woah damnit when I needed it. Today I finally tried out this lovely concoction of a bit, which I was so hesitant to try because of the of bulky somewhat odd look of it ,called a Mikmar and let me tell you my mare was a completely different creature!! **This is in no way an endorsement for mikmar bits lol but wow! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! And look at that foamy smile 😃….. no marshmallow fluff or sneaky tricks here lmao (not that I really believe that’s even a thing ) 😜…… simply just a happy horse who was salivating naturally and enjoying her work. So moral of the story ,for all of you out there fighting the good fight in this crazy sport that we love , try something new ! Don’t get stuck in your ways , and be open to innovation and progress! It might not work, but on the other hand it just might and when it does it’s fabulous 🥰👏🏻🙌🏻🫶🏻🤗 Thanks this one really did the trick for this very talented but tricky to bit horse 😊👍🏻🫶🏻