Sprenger KK Ultra B-Ring

[Tucked_Away]

Has anybody used this bit?

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=SKUBB&Category_Code=Baucher

I have a horse that routinely wears (and goes very nicely in) a French link baucher, but previously went in a KK Ultra dee, and I do think he liked that mouthpiece. This B-ring looks like it could put all my favorite things in one place, but it'd be nice to hear a little feedback before spending the $$.

[ASB Stars]

I have one that I no longer use- just don't have a horse that it would be appropriate for. I thought it would work well on one, and found he went better in a little bit fatter loose ring French. BTW, they do NOT stay bright and shiny, like the nice picture, unless you are prepared to be extra attentive to them every time you ride- and between uses.

[clint]

I had a horse who loved this bit. She didn't like anything to move in her mouth, and the B ring is very stable. I sold her and sent it along with her, so I no longer have it, but for horses who hate loose rings, it works very well.

[TBrescue]

My trainer uses one and it is great!

[Dressage Art]

Love this bit! Worth every penny for my mare: she has a small, narrow, shallow mouth with thick tongue. I noticed a difference in her first ride. This bit gives her:
Stability from shifting from left to right: b/c the reins are attached to a different rings than the bridle, bit is more stable in the mouth. Bridle holds it in place and gives more stability to this bit.
Good braking point: bit has a French link and it's softer and gentler inside of the mouth
Augean metal promotes the salivation and she loves the taste of it.

She also loves this bit as well: http://www.doversaddlery.com/herm-sprenger-wh-ultra-loose-ring-snaffle-horse-bit/p/X1-01894/c2p/cs/

[sublimequine]

Do take note though, that bit is essentially a nicer-looking Baucher. It has all the action of a Baucher, so probably won't be as gentle as a loose-ring or dee-ring.

[audgesmom]

I love this bit...my strong very strong opinionated haffie goes well in it..wish it were legal..it is FEI but not the lower level stuff that I am doing :(

[Dressage Art]

This bit is leagal on all of the levels as snaffle and as bradoon. This bit is more gentle for some horses than loose ring, b/c it's more stable in their mouth, but probably the same as D-ring = where D-rings give the stability.

[jn4jenny]

Do take note though, that bit is essentially a nicer-looking Baucher. It has all the action of a Baucher, so probably won't be as gentle as a loose-ring or dee-ring.

Agree with this sentiment, except possibly for the cryptic phrase "All the action of a Baucher". IMHO, it is a total myth that the Baucher creates "extra poll pressure". I've actually taken the time to have someone test-pull my horse's reins with a KK loose ring and a KK B-ring in his mouth. No noticeable difference in poll pressure. The poll pressure theory also makes absolutely no sense given that 99% of Bauchers have perfectly round rings, not oblong ones, and that means the rein slides as it pulls rather than engaging pressure.

Given that, I personally don't think it's any less gentle than any other bit with a rounded ring (a la dee ring or loose ring). Heck, one could argue that it's even MORE gentle since it doesn't pinch at the cheeks and is suspended above the bars.

My greenie has enjoyed the B-ring that we borrowed from a friend, but choosing it over the regular french link Baucher was purely a matter of convenience (I could borrow a B-ring for free or buy a french link Baucher--guess which one I preferred!) And as others have said, it is not dressage legal, so my trainer plans to transition Mr. Greenie back into our previous KK Eggbutt (or possibly a mullen mouth) when Michigan show season approaches.

PS--If you can stand to wait, you can get it for FAR less than on the VTO Saddlery 25% off sale. They go on Ebay every now and again for $70-$90 shipped.

[audgesmom]

I am so glad to hear it is now approved for lower levels...this was one of my questions at the last sprenger seminar I attended in the fall..the answer then was basically the 'trickle down' idea, lots of winks and grins and that it was just a matter of time.....

[Dressage Art]

I am so glad to hear it is now approved for lower levels...this was one of my questions at the last sprenger seminar I attended in the fall..the answer then was basically the 'trickle down' idea, lots of winks and grins and that it was just a matter of time.....
Go to this link PDF file and scroll down to the photos of special interest for legal bits. There is actually a photo of this B-ring with comment "this Boucher variation is legal" I’ve been showing in it for 3-4 years now.

As for poll pressure or not poll pressure - I find those comments comical: what do you think curb does or gags or pelhams? Anything with a lever can theoretically put more pressure on the poll and give more control to the rider ;) Personally, if it's is legal for USEF - it's good enough for me.

[sublimequine]

Agree with this sentiment, except possibly for the cryptic phrase "All the action of a Baucher". IMHO, it is a total myth that the Baucher creates "extra poll pressure". I've actually taken the time to have someone test-pull my horse's reins with a KK loose ring and a KK B-ring in his mouth. No noticeable difference in poll pressure. The poll pressure theory also makes absolutely no sense given that 99% of Bauchers have perfectly round rings, not oblong ones, and that means the rein slides as it pulls rather than engaging pressure.

Given that, I personally don't think it's any less gentle than any other bit with a rounded ring (a la dee ring or loose ring). Heck, one could argue that it's even MORE gentle since it doesn't pinch at the cheeks and is suspended above the bars.

My greenie has enjoyed the B-ring that we borrowed from a friend, but choosing it over the regular french link Baucher was purely a matter of convenience (I could borrow a B-ring for free or buy a french link Baucher--guess which one I preferred!) And as others have said, it is not dressage legal, so my trainer plans to transition Mr. Greenie back into our previous KK Eggbutt (or possibly a mullen mouth) when Michigan show season approaches.

PS--If you can stand to wait, you can get it for FAR less than on the VTO Saddlery 25% off sale. They go on Ebay every now and again for $70-$90 shipped.

I do disagree about the effects/mechanics behind the Baucher, but I am glad I'm not the only one to see what this bit actually is. I kinda wish the company would mention something about it being similar to a Baucher in the ads or something, they may sell more that way. I think some folks don't quite know the purpose of this bit. :)