New generation of mixing bits: Inno Sense, Sweet Iron and Titanium
Several new types of driving bits have recently appeared on the market. In this blog, we shine our light on these so-called new generation bits, which differ from the 'standard' bits in material and model.
For example, the Trust brand offers such new mixing bits in the Inno Sense and Sweet Iron line. The Inno Sense mixing bits are made of plastic. This makes the mouthpieces of these bits light yet sturdy, and they are also available in a stiff or flexible version. The Sweet Iron bits are simply made of metal, but are characterised by the layer of iron with which they are finished. This 'sweet iron' promotes salivation in the mouth and, by extension, the horse's acceptance of the bit.
45-degree nozzle
Besides the material, there is the customised model that catches the eye with these mixing bits. The mouthpieces of both the Inno Sense and Sweet Iron come in low tongue clearance and high tongue clearance versions. In total, there are three models. The bit with the low tongue clearance has a straight bar with a small hollow for the tongue. For horses with a slightly thicker tongue, there is a bit with half high tongue clearance and for horses with a really thick tongue, there is the bit with very high tongue clearance. The special feature of the higher tongue clearance bits mentioned above is the 45-degree mouthpiece. This German invention ensures that the horse actually always has tongue clearance, both at rest and in the bridle. Previously, we only knew the tongue clearance that was either curved upwards or forward. With the forward-curved bit, the tongue is free at rest, but when you are really looking for the bridle, that bit presses on the tongue. Such a bit is used for so-called 'stargazers', horses that have difficulty deflecting. A bit with an upward curved mouthpiece has always been the bit you used for horses with a thick(er) tongue. When you ask for bridle, bending in releases the tongue, but when you celebrate the reins, the bit comes back onto the tongue. The 45-degree mouthpiece sits nicely between the two aforementioned curves. So with this, you always have tongue freedom.
Titanium
Also new to the range is a third type of driving bit, namely a liverpool with 45-degree mouthpiece made of the material titanium. The advantage of titanium is that it is very light yet strong. It is a nice smooth-finished material and biologically inert, so the body will not react allergically to it. Unlike the Trust bits, the titanium bits with 45-degree mouthpieces are also available in pony size. An added advantage given the large numbers of Welsh ponies and Shetlanders used for the harness sport in our country.
Month trial
The new mixing bits mentioned above are more expensive than the standard bits, with the familiar models and materials. On average, a standard bit costs around 40 euros, but the new generation bits are more expensive by a factor of 3 to 4. However, in my opinion, the added value of these new mixing bits is obvious, with the caveat that due to the relatively short time they have been on the market, there is still limited practical experience with them. And also because the hand of the driver itself largely determines the effect of a bit, all metal bits at The Driver can be tried for a month. If you don't like the bit, you can return it after one month and get 70% of the purchase price back.
All in all, worth a try!
Juliette Post / The Menner
