Dressage and Training:     

Suzan Mcdermott - NCAS 1 dressage, EA E level dressage judge, Vice Chair Equestrian Tasmania. Owner of Forest Hill agistment and training centre, Breeding performance horses and racehorses.  I bought my first WTP bit last week, I have always been of the opinion that correct training combined with correct horse management practices will account for most things when training horses, I would like to add correct bitting to that. I bought this bit for a warmblood dressage horse, he was broken in well, trained correctly, has a good temperament, and had competed relatively successfully in open competition. However, he was always restless with his mouth and tongue, difficult to ride to an even contact, often sore in the neck and shoulders, at the end of the day I put him in the paddock, and into the too hard basket. I saw the advert for the WTP bit and bought one. I have had 2 rides with the bit first thing I noticed was that his mouth for the first time was still and his tongue in the correct position. I put the bit on a client’s horse, a show jumper, who is difficult to steer, and check between fences, he also has body soreness issues, in his regular bit; I would describe him as perpetually angry, chomping on the bit, tongue pulled up, and hollow in his outline. With the WTP bit for the first time he was still in his mouth, tongue in the appropriate place, taking a  positive contact, we trialled him over some fences, and the horse was easier to turn and didn’t increase his speed between fences. It is obvious to me that both these horses were in considerable discomfort with the more “traditional” bits. This is a welfare issue, and as coaches and trainers, the welfare of the horse should always be  paramount.  

Julia Dungworth - I have used the Loose ring WTP NP Bit on a few of my horses, namely one that I was having problems with him dropping behind the contact in the higher tests. I went out at the weekend and lead the dressage by 8 marks after using it, to win the open intermediate at Burnham Market. I have recently cut down to 6 horses but I ride full time at all levels. I am also competing in France next week. Many thanks.

Deb Somerset - WTP Bit it’s amazing !  Hi guys just want to tell you how happy I am with my new bit I noticed a 60% improvement first ride then next day my instructor James Miller rode my horse, I didn’t tell him I had changed my horses bit, within 5mins my instructor said what’s different with Toby today he feels better in the hand, so I told him, new bit. James borrowed my bit and had a 100% improvement with a problem horse, I now have ridden 4 times with my new bit and head tossing has stopped (especially transintion into canter and halt) it’s amazing, great work guys.  - 

Peter & Di Jenkyn - The WTP bit was a success immediately with our young advanced level horse. As  part of a double bridle it succeeded in easing his tendency to want to open his mouth and retract his tongue. It provides a consistent and pleasant contact with the bridle and should be ideal as a snaffle or part of a double bit ...in consideration of horse welfare this bit should be in our opinion approved for dressage use. Every dressage trainer should have one for training purposes. 

Dianne Barnes - So far I have only have tried the WTP bits on a couple of problem horses, as i haven`t had the bits long. Horse number 1: problem was lugging on the bit. Then if you applied too much pressure or a more severe bit, she would either grind her teeth or hang her tongue out to the right hand side of her mouth. I used the WTP normal plate 5'' loose ring snaffle and within a couple of rides with this bit, she has settled her mouth issues and now working along nicely. Horse number 2: This mare, just back from the breakers and would not take connection to the bit. Then when pressure was applied to turn, stop or slow down, she would either throw her head up and run through the contact or put her tongue over the bit and you would have no control. I used WTP extended plate for 2 weeks in which time her tongue settled and the connection improved enough to try her in the WTP normal plate. Now she is working happily and improving daily, without any tongue issues. I am very impressed with what has happened with these 2 horses after trying multiple bits. We are now onto a suitable combination of bits, which I would happily recommend.

Keli Rowe - Bucking and Rearing - She has not bucked or reared since using your bit.  I had a fantastic dressage lesson the other day and she was very collected and had excellent paces. It definitely has been a confidence booster for me though because I had been thrown off a couple of times and needed to get my confidence back.

Dr Andrew McLean - Comfort and Contact - Thank you for allowing us to trial the WTP bits. We have used the two Plate Normal snaffle types, loose ring and fixed. So far, we find the bit to appear to be comfortable and soft in the horse’s mouth. The bits are a nice, simple design which appeals to us as we prioritise the horse’s responses to bit pressure due to the amount problems that arise from incorrect training and inconsistent or intense bit pressure. Ultimately, all horses should be able to be ridden safely in a snaffle, and the added features of the WTP bit make this particular snaffle a nice option. A bit is only as good as the hands at the other end. However, with tthe WTP bits, we have found less resistance in many horses, less oral conflicts, and improved lightness. We have used the WTP bits mostly on horses with contact problems and find them to be helpful in encouraging the horse to touch the contact and become more still in the mouth.

Kimba Kleinhans - Head Tossing and Shallow Breathing - The WTP bit has made a huge difference to my 4 year old Warmblood. Prior to using the bit, he was  very unsteady in the head carriage, with constant head tossing and shallow breathing. Two days after introducing him to the WTP bit, this all stopped completely and I found he was much more relaxed in himself while working. A couple of friends have said they also have had the same problem with their horses, so I gave them my bit to trial and they also found amazing results in such a short period of time (hence why I keep buying new bits, because they were so happy with it, I never got it back, lol). One particular friend also had a problem with her horse bolting and she has since trying the WTP bit, not looked back. Both rider and horse are much happier. I believe the WTP bit has made a significant difference to my horses and the progression of our training in dressage. I also recommend this bit to any one that has a horse, not only is this bit great for any one that is having problems with their horses, I found it is very gentle in the horse’s mouth which makes it perfect for daily use on all aged horses. 

Sarah Hancock - Tongue Over Bit - My 3yr old Warmblood had a bad habit of getting his Tongue over the bit and was making a heavy  breathing noise. I tried the Loose ring normal plate and it fixed him the first ride it was totally amazing. He was so soft and responsive to your bit. My coach noticed the difference and asked what I had done with the horse and I showed him your bit and gave him your details. I have also given your details to my neighbour. Thank you again so so much, can’t believe the transformation!!!!!!!

Tara Brough – Head Tossing, Fighting Bit - Hello I received my WTP bit and I just have to say I am absolutely in love my gelding never threw his head up once and has never been so easy to get soft and round now he doesn't even fight he is going beautifully. I just want to say a massive thank you now I can just ride instead of fighting with his mouth all the time!! One word amazing!!!! I must say I didn't have high hopes but as soon as I put the WTP Bit on, he stopped fighting!! I feel as though it's even made my riding better cause I'm not constantly on his mouth I can just leave him alone true genius!!!