Deciding which bit to use when starting a horse can be quite confusing due to the number of different types available on the market. Making sure you choose a bit that sits comfortably in the horse’s mouth, encouraging acceptance from early on, is essential in the starting process for any young horse. Getting it right now will pay dividends later down the line.
Here we take a closer look at the Sprenger Dynamic RS Full Cheek Bit. With it’s unique angled lozenge, full cheek pieces and Sensogan material, we were keen to learn more about how the bit is suitable for young horses.
Bitting the Youngster with the Sprenger Dynamic RS Full Cheek Bit
Sprenger Dynamic RS bits are characterised by an ergonomically shaped mouthpiece allowing a soft and even distribution of pressure for better contact between horse and rider.
The middle link of the mouthpiece is turned to the front by 45°. This unique angle is the only way to get true contact with the tongue. When a contact is taken, the mouthpiece rolls smoothly over the horse’s tongue and stimulates it in a gentle but effective way. Clearly defined aids can, therefore, be given through the reins without squeezing the tongue, making it a great bit for the younger horse.
The unique 45° angle is the only way to get true contact with the tongue…
The Sprenger Dynamic RS is made from ‘Sensogan’ metal, a distinctive composition of copper, manganese and zinc. Horses like the taste and the warmth of the metal and it encourages the horse to salivate. This results in the horse mouthing the bit and relaxing the jaw, helping them to accept contact.
The Dynamic RS Full Cheek bit lies very quietly in the horse’s mouth as the cheeks prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth, making it ideal for the young horse. It avoids inconvenient pressure on the back teeth.
Due to the curved joints, the mouthpiece remains in the correct central position on the tongue, letting the rein aids work perfectly with the horse’s mouth and therefore encouraging the horse’s confidence in the rider’s hand and increasing safety.
Thanks to the patented ergonomic shape, the rein aids reach the horse’s mouth in a more targeted manner with a balanced effect on the tongue. The pressure generated by the rein aid is distributed over the entire tongue, which acts like a cushion in the mouth, encouraging the horse to chew and the effect is precise and effective.
Sensitive Horses
The bit is ideal for sensitive horses or those with a fleshy tongue as it lies steady in the horse’s mouth and is gentle on the corners of the mouth.
Horses that fall-out
The lateral contact helps horses that tend to fall out whilst riding or approaching an obstacle. The fine lozenge can direct gentle pressure pivotally onto the tongue.
For Turning
The cheeks are most helpful with turning aids, especially with young horses. The gentle pressure against the face on the outside of the turn supports the rider’s aid, making turns much easier for the horse to understand and for the rider to carry out. The upper part of the cheeks are curved outwards away from the horse to avoid uncomfortable pressure on the jaws.
The Sprenger Dynamic RS Full Cheek double jointed bit is available in sizes 125mm, 135mm and 145mm with a 16mm thickness. Priced at around £206.
For the full range of Sprenger bits, please visit sprenger-uk.shptron.com directed via Zebra Products
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.