4 Ring
Portuguese 4 Ring Control
The Bombers Control Plate is set at 45° to follow the contour of the horses tongue. Consequently, a horse who uses his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control. This differs from a Dr Bristol which sits horizontlaly with the edge of the plate on the tongue.
Portuguese 4 Ring Colin Miles
The Colin Miles is a great schooling bit with a 55mm centre piece creating greater tongue pressure. The rings give the horse something to play with and help keep the horses attention on the bit.
This particular joint exerts more pressure than the Control Plate or Elliptical
Portuguese 4 Ring Barrel
A conventional snaffle joint has a nut cracker action, which means it will bear pressure on each side of the horses jaw called the bars and the tongue. The Barrel joint limits the nut cracker action and spreads the usual pressure over a larger area.When the rein is used this mouthpiece wraps across the tongue creating tongue pressure and taking pressure off the bars due to the lock up action. Please note appearances may be deceiving, this bit joint is stronger than the elliptical as pressure is more concentrated on the tongue as this joint is smaller.
Portuguese 4 Ring Elliptical
The Elliptical is a 45 mm lozenge, it is stronger than the Control Plate due to it having a smaller surface area. Consequently, a horse using his tongue as a means of pushing against the bit and therefore taking control, will draw back and tuck his chin in, coming back to a better point of control
Portuguese 4 Ring Lock Up Snaffle
The Lock Up removes the nut cracker action of the conventional snaffle, meaning it will bear less pressure on each side of the horses jaw called the bars.
Portuguese 4 Ring Waterford
The Waterford bit has many smooth flexible bumps or bubbles, which spreads the pressure over many points making it a light mouthpiece. The greater flexibility discourages a horse from leaning on it. The Waterford bit is a good choice for a horses that leans, it also promotes mouthing and salivation. The Waterford is usually worn ¼" - ½" longer than your traditional mouthpiece in order to curl around the lips and maximise the effect.
Portuguese 4 Ring Mullen
The Mullen is a strong bit which creates direct pressure on the tongue which will in turn create direct pressure on the bars. Used for a strong older horse and will also bring the head down.
