Neue Schule Introduces Two New Dressage Bits to the US
Riverhead, NY (May 29, 2013) – Dressage is testing enough, who couldn’t benefit from a boost in confidence, including our horses? Now, for the horse who shirks from the bit — leading a domino-effect of performance issues such as falling in/out at the shoulder, tightness in the jaw and poll, or fixing against the hand — Neue Schule bits is putting the ‘comfy’ back in ‘contact.’
The Comfy Contact Eggbutt and Comfy Contact Baucher dressage bits by Neue Schule unite metal alloys, with high degrees of copper to encourage sweet, moist mouths, with a revolutionary side-to-side responsiveness in its bit barrels to soften the jaw and poll and dispel riding problems such as coming above the bit or locking up against contact.
How exactly does this side-to-side action work? The U.S. distributor for Neue Schule, Mette Larsen, of Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery, explained how Comfy Contact action benefits of dressage competitors while introducing the line to enthusiasts at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and earlier in the year, Larsen discussed “The Perfect Fit: The Right Bit for the Job” during the 2013 Lunch & Learn Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.
While dressage is only one phase of horsemanship for eventers, for FEI rider, trainer and coach, Kathy Connelly, it’s a way of life. Connelly, who represented US dressage at the World Cup and trained extensively in Europe with Herbert Rehbein, and Erst Bachinger of the Spanish Riding School, learned of Neue Schule when Larsen was using the bits to address tension issues in her own horse, Ulivi. The results spoke for themselves: Larsen and Ulivi were 2012 USDF KWPN Adult Amateur Horse of the Year champions in Prix St Georges and reserve in the Intermediare I. Connelly became a fan.
“Solving the problem of engineering a horse bit whose central barrel did not lock when contact was taken seemed impossible,” Larsen said. “Prior to Neue Schule’s introduction of this revolutionary design, all barrelled bits, such as the Billy Allen, locked up when contact was taken. The unique Neue Schule ‘revolving barrel’ encourages relaxed acceptance, causing a horse to soften through the jaw, poll and top line, thus promoting throughness and a more harmonious partnership.”
The independent side action allows clear communication. “For instance, if the horse if falling in,” Larsen said, “one would simply raise the inside hand in order to lift the inside shoulder. This mouthpiece is also excellent for horses that have little room between the tongue and upper palate.
“It also benefits horses with a ‘short smile’ or shortened distance from the corner of their lip to the muzzle, as it will sit further back in the mouth. This will discourage over-activity and tongue evasion.
“The revolving barrel utilizes the thicker, less sensitive center of the tongue, i.e. the ‘sweet spot,’ thus promoting feel, response and acceptance while maximizing control and lift from the horse’s shoulder.”
Neue Schule has also made it easier for all riders to select the perfect bit by including informational tags on each product. These new product tags act as a guide to help select which bits are best to create a better platform for the rider-horse connection, and help address and solve potential problems each individual horse may be experiencing. Neue Schule offers a range of high performance, superior comfort bits that are ergonomically designed, using the latest in engineering and computer aided design (CAD) technologies and incorporate a unique metal alloy with an increased conductivity that promotes acceptance and salivation. Neue Schule’s line of superior comfort bits for sporthorses range from $125-$360 and are available at a number of retailers including The Horse of Course, Inc. and The Tackeria.
Metlar Premium Performance Saddlery specializes in superior quality equipment and prestigious accessories inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, with a focus on progressive and creative innovation, comfort and high standard. Learn more about Metlar – Neue Schule Bits at www.metlar-us.com or call, 631-252-5574.
Photo: The Comfy Contact Eggbutt from Neue Schule. (Photo courtesy of Neue Schule)
Mette Larsen Metlar – Neue Schule Bits mlarsen@metlar-us.com 631-252-5574
