I just found out about this bit.  Has anyone used one?  Can anyone tell me about it? 

 

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Haven't heard of that one Jackie, can you put a picture of it up? Cheers Geoffrey
You can see the bit on www.wellep.com, there is an icon on their homepage for the bits.
I found out about the bit in "The Complete Book of Bits and Bitting" by Elwyn Hartley Edwards on page 50.
Wellep is a brand, they also were doing adjustable saddle trees and stirrup bars. The last date on their site in 2008 so I do not know if they are still around.
It is an interesting bit, with a ball joint in the center, with a steel cable running through the stainless steel mouthpiece (the cable is completely covered in the horse's mouth). It was said that because of this that each hand can feel what the other hand is doing (on contact). There are three variations of operation--direct contact, a slight curb effect (no chain, just poll pressure) and one for use with two sets of reins. There are also various types of mouthpieces.
I am interested because of my MS I am always looking for something that will help me KNOW where various parts of my body are in relationship to the horse. This sounds like a possible aid for my hands, if they are still made. Their adjustable tree saddle also looked very interesting since I ride several horses.
Interesting looking bit Jackie. For a bit that has been around since 1985 it's curious that I haven't seen one in Aus. I would think you would not be allowed it in dressage comps because of the cheekers? (not sure on that) Would be interesting to hear from anyone that has used one. Cheers Geoffrey
Just an update, I found only 2 for sale on E-bay, luckily in the two main styles, both 5". I could not resist, I ordered them. I have been warned that it will be up to the volcano in Iceland and the prevailing winds as to when these bits will make their way from Norfolk in the UK to NC in the USA. I already have permission from one of my ladies to try it out on her mare (Cider), so sometime I will actually be able to describe how effective this different style bit is in its action.
Another update. I got one of the Wellep bits I ordered (simple jointed snaffle).
I won't be able to try it until Sunday on Cider. I hope the weather cooperates!
I've already put it on one of my Micklem Multibridles (one without the chin strap). I'm going to try the noseband feature of the Wessep bit using the set up on the multibridle. For once I can use those cute little bit straps that came with the Multibridle to attach the bit to the headpiece. The plastic bit clips do not go through the spaces for the noseband on the bit so I used another set of the little bit straps to attach the bit to the nosepiece. I am doing this because it is a 5" bit and Cider has a 4 3/4" mouth, and HATES the taste of rubber so I can't use rubber bit guards. I hope with the extra stability she won't mind as much that the bit is a little too big.

Does anyone know of a source for leather bit guards? The neoprene (sp?) bit guards are way to wide for fitting a 5" bit to a 4 3/4" mouth. I have yet to meet a horse that does not despise the taste of rubber. Leather bit guards used to be available from the major saddleries 50 years ago. Another good idea that bit the dust?

The cable that goes through the mouthpiece has 3/8" play. The cheeks are very adaptive, I see no way this bit could irritate the horse's head above the mouth! When I pull on both reins the center ball joint stops moving quickly, with the mouth piece having roughly the same amount of room as a Mullen mouth snaffle.
Good luck with the new bits jackie!!
Hi, Jackie:

I think the big thing is that leather bit guards are harder to maintain, and more expensive to produce, not to mention that you need a saddler or cobbler to stitch them on for you...

If you want leather, I would check out your local cobbler. They're not hard to make, especially if you take a picture of the rubber ones, along with the dimensions, and choose the weight of the leather with the cobbler. My local shoe repairman has made and altered many pieces of tack for me, usually at a much lower cost than having a saddler do it.

Good luck!
Hi, Jackie:

Here's a link to leather bit guards. They're listed at the bottom of the page, along with rubber bit guards (the title says rubber bit guards, but there are leather ones in the list).

"http://www.equusport.com/category.php?category_id=65"
Thank you Jan, I appreciate it.
I tried the Wellep single jointed snaffle on Mia today, no problems at all after I let her get used to it. Mia is a mare who HATES being uncomfortable on her head and does not hesitate to show it in no uncertain terms. Though the bit was too wide in her mouth (also with Cider), she did not seem to mind it with this bit. She did not play with the mouth piece as much as Cider did, so Mia did not slobber al all. Debbie was doubtful at first, but let me try it, and she now says I can use it this summer.

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