Animals Back in Action

16/03/2026

This is fascinating and wonderful that there is so much choice with subtle differences between the same concept of bit action. But also does highlight that you have to do your homework for the more sensitive horses

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✨️ Not all Lock ups are created equally.

The lock up is one of my preferred bits for horses. They are very versatile at the same time as being effecting for the horse.
The main principle is that the bit sits loosely in the mouth until rein tension is taken up or the horse becomes strong and it locks into place.

1 - Fager Lilly - single jointed lock up which locks on both planes. (Down and backwards).
As with all fager bits I find them very straight cannoned and so create a V shape in the mouth. This defeats the object of having the lock up as it does limit the pinch (nutcracker) to the lips and tongue you can see here that jt still has a lot of just that.

2 - Aster Golden locking snaffle - pretty much the same as the fager. Very straight cannoned but does have a curve for the tongue to fit in which again is defeating the object as it still has an element of pinch even if it is limited.

3- Bombers Ultra comfy lock up - this locks on 2 planes and is much more curved.
The curve and the slight upwards curve gives generous tongue room. The forward deviation gives ample bar and lip relief.
The primary pressure point is the tongue but its a 4/10.
I find this one the most useful for very sensitive mouths which prefer a stable contact. The locking joint allows for communication aids as well as a bit more respect from the horse.
I find that it also has a lifting effect so horses which tend to over bend, pull down are more sat up with this.

4 - Bombers Ultra comfy elliptical lock up
The Ultra-Comfy shape follows the contour of the horse’s tongue. Locked on both planes to maintain the correct angle over the tongue even when the reins are taken up, it retains the individual lateral aids.

5 - stubben anatomical easy control
Only locks on one plane (backwards) so that it is flexible in the mouth under no rein pressure and locks into place with rein pressure or when the horse gets strong on the bit.
The curved shape follows the contour of the horses mouth giving more tongue, lip and bar relief.
I find this one useful for horses which are sensitive on the bars and lips but still need a bit of tongue pressure to aid with flexion at the poll to bring the head into place. Its a nice stable bit and most horses take it well.

6 - Sprenger Max control (also applies to stubben Easy control with no curve)
Only locks on one plane. Only when the rider applies a stronger rein or the horse pulls strongly - the mouthpiece blocks and briefly forms a mullen mouth. This effect only sets in gently, but enables precise communication. When the tension on the bit is released the bit will release in the mouth. The mullen has a stronger effect on the tongue, bars and lips.

Have you tried one before?

27/02/2026

These are gorgeous girths and the leather care products are out of this world. Dont miss this amazing price. Message me if youd like anything.

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15/01/2026

The saddle truth is I see a lot of clients horses with Gastric ulcers. The good thing is the discussion is open and treatment pursued. How interesting and useful is this collaboration between physical and behavioral teams.
This is probably one of the heartbreaking aspects that leaves us unsure if the treatment has worked. Along side continued monitoring with gastroscope being able to address the behaviour with knowledge is key.

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Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) refers to mucosal gastric disease in horses, including equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), which present as two distinct disease entities differing in pathophysiology and approach to disease management. Both disease...

23/12/2025

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The purpose of dressage is actually very simple.

It was never about tricks, shortcuts, or quick results.
It was about developing the horse into a strong, balanced, supple athlete — and developing the rider into someone good enough to look after that horse properly.

Classical dressage was cross-training.
It prepared horses to do any job with strength, confidence, and longevity.
And it asked riders to put in the time to develop feel, understanding, and discipline — because the horse’s long-term wellbeing depended on it.

Somewhere along the line, we lost that focus.

We started chasing faster progress.
Looking for fixes instead of foundations.
Trying to skip steps rather than improve the basics.

But real development doesn’t work like that.
For horses or riders.

Correct training takes patience.
It takes repetition.
And it takes consistency over time.

Dressage only works when it’s done with integrity — when the goal is a sound, confident horse, not just a picture that looks good today.

As much as the world has changed, the horse hasn’t.
Their bodies still need time.
Their minds still need clarity.

Dressage was never meant to be rushed.
It was meant to be done properly.

Had you thought about this before?
What's your take?

13/12/2025

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Sometimes you have to think outside the box when talking to humans 😅

I was tending to a clients horse and as usual, chatting. It came up randomly in the conversation that the horse was behaving oddly when ridden. The owner was quite concerned about his knee. 😳
I asked "is he lame?", she said "no".
"Is it swollen?" Again she said "no".
I said "then what is it about his knee that has you concerned?"

She said "well he keeps rubbing it!"
I kinda have a feeling where this is going but thought let's lead her to it.
So I ask "what is he rubbing it on?"
She says "his nose! He suddenly stops when I'm riding and rubs his knee with his nose! The vet has been out and said there is nothing wrong with his knee but I'm sure there must be." She was visibly very worried.
So I asked "well what about his nose?" This puzzled her.
So I tried again "is there something wrong with his nose rather than his knee?" I saw the penny drop!
"Oh" she says, "I hadn't thought of that, but what could possibly be wrong with his nose?" I admit she looked a bit sheepish at this point 😅
So I asked "You mentioned it only happens when he's ridden? Never in the stable or in the field? What about when lunging?"
She says "never in the stable or field but yes he does on the lunge"
I ask "do you use a cavesson to lunge or your bridle?"
She said "bridle"
I double check "the same bridle you ride in?" And she confirmed. "I suspect the problem is your bridle is irritating him somehow" I finished.

Anyway, long story short, this horse happens to have an unusually high nasal notch and the owner was using a flash noseband which was fitted normally (not tight!) but given the horse's anatomy, it was sitting on the soft part of the nose, squeezing his nostrils and therefore his airway. The harder he was working, the more he was struggling to breathe easily through an airway that he couldn't dilate. The very clever lad had realised this thing on his nose was the problem and was stopping to try and get it off. The further into a session he went, the more frantic it was.

Now, in hindsight it's obvious, but the owner genuinely believed the problem was his knee! She was determined to find and fix the problem, just was looking at it upside down 🙃

I explained how to find the nasal notch and discussed nosebands that could work with his anatomy. We settled on a grackle because the horse was strong to a jump and could cross his jaw, hence the flash to start with. The problem vanished instantly 🥰🥰

We've always got to think outside the box, and ask the right questions. I've included a shot from my previous post on how to fit a noseband, just to demonstrate where the nasal notch is. In some horses it is very high and they cannot wear a flash or drop noseband at all! It's worth having a feel of your horse's nose and double checking too 😁

Just a quick edit - The part of this behaviour that was concerning is that it was interrupting his work. It is normal for them to have a quick rub at the end of a session or when resting but they should not slam on mid ride to do this. That points to a problem.
Also please note that this behaviour doesn't necessarily have to be the noseband. It was for this horse, but it can have many causes. As a few examples - dental wise we have wolf teeth (possibly blind ones), teething in young horses, sharp points, hooks, tooth root infections, food stuck etc. Other causes can be allergies, bridle buckle pressing on nerves, headpiece pressing on the ear base, poorly fitted bit, soft tissue damage, true trigeminal head shakers (this will be obvious daily and not just ridden though) and even none head related issues like neck pain or back pain (this is more about needing to put their head down rather than about the rubbing).
In this case it was a combination of the horse never showing the signs in the stable or field and showing the signs when lunged in the bridle without a saddle or rider that made me go to the bridle first.

11/12/2025

Great to have more published science behind the use of poles

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08/12/2025

Very interesting video. Is your bit at the right height

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16/11/2025

What a fantastic and simple exercise. An important comment mentioned is that straightness is key in helping horses stay sound. Something we all want.

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01/11/2025

We had a lovely day at the Wairarapa A&P Society - Clareville Showgrounds thanks to the efforts of everyone to make it a great show. Dandelion and Rosie had 3 good show jumping rounds bringing home a 3rd place in her 70cm class and 3rd in her 90 cm. Plus some surprise lollies ringside 😁

31/10/2025

YUMMY Ada and Nym are loving the Doggie Delights DDWairarapa treats over by the show jumping of the Wairarapa A&P Society - Clareville Showgrounds

25/10/2025

Absolutely!

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“A horse’s reaction is communication, not defiance.” 🐴✨

In this week’s episode of the Shut Up and Ride podcast, Ben Atkinson reminds us that true horsemanship starts with empathy and understanding — not frustration or force.

Every horse is a reflection of the education and energy we bring to the partnership. When things go wrong, it’s a moment to learn, not to lash out.

Let’s raise the standard — for ourselves and for the horses we’re privileged to work with. 💪❤️

🎧 Listen now: Tune in to the latest episode of Shut Up and Ride — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
👇 Drop a 🐎 in the comments if you agree that good training starts with good listening.

20/10/2025

I love being part of our local A&P show both as a sponsor and a competitor. Looking forward to seeing you there

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