Polocrosse, Bits, 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 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.
Portuguese 4 Ring Happy Tongue
A horse shaking its head when bit pressure is applied or its tongue trying to escape the bit are classic signs the horse has a sensitive tongue. With this in mind the Happy Tongue was created, it has a medium port creating space for the tongue, relieving pressure, allowing the horse to relax.
Portuguese 4 Ring Snaffle
Our Snaffle is a popular bit due to the curved mouthpiece which distributes pressure more evenly over tongue and bars. With the offset centre link it will reduce nutcraker action and pressure points on the tongue.
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
