Neue Schule Verbindend Horse bit Review

 Here's my review of Neue Schule's Verbindend horse bit.

I bought Niko, my Thoroughbred gelding, this bit and have been riding him in it for quite some time now so I figured I'd do a post reviewing the bit.Just before we get started I would like to say that no matter how good or bad I make the Verbindend sound you need to pick the right bit for your horse, so just please remember some bits are better for some breeds of horse/equine, it's important to do lots of research before running off and buying a bit just because it's shiny and looks like gold.

If you take a look at the photo above you should see three things, one my bit is a little dirty (shame on me) two the rather curved shape of the bit and three it has that handy little lozenge thingy, which will stop too much nutcracker action going on. Back to the shape of the Verbindend now due to it's shape when in the horse's mouth it makes a channel for the horse's tongue, the idea being to prevent tongue evasion which I can say it's pretty good at, but, if your  horse is the type to stick his tongue out this bit isn't always going to stop it, on the other hand if he is sticking his tongue out because he hasn't got enough room in his mouth with a big bit in there this might do the trick.

Because of the Verbindend's kind of odd shape it actually doesn't take up nearly as much room in your horse's mouth as you might think it would. With all this talk of shape maybe it's got you wondering how harsh will this bit be on my horse, well to be honest the bit really isn't bad and your horse can understand what you're asking with just the slightest rein signals, no it's not a wonder bit that can make your horse's mouth suddenly sensitive if he's dead in the mouth but it's likely to be a step in the right direction.

Now to the sizes, Niko's Verbindend is a 12mm bit with 70mm rings it's a good size for Niko but you might want to consider other sizes depending on your horse/equine's mouth size and breed. Okay now down to the standard stuff you all want to know, the bit is good for sending clear signals, I believe it's comfy for the horse when fitted properly, it's not a overly harsh bit but don't kid yourself it's still metal, it's great for transition, the Verbindend bit in general is a good bit and in the size I have it it's completely dressage legal.

The one downside to the Neue Schule's Verbindend bit is it's made of a very soft metal that makes the horse salivate sounds good right? Well not really because the metal is too soft so this can happen, see photo above. I would like to say that this only happened when Niko my TB was first getting used to the bit and he had previously only been ridden in a straight rubber bit, so please keep that in mind.

All things considered I like the Verbindend bit and would recommend it for many horses. Just remember to check out what types of bit are going to suit your equine best.

Sherwood Forest New Derby Boot Review

Today I'll be reviewing my new boots as promised. They are Sherwood Forest New Derby Zip Jodhpur boots, now I quote the tag "Developed for country sports specifically hunting, shooting and equine enthusiasts, the country sports collection from Sherwood Forest fills the void in country wear market." Ok well I am not sure I'd say "fills the void" but on to the review. As you can see the boots have embellished toe caps helping with style and of course boot strength, they also have front zips, elasticated ankle area all adding to a more snug feel and better ankle support, the boots also have pull on tabs if you care to use them.

As you can see here the boot has a fairly standard sole for a jodhpur boot, which is a good thing a boot with too much grip can be very dangerous this boot has just the right amount, also the boot isn't too wide so all in all the boot is quite safe in the event of a fall.

And now we come to the heel of  the boot it's a bit dirty yes but these boots had to be tried and tested, the heel has a spur rest although this photo cuts it off, just, it is there, nothing great but if you should wish to use spurs it's there. So now we come to the final opinion of the boot, it looks quite nice nothing too amazing, it is fairly well made and shouldn't fall apart on you, it is safe, and it is very affordable.

So it's a nice looking boot suitable for everyday use and riding at home with great value, but if you are looking for a boot with all the bells and whistles that will really catch the eye of the crowd at a show this is not it.

All in all the Sherwood Forest New Derby boot is good.

Wintec Rear Riser Saddle Pad -Review

Now that I have had some more time to use the Wintec rear riser saddle pad I think it’s time to give it a review.

The Wintec pad fitted to Niko’s back well and was easy to fit, it was held in place nicely after I had put his saddle on and there was no slipping, it did show more than I had thought it would, it isn’t the nicest looking pad out there.

Niko before being ridden, not too impressed.

But when I mounted I was pleasantly surprised at how much comfier it was, I was a little higher than normal with pad under the saddle which was nice, as we got going I found the pad made everything a lot comfier and less bumpy but without restricting Niko’s movement.

The rear riser has two thicker pads at the back where the horse’s back is weaker, it helps to absorb shock and reduces pressure on the back, but that wasn’t why I got it as after all it’s Niko’s withers that have been being rubbed, so the question is did it work.

Niko after being ridden, quite impressed.

The Wintec rear riser saddle pad has indeed stopped any rubbing on Niko’s withers, this is a great saddle pad that has worked really well and is very comfy too. This saddle pad is ideal for use on horses with high withers or sway backs, and is also useful for horses with little to no top line while they are building it.

All in all very good pad I am happy to have it, and I am sure Niko is too.