Finding a bit with brakes

Expert bits website: expertbits.co.uk/
Hello all, very quick video today for those who are interested in bitting. As some of you will know, I have been having trouble with controlling Jam cross country. I booked for Expert Bits to come out, and they were super helpful, here is how it went.
Although this isn't and AD, Expert bits did kindly gift me two bits.

[@xaviorshideout]

The fact you’re willing to learn and actively change for your horses benefit instead of ignoring it because it’s cheaper and easier for you - Thank you Meg! Showing them the love and care they deserve ❤

[@toothlessnightfury6631]

@@AtLast796 why are you always so rude?, in any of megs videos your always so rude and for no reason, megs always going to be learning so is everyone who owns a horse.

[@kristin1980uk]

@@toothlessnightfury6631 Ignore the miserable mutt. Like you said, all her comments are unpleasant. It’s actually quite sad.

[@kobethegoldenboi]

@@AtLast796 uhm actually bare minimum with bits would be “if my horse is feeling weird then i will put a stronger bit”. instead, meg is actually bringing out professionals to ensure she has the right bit.

[@kiaradoesart9682]

I absolutely love that they approached Jammy with such good faith, not treating her like she was just being "naughty" or "willful" and needed "disciplining" but instead assuming that she did actually want to work with you and do her job well, there was just something getting in the way. Giving her a *comfier* bit with the understanding that "more control" equals "unobstructed communications" instead of "winning the fight". It's such a wonderful change from the mindset the adults had when I was a little kid learning to ride!

[@michellestrickland7613]

Meg your confidence has skyrocketed in this video. You can count on being able to control her more and it shows how much more you feel comfortable doing.

[@feichannel]

Really helpful vlog! 👏😍

[@feichannel]

@RandomHorseNose Ooh, yeah 😜

[@KaitehhEquestrian]

I’ve become fascinated by bit fitting lately - this was so cool to see! You wouldn’t think that bit would affect movement, but it’s easy see how much more free Jam’s movement was with a bit she was more comfortable in… awesome video!

[@julialeblanc1875]

One thing ive noticed about the new xc bit, when you asked her to come back, she did not brace and shake her head, she just sat back and softened, and then you did not have to brace and hold, so you got a good shot to the fence every time even out of a gallop. Also she was moving her mouth , so she was not locking her jaw. Im excited to see the change.

[@jenniferlehman326]

Meg, your confidence has risen dramatically!! I'm so proud that you got the correct bit for Jam. Bits are like saddles. They all don't fit all horses the same way. I'm so chuffed that you shared this very important video showing that. Thank you for that. Ride Safe Meg!! From a Retired Paramedic, a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn. 💖🇨🇦 🇬🇧

[@lisabibby3222]

Best thing I ever did was email Matt. Sadly they don’t come up to where I am in Scotland but he really helped me find a bit that my mare now absolutely loves!!! You’re doing absolutely amazing and I just love Jam so much!

[@slou3552]

Changing my horses bit changed her whole demeanour, having only recently purchasing her I used the bit she came with but when the yard had a clinic I thought why not.. I was told that the bit she had would have been cutting on her tongue consistently and causing a strain in her overall head. Explains why she was so stressy and tense in her whole head and mouth when schooling even with the lightest of contact! So important to get these things checked out 💛💛

[@shermanian392]

what kind of bit was it? just for curiosity purposes :)

[@fleetskipper1810]

I had a thoroughbred ex-racehorse with a parrot mouth. Went through many bitting changes until we hit the exact right one. You are right, it made him into a literally new horse. He was so much happier. So glad that you got your horses’ mouths fitted, Meg. This is a very informational and brilliant video.

[@sarahm4181]

I have OTTB mare with (mild) parrot mouth too - curious what bit you found worked? Best that works for me is a french link loose ring.

[@lr4849]

I had the amazing Lisa vist me and my ex racehorse. She's absolutely wonderful. It's like magic what she's done for me and my boys partnership. People! Lisa is a must have on your horsey checklist. 😁

[@ihay472]

Part of me wishes I lived in the UK where you have all these resources so close. Glad Jammy got a better fit.

[@FoxDragon]

Finding the right bit for the horse at that time in their career is such an important aspect of riding. Not only do different horses have different preferences and needs, but those often change over the course of their education and experience. My only regret from this video is that you didn't show MORE of the conversation about mouth conformation and fit/shape of the palette and the bit as I really found that part of it quite fascinating - especially how different breeds tend to have certain preferences based on conformation. But yes, this is why trainers have buckets full of bits. XD

[@Charbified]

They seem really great tbh. I'm so glad that they aren't the sort of people where "needs more control" is "stronger/more severe bit" which sadly a lot of people do. Jam looks like she'll go really well in this! c:

[@jessicavanrijbroek8283]

Really informative video Meg, bitting is so difficult to get right without an experienced person there to guide you. Thanks for sharing, it really highlights how subtle changes really can make the world of difference.

[@thenorfolkequestrian]

Expert bits are incredible! I have a vlog with Matt when we had them out for Miyah and it such an insane difference with how she now goes!

[@Olivia.Boyd.]

I was really hoping you’d make a video on this! Bit fitting is so interesting to me and I love being able to relate it to a “case” I’m familiar with!

[@dxniella_]

I found this really informative, thank you for willingly learning and actively changing for your horses benefit, instead of ignoring it because it’s cheaper and easier for you - Great work Meg!!

[@patriciasuomala4294]

Great VLOG. I am obsessed with but fitting each horse’s for comfort - well done.

[@hceventing]

I did this with my horse and it made a huge difference!

[@elinaparkkonen517]

THANK YOU Megan for your thoughtfulness and sharing this informative bit about bits!!! 💖 We do use our saddlefitters, bridles and bits are just as important!! All the best to you and Jam👣💖🐎.

[@egeegee7146]

How fabulous. Your confident pony will now talk to you and listen!!! I do hope you regain your confidence in riding her forward.

[@alisontabernor6332]

What a great company. Jam looked fantastic with those bits. Can't believe how much bits have changed since I had my horse 🙂

[@veryvigliotte1752]

Thank you so much for posting this! I have had a lot of struggles with my TB as I have no history prior to purchasing him what he was using. Biting has been one of those struggles. My trainer and I have been through a number of bits trying find one that works for me but also caters to his sensative mouth. After seeing this I messaged expert bits directly & I was so impressed to recieve a message back within an hour with a recommendation and explanation for what hes experiencing now. I immediately ordered the bit and I'm hopeful that this will finally be the one that works for us!

[@hilarydunaway4807]

What was the name of that bit?

[@veryvigliotte1752]

@@hilarydunaway4807 comfy mouth d ring snaffle

[@christinemartindale8715]

That was very interesting Meg now you have brakes which will give you even more confidence Jam came back to you so easily which was lovely to see.tfs😎🏇😎

[@eventingthedude]

I remember when we got my OTTB we tried so many different types of bits and now we have two that he likes. One is a myler snaffle which is his dressage bit, the other is an elevator bit which is for jumping and cross country. He really likes those two but I never realized how big my trainers bit collection actually is😂

[@janegoldstein8110]

Hello Meg, That was a very informative video and I like you learned so much from those very clever people. I never knew that a bit could make such a difference in a horses mouth and if everybody is being honest I would be very surprised if the people who watched the video did either. I would always try to use the gentlest bit I could find, that said I also rode Western with a Western Saddle and Bridle s I had to be very careful that I didn’t have a bit that was to severe. I am looking forward to your next video. Thank you. Jane 👍😎🐴🐎🧑🏻‍🦰

[@CeddieTeddie]

I absolutely love expert bits I had the amazing Lisa out to my sec A and fell pony a few months ago and it's like a have two new ponies so much happier and relaxed now! I'm so glad it's all worked out for you meg

[@tdbhmusic]

what a cute pony. by the faces she makes and her mannerisms, I'd say she loves you very much!

[@luluwostmann414]

fantastic blog Meg, I would love to see a more in-depth video with Expert Bits maybe going through the rest of your ponies. keep up the great work.😍😍😍

[@apirateslifeforme4557]

I think this important and brave to share! While I'm happy more people are learning there are bits that are too harsh and inappropriate to use, it kind of has swung the other way where ANY bit talk is becoming taboo... Happy you can share a responsible journey!

[@jadebennett9827]

Oh my days I can soooo relate to this. I’ve just recently done the same. It’s so amazing the slight difference you have to make. It’s like a revelation the change it makes. So happy for you and Jammy really looking forward to seeing you both trying them out in your next events. 😊❤❤❤

[@sumik8]

So fascinating! I am so happy for you & for Jammy!

[@michelegriffiths2738]

I already use Expert Bits but not had a consultation. Tomorrow I will definitely be poking my connies pallet. He is also in a hanging cheek, comfy barrel and we use an eggbutt comfy barrel 😁

[@janeminwell4395]

Really informative, thanks Meg and Expert Bits.

[@JenniferJCouch]

Great info vlog! My mare is having her teeth floated this weekend (she is 16 and has been dribbling her feed). With the vet I'll beable to get info on her mouth and pallet. She has been fighting several bits and its been frustrating to find one she likes. Hoping between the vet and your experience we'll have a good idea where to start. I dont compete anymore but brakes are still important and most all her comfort. Thank you for all your info vlogs. Best of luck to you and Jam in your future events. Stay safe. 💙🐎😎

[@kristin1980uk]

Really a great service to be connected with. Well done Expert Bits :-) ❤

[@emilybamford7591]

My horse has had surgery today, so looking forward to watching the vlog to take my mind off it 😌

[@Kufalk.equestrian]

my thoughts are with you and your horse 💞

[@imlovingthisxxx]

love learning more and more about all aspects of pony life. thank you for making the video

[@pinkyharris3560]

Yaaaaaaaaay!!! So happy for you both! Always love a bonus vid... can't wait to see how the new bits help!!!

[@musicbytommy]

Omg that's crazy! You physically see the difference!

[@ameliarobinson4679]

i have my horse in this bit for everything, it’s amazing!!

[@Kufalk.equestrian]

This is so educational! thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@Nadia-ri5wx]

Very useful and interesting, can wait to see how you get on in the future ❤

[@melaniejaynejones6436]

Another great vlog. This was so interesting and informative 👏 Well done Meg. You are going through the right channels to get Jammy 100% 😍

[@TaylorParnell]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!!! I need to figure out the bit situation for my horses ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@according2her]

Thank you so much for sharing this. The amount I've learned from this is invaluable!

[@nikkib2143]

A great information packed vlog that my girls will love x.

[@Anya-op6lp]

You wouldn’t believe how closely connected the mouth is to the hind! My mum has been to several dissections in Amsterdam where they were asked to row the leg of the horse they were researching back and forth, they had to tell the demonstrator when the flash was applied to the mouth and when it wasn’t. They weren’t allowed to look when it was put on/off and we’re shown how the flash actually restricts hind movement compared to when their mouth is allowed to move freely. My mum said she could physically feel the restriction in the leg and that the difference was shocking!

[@nicoleross4160]

Super helpful - similar issues over here! Going to check these bits out :)

[@jand3793]

Excellent demo. Thank you!

[@caroleminvielle9554]

Extremely interesting, thanks.

[@dekadonut]

loved this video and love Expert Bits to!

[@annaroberts6322]

Thanks for sharing. Really interesting ❤

[@Pipsyoutube]

Very interesting! I did thought you last bit was a bit large. Can’t wait to see jam improve from the new one :) Thanks for setting an example and getting a bitfitter out! X

[@flyingfire908]

I have a bit with the two eyes too and its great. I can decide how she is on any given day and decide if i need the leverage or not. The second time i put it in my horse actually snorted out bc she realised its the new bit that she likes better. Went in a double broken full check snaffle before, but it was a bit too thick for her pony mouth

[@jessicahigdon3962]

Great video Meg.

[@fantellerhur]

this was very interesting !! hoping jam feels better when jumping now!

[@hilarydunaway4807]

So much help! I'm 72 with a 4yr thoroughbred ,that dosent even want to take a bit! I realised that the nut cracker action was bothering his roof! As much as I hate a kimberwick...I found that they helped him...but also realized it was to much bit. When I saw that bit with a curve,I thought YES!

[@emma_and_a_horse]

Love your videos! Thank you Meg :D

[@Jazzvibesicl]

You are a wonderful horse owner

[@andystpierre6086]

My mare is team big tongue as well, Dora!! So I’ve been told to try a smaller bit, since she doesn’t have a lot of space in her mouth (and I’ve always been told bigger mouth piece, softer is the bit but it wasn’t the case with my mare as she has a big tongue 😅😅) All that to say, very nice video super interesting!

[@deborahlunt3478]

Really informative

[@rubydawson2032]

Can’t wait to watch 😆

[@kathrynschaller8875]

I wish we had this in the US!

[@patbroekema6721]

Very interesting video!

[@abifinnis6608]

Loved the vlog I am online looking at expert bits now.

[@bocolewish]

Very good info!

[@mollyequestrian1505]

the best days are meggie posting days❤🤭

[@Nunpi_Yisrayl]

Such a wonderful life I would imagine as English woman should live (yup Horse ride etc...) Healthy beautiful and people like us see and happy for them. Hope to see you grow and live your best. Peace and be healthy.

[@laurenpelling4079]

That was really interesting!

[@staceydeboer5283]

Love this video - would be great to see something more in depth about bitting in general 😊

[@rutherose23]

Loved this video-Are you going to have them bit your other horses too? Would love to see another bitting segment for Dee, Dora, Winnie and Ari.

[@EqEditss]

Hi! Second Gotta say I love your channel❤️❤️

[@helenlamb6560]

Noooo....just heading out the door.....yay I'll have something to watch later 🎉

[@tonibetty8104]

I luv your vids

[@juliemurillo3871]

We found that with the anatomical bridle we had no brakes with my mare. We went back to a normal noseband.

[@jguitar23]

I've done tons of trail/trek riding in the hills where good control is critical. I found a simple low western curb bit (not moveable) with a simple chain chin strap underneath (leather ends fine) works much, much better than a snaffle. Ok, it's less elegant but more comfortable for the horse's mouth while also giving you real leverage when you need it, esp if you don't pull on it all the time. Ie. gentle neck reining most of the time then more collected reining in complex situations. Sometimes a horse is not stopping due to competing with another horse, but whatever his/her reason, you must have good control at all times to avoid bad accidents.

[@Sez166]

Terrific!!!!

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Pretty interesting!

[@freerider1192]

First!!! Love the vlogs megan. Keep them going. 8s

[@sofiaequestrian5191]

❤❤❤

[@beckywoodside3460]

I liked seeimg what worked for jam! I'm looking for safety stirrups atm and just wondering what stirrups you are using at the minute

[@charlottecameron9969]

I rode my mare xcounrty in Dr.Brilrt with check pieces.

[@mazie_equestrian]

First? Edit: love your vids Meg, I feel like alot if you tubers dont share this sort of stuff so thank you xx

[@milliemartin3014]

Love your channel Meg ❤ just wondering if you are going to hoys this year if so what day ? Xx

[@Sppoky_Luce6422]

Hopefully you’ll have some breaks on jammy soon 😂

[@valeriefergusson269]

Really interesting vlog I don’t own or ride but I love following you did you get the others checked? Look forward to your next show xx

[@annamcknight2573]

Suggest you have a look at the training methods of Steve Young, who has videos on FB and YT. Found it very interesting about the action of the bit on the palate.

[@sarahd4115]

This was so interesting, do you think you will do this for the others?

[@ellenbell-mcmanus7433]

Yayyyyyyy

[@catherineohagan2604]

Anyone know which PS of Sweden bridle Meg is using?

[@spanglelime]

Okay, I have a question and it might seem totally obvious so... What makes an eggbutt snaffle an eggbutt snaffle? I'm using to seeing the classic. Is it the rings?

[@vogelvrouw]

eggbut is the type of ring, its basically the middle ground between a normal ring and a d-ring

[@spanglelime]

@@vogelvrouw thank you! I thought that might be it, but I wasn't sure.

[@cnkequestrian5789]

The "Eggbutt snaffle" that she will be using as her XC bit is not actually an Eggbutt snaffle. It is a leverage bit, not a snaffle because of the rings for the reins. It is an Eggbutt cheek piece style, though!

[@dannibyrne17]

Hi

[@kaylade-goey1568]

Quick question did you make a video about how to qualify for badminton grassroots? If so where is it under as I'm struggling to find it🙈 if not then could you make one please?

[@jelphick4686]

It's on Meg's 'to do' list. 😀

[@kaylade-goey1568]

@@jelphick4686 thank you so much 😊❤️

[@kaylade-goey1568]

@@jelphick4686 I look forward to it🤩

[@plove523]

Do the other girls get new bits, or just Jammy?

[@ButterflyEquestrianOFFICIAL]

OMG IM FIRST I LOVE UR CHANNEL ❤❤❤

[@sallllyyyyyy]

Are these myler bits?

[@sallllyyyyyy]

@@NoThankUBeQuiet oh sorry, my mistake. But they look quite similar!

[@elaineagcaoili2848]

what're brakes?

[@vistrode9604]

The stop needs to be installed before you ever get on a horse! Horses that don’t want to stop when ridden and also the ones who are hard to manage on the ground when being lead!!!