http://Etsy.com/shop/GrayHorseLeatherwrks, http://GrayHorseLeatherworks.com/

Gray Horse Leatherworks, Mint Hill, NC (2025)

12/18/2025

TONGUE GRID

A few weeks ago I covered the WTP bits with their long plate that is designed to physically prevent the horse’s tongue from coming over the bit. You will notice the visual similarities to the WTP bit in the tongue grid, and it is designed to do the same.

This “bit” is not to be used by reins at all and rather is a secondary mouthpiece to be put in the horse’s mouth. From the outside, it may look like a tiny overcheck bit.

It is installed on the bridle with a sliphead/bradoon hanger (or simply on a double bridle) and is positioned higher in the mouth than the bit.

Its sole purpose is to prevent the horse from getting their tongue over the bit, however, there are a few problems with this…
🔸 It can interfere with the primary mouthpiece - become stacked in the mouth or push the primary mouthpiece forward. This can change / disrupt the mechanics of the bit and restrict or pinch the tongue 😣
🔸 It can press into the genioglossus muscle (large bulge of muscle at the back of the tongue), causing the horse to want to draw their tongue back (this is what it is designed to prevent) and can prevent them from relaxing through their jaw/tongue 👅
🔸 It does not address the underlying problem as to WHY the horse would rather the bit contact their sensitive bars than the tongue - the bit (or use thereof) is causing pain/discomfort.

It is important to remember that restriction in the tongue/jaw is known to cause restriction in the body. As equestrians we want to encourage relaxation of the tongue/jaw and we do this by creating a comfortable environment for the horse to work into. If the horse is uncomfortable or in pain, we can assume tension will follow.

Questions? Have a horse that often puts their tongue over the bit? I can help! Reach out for a consultation 🙋🏼‍♀️ 💻

12/12/2025

Look, ma, no machines! 🤚🏻

Everything I make and sell is hand made from scratch using traditional methods, made to last. (I do own a sewing machine but only use it for small repair jobs)

By using the saddle stitching technique, I can do a number of customizations and the thread will hold, even if one component severed (the same cannot be said for the stitching method of sewing machines - if you cut one thread, the whole thing can unravel!) 😱

This method, of course, requires no small amount of skill and time. If you are wondering why my prices seem high - this is why! (I am still under-pricing myself based on hours worked, if we are being honest 😅)

I want to extend a big THANK YOU to all my customers who appreciate this craft and support my small business! I love what I do!

12/08/2025

Love the gold foil embossing on these custom neck straps!

I made this one to match the client’s tack which was a red-ish brown. Really stunning with the hunter green lambskin, don’t you think?

12/03/2025

There’s nothing wrong with a single jointed bit - as long as it’s got enough curve to it! 🌟

Thanks for the video (and for holding the top part of this skull up until your arm almost gave out 😆)

11/29/2025

I have updated my Etsy shop with more options for chain type and length for the custom leads ✨

While brass plated and nickel or chrome plated chains are cheaper, they will rust if left out in the elements. Solid brass and stainless steel are pricy but they hold up for a lifetime!

11/24/2025

“Winning Tongue Plate” (WTP) bits are marketed towards racehorses but are seen in many other disciplines. These come in a variety of cheek pieces and either with the long plate or short plate. I’ll primarily be covering the unique long plate variety…

What is the purpose of the plate❓
⏩️ to prevent the horse from getting their tongue over the bit.

It is effective in doing this! But WHY is the horse doing this❓
⏩️ To avoid an uncomfortable/painful bit or heavy contact with the bit.

What can make this bit uncomfortable❓
⏩️ A number of things, but often a horse will do this when the bit applies too much tongue pressure.
How does this bit work❓
⏩️ it works as a hinge at the central plate, the canons of the mouthpiece can collapse inward but cannot move up or down ↕️🚫
⏩️ this makes it act on the tongue and lips, and will not apply much pressure at all to the bars.
⏩️ while this can be preferable to some horses, others detest this amount of tongue pressure.
‼️ this plate can also press into the genioglossus muscle (large muscle at the back of the tongue - see second photo) which will make the horse want to withdraw their tongue 👅

Noting the irony here? Instead of changing to a bit with construction that allows for more tongue movement, they are marketing a bit that has a built-in tongue “block” to prevent the symptom it is, itself, creating 🤦🏼‍♀️

Why do we want to avoid this behavior ❓
▪️Bit will contact the bars (sensitive jaw bones beneath the tongue) and can cause pain/damage
▪️This can become a habitual form of evasion
▪️For racehorses, it is thought to disrupt the soft palate (breaks air seal formed at the back of the throat which opens up the airway)

This third point is why some racehorses are seen with tongue ties 😣

The WTP manufacturer makes some bold claims like “the only bit in the world to prevent displacement of the soft palate”, but there is zero evidence of this claim, and I highly recommend you do some quick research on this, you will find there is no proven correlation with the bit💡

Questions? Have a horse that often puts their tongue over the bit? I can help! Reach out for a consultation 🙋🏼‍♀️ 💻

11/14/2025

How does a running martingale affect the bit and bridle❓

A running martingale (also called a “training fork”) is an attachment anchored by the girth, with rings which the reins are run through.

When the upper limit is reached, and the horse’s mouth is higher than the rings, it will apply downward force on the bit, ‘encouraging’ the horse to lower its head. The main purpose of this training tool is to discourage head tossing/flipping or carrying the head too high that the horse could put themselves or the rider’s safety at risk - but there are other purposes, too!

When engaged, the working angle of the bit changes and more downward force is applied on the tongue/bars ⬇️. There is also a pulley-effect that occurs which enables the rider to apply more-than-perceived downward force on the horse’s mouth 😮.

Therefore, these should be used with great caution and adjusted so that at rest, the rings can be pulled upwards at least to the point of the withers ⏫️.
These should also ONLY be used with a snaffle as the use on a curb or gag will have harsh and undesirable effects 👎🏻 (I covered this more in my story series on Wednesday).

But a running martingale is not a terrible tool when used properly. Here’s a breakdown on the good and the bad…

PROS:
🔹Can help discourage head tossing/flipping
🔹Can promote straighter outline/head carriage for green horses
🔹 Can help reins stay in place in the event of a fall
🔹 Subtle “noise” created by the rings (when not engaged) can promote softness in the rider’s hands and heighten sense of awareness of rein tension.
🔹 Can help beginner riders - limiting over-opening of the reins, helps straighten horse

CONS:
🔸 “Noise” created by the rings can be bothersome for the horse and muddle pre-signal.
🔸 Pulley effect when engaged will amplify the downward forces on the mouth. Rider can easily lose sense of force applied vs. force perceived.
🔸 Tool becomes unfair to the horse if adjusted too low (that is, below the level of the withers)

Is your horse often evading the bit by head tossing / inverting? It may be a bit problem - reach out for a consultation 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am happy to help!

10/27/2025

HINT:

Look at the ears!

Does your bridle crown piece press into the back of your horse’s ears❓Is your bridle difficult to get over your horse’s ears❓Does your browband angle upwards❓

⚠️It may be because your browband is too tight⚠️

If your browband doesn’t hang loosely on your horse’s forehead, it may be too stiff or snug. It’s not your fault, though, most manufacturers make bridles with browbands that are far too small for most sizes.

The droopy thin dressage browbands are one fad I can get behind - as they are so much less likely to be tight on your horse.

A tight browband will do two things:
1️⃣ Rise upwards towards the base of the ears
2️⃣ Pull the crown piece forward, pressing against the back of the ears
3️⃣ Press against the temporalis (forehead) muscles

WHY IS THIS BAD?
🔺Can easily pinch the skin/hair at the base of the ear
🔺Can restrict the motion / full range of the ear
🔺Can increase pressure on highly sensitive poll and TMJ area.
🔺Will cause fatigue over time
🔺Associated pain can lead to behavioral issues

CORRECT FIT:
🔹 Positioned equidistant between the base of ear and TMJ.
🔹 Can fit your palm between the forehead and browband without any issue/resistance.
🔹 Material is not stiff.

Padding is unnecessary for browbands as they should NOT be applying any pressure. The purpose of the browband (and throatlatch) is for general security of the bridle, and should not be snug. A padded browband is often a stiff browband, and can make it possible to slide your hand between it and the horse’s forehead, but still be pulling the bridle forward.

When in doubt - size up❕

Questions? Comments? Drop a comment below 👇🏼 or contact me for a consultation 💻 I would love to help! 🙋🏼‍♀️

10/24/2025

SIDEPULL BRIDLE

This is the conceptually the most simple bitless bridle design. At first glance may look like a normal snaffle bridle, but the reins are connected to rings on either side of the Noseband, instead of a bit.

How does it work❔
Pulling on one rein manually turns the horse’s head. Pulling on both reins at once manually tucks the horse’s nose. While this is very straightforward, it can be quite limiting. However there are many that can train past the limitations and do amazing things in these!

How does it fit❔
The key component for any bitless bridle is a jowl strap (see my other post on this), which should be fit snug to provide stability for the bridle. The rest of the bridle should be fit as any other - still 2 fingers stacked between the nasal bone and the Noseband.

When/why try one❔
This may be a good option to try if you have:
▫️A horse with mouth/bitting problems
▫️A green horse you wish to train off all other aids before bitting
▫️A well-mannered horse whose mouth you wish to preserve on occasion
▫️Experience with bitless riding, or an instructor who does
▫️Time and willingness to properly train yourself and the horse to safely go bitless

This may be a poor choice to try if you have:
▪️A horse that is not respectful/responsive in a halter
▪️No responsiveness off other aids
▪️A horse that has issues at the poll or nerve damage anywhere on the head

In my experience these are great for very well-mannered and well-trained horses doing casual work. Without the “lift” effect of the snaffle, you may find it impossible to achieve a correct working frame in this if your horse is not capable of self-carriage. There is also no “give” to the setup as the interaction is primarily with the nasal bone, and some horses resent this. Therefore you don’t see them in competition much, and they aren’t allowed in many either.

BUT I still think they are a great bridle to have in your tack room and try out! My older pony, Whisper, happily goes in one every day with little kiddos 🥰

Curious if your horse will go well in one? Want to try one out? Reach out for a consultation! 🙋🏼‍♀️

10/19/2025

A reminder that my Etsy shop is open - and to place any orders before the holiday rush! 🎁

10/16/2025

The “What Do You Call It?” Gag Bit

There are many names for this type of bit (see second photo for common nomenclature) and come in 2.5, 3, and 4 ring varieties. This is classified as a gag bit and has similar mechanics to a traditional gag bit (see my previous post on the Cheltenham gag).

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Force from the reins leverage resistance from the poll which stretches the lips and bring the bit towards the molars.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
1️⃣ Conflicting signals: poll pressure encourages the horse to lower its head 👇🏼 while stretching lips encourages the horse to lift the head 👆🏼. Over time the horse will become dull to either or resentful of both.
2️⃣ Lips are over-stretched which can (and often does) cause pigmentation loss, thickening, ulceration, and/or laceration at the lip commissures 🤕
3️⃣ After long-term/consistent use in one of these, the horse may be difficult to transition to a snaffle, as the “lift” effect of stretching the lips is dulled (either physically or psychologically - see above) 👄
4️⃣ The bit is pulled up in the mouth so far that it is forced against the molars 🦷. This is irritating to the horse (at best), especially for metal mouthpieces. For synthetic mouthpieces, they can easily become damaged this way ⛓️‍💥
5️⃣ The forward and downward rotation of the cheek pieces force the crown piece against the ears 👂. Not only is this terribly irritating to the horse, but enough force applied can pull the bridle completely off 😱
6️⃣ There is a disconnect in the feel of the mouth 🤝. This is why leverage and gag reins should NEVER be the primary when direct-reining. The reins can be pulled with such ease and little to no perception in how much force is being applied to the horse 💪🏻

It is 100% worth mentioning that I used to ride in one of these, before I knew better! I saw many jumper riders using them at shows and thought it was appropriate. So NO JUDGEMENT here. I hope you all can learn from this and apply the “know better, do better” philosophy going forward 🥰

Have a strong horse and considering a stronger bit? Want to move down to something less harsh? I can help! Reach out for a consultation! 💻

Gray Horse Leatherworks

12/18/2025

12/12/2025

12/08/2025

12/03/2025

11/29/2025

11/24/2025

11/14/2025

10/27/2025

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10/16/2025

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