|
|
 Expert
Posts: 1631
   
Location: Somewhere around here | I know the No Hit Bit is very controversial on here but I'd like to hear people's? experiences with it. My current horse is probably the finiky-est horse I've ever rode in my life when it comes to bits + hackamores and I've just about given up. From using and trying out 20+ bits and hacks on him over 4 years we have finally settled on the dog bone goosetree simplicity with a curb for slow work and drills. He's happy in it, I'm happy using it, but it's not quite enough to keep him contained and listening in a fast run. If I do use a curb of any material he shakes his head around the barrels. So I'm seriously considering buying a No Hit Bit dog bone because it might give him and myself enough help but will keep him happy since it's similar to his current slow work bit. Does this make sense? Also, what were your reasons for buying/trying out the No Hit Bit? TIA! |
|
| |
|
| Have you tried a Goosetree Double Gag? I have had more luck with that than the Simplicity. Sorry I have no suggestions on the No Hit Bit :) |
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I haven't used the no-hit bit but I see your line of thinking in going to it. I don't think it would do any harm to try it as long as you have good feel in your hands. IMO there's a big difference between using a bit like that as a crutch for a training issue and using it because it is just what your horse likes/works well in. |
|
| |
|
| oh oh!! I'm exacted to read this one!
my gelding runs in a tight simplicity twisted wire, with a curb and he LOVES it and I LOVE IT.
a lot of people say it is such a light bit but my gelding is the most sensitive to it!!!
i can run him in a shake bit, but something about the quick release the simplicity offers he loves, the shank doesn't offer him that.
Sometimes he will ill run through the simplicity if I'm hauling every weekend running him in it (I don't practice in it only run) so I was thinking about a no hit bit also. Can't decide on a mouth piece though. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 5
| My horse is 14 years old, I have owned him his entire life, I have been through probably every bit, hackamore, combo that is made, had many great barrel trainers try and help me bt him and we find a bit that works for a little while and after about 3-5 runs, it quits working as well. We thought he even might have TMJ, nope, Outlaw Equine says nope that is not his issue. I had gotten to where I just kept 30 plus bits and hacks in my trailer so when one quit working, I could swap to another. I saw the No Hit Bit when they first came out and I will be honest, I was horrified by it because I honestly just didnt understand the mechanics of it, I just saw how it looked and thought no way I am putting that in anything I own mouth. Well, desperation got the best of me about 7 months ago and I really started looking into these bits and researching them and thought well, what the heck, I will try one on this 14 year old gelding I have and see what happens, what do I have to lose right?? Keep in mind I have LIGHT hands, and I am aware you can do damage in ANY bit so I didnt start using the No Hit Bit thinking I could yank all over him and it wouldnt hurt. Well, here we are, 7 months later and he runs in the SAME No Hit Bit I bought, he absolutely loves this bit and I truthfully figured I would use this thing maybe a week and have it up for sale. He went from chewing constantly on whatever was in his mouth, even chewed with hacks on, to riding with no chewing, gaping, etc. He rides completely relaxed now, head down and seems to enjoy being ridden and he is running in the 1d-2d and looks and feels completely relaxed in his runs and his turns are SMOOTH. I have sense purchased several and 3 of my 5 barrel horses now run in these bits, I have both the original and shorter version. I will say it didnt perform a miracle overnight, it took time for him to get used to, but I could feel and see a difference after about a week of riding daily in it and then about 2-3 runs he started to really get the feel for it and loved it. I am really a big believer in these bits, but I also make sure to ride pretty light in them. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Barrelhorsehelp1 - 2017-04-26 3:27 PM
oh oh!! I'm exacted to read this one!
my gelding runs in a tight simplicity twisted wire, with a curb and he LOVES it and I LOVE IT.
a lot of people say it is such a light bit but my gelding is the most sensitive to it!!!
i can run him in a shake bit, but something about the quick release the simplicity offers he loves, the shank doesn't offer him that.
Sometimes he will ill run through the simplicity if I'm hauling every weekend running him in it (I don't practice in it only run) so I was thinking about a no hit bit also. Can't decide on a mouth piece though.
Exactly! I feel like I could run my horse in almost anything but it doesn't mean he's happy in it.
Also I borrowed my friends goosetree double gag once and I think he really didn't care for the double gag part. Rode in it a couple of times but he just didn't feel as light or worked as softly/smoothly in it. Good thing I didn't buy a new one otherwise it would be collecting dust in my trailer. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | I bought a no hit bit to work my colt in because he was still kind of stiff. He tends to lean or brace on a bit some no matter how much I work on softening him. I can ride him in about anything, but usually run him in an Elliot spur up #11. A draw gag was the second thing I ever used on him after an o ring so, he was used to that type of bit. The no hit bit has helped wonders to help soften and be more responsive. It's so well made and just has a really good feel to it. I mostly just used it at home for slow work, but I finally decided to jump the gun and make a run in it Sunday. Wow! It was crazy how much of a different feel I got. I didn't feel like he was bracing at all going into the turn. It's not a miracle bit, but they are very well made and are great to use on certain horses. I also feel that like a loomis you have to have good hands and know when to release. It's not just like a regular bit that sits in one place, when you get in their mouth with any draw bit you will literally gag them.
I have a medium twisted wire with dog bone. |
|
| |
|
 Go Your Own Way
Posts: 4947
Location: SE KS | mind posting a picture - learning here... thanks...
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Dinero10 - 2017-04-27 12:16 PM
mind posting a picture - learning here... thanks...
Here a link to the makers
https://m.facebook.com/The-Original-No-Hit-Bit-1689782801309701/ |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 364
| What makes the No-Hit Bit any different than the various other sliding gags on metal shanks that have been around for years? I have a few handmade ones from JD Morrow and I've had them forever. Only difference on mine is the mouthpiece both slides and swivels. |
|
| |
|
 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| Less is more. You need to get the horse to work in the bit you choose. Usually you can change to a different bit and the horse will work great for a few runs becaus the bit puts pressure in a different place. Once the horse gets used to the bit, you are back where you started. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 807
Location: New Mexico | cecollins0811 - 2017-04-26 2:47 PM I know the No Hit Bit is very controversial on here but I'd like to hear people's? experiences with it. My current horse is probably the finiky-est horse I've ever rode in my life when it comes to bits + hackamores and I've just about given up. From using and trying out 20+ bits and hacks on him over 4 years we have finally settled on the dog bone goosetree simplicity with a curb for slow work and drills. He's happy in it, I'm happy using it, but it's not quite enough to keep him contained and listening in a fast run. If I do use a curb of any material he shakes his head around the barrels. So I'm seriously considering buying a No Hit Bit dog bone because it might give him and myself enough help but will keep him happy since it's similar to his current slow work bit. Does this make sense? Also, what were your reasons for buying/trying out the No Hit Bit? TIA!
I wouldn't recommend the No Hit Bit if this is what you're trying to accomplish. In fact, I think it's even lighter than a Simplicity. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Well I bit the bullet today and ordered one. I'll find out soon enough it is a good match for me and my horse or not. |
|
| |
|
 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Please update us on what you think. I've read rave reviews on them and really want to try one myself. Not sure what mouthpiece to go with though. |
|
| |
|
 Did I miss the party?
Posts: 3864
| Why is the No Hit Bit a controversial subject on here? It's a great tool when used properly. I use it during the week to keep a solid patterned horse that tends to get stiff, supple. They're made very well and feel more balanced in your hand than the rope of a draw gag. As with most every bit, people just need to be cognizant of their hands, be light, adjust it properly, and make sure your horses teeth are in good shape.
If it's controversial to the same people who say a tie down is bad, don't even bother answering the previous "why" question..... I'm out..... Lol.
Edited by barrelracinbroke 2017-04-29 7:17 PM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | For the people who do own one and like using it, could you tell me how you ride in it? Do you use split reins and use it just for slow work or do you like running in it as well? How do you place your hands in a run, lifting or guiding? How do y'all have the chin strap adjusted? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | barrelracinbroke - 2017-04-29 2:55 PM
Why is the No Hit Bit a controversial subject on here? It's a great tool when used properly. I use it during the week to keep a solid patterned horse that tends to get stiff, supple. They're made very well and feel more balanced in your hand than the rope of a draw gag. As with most every bit, people just need to be cognizant of their hands, be light, adjust it properly, and make sure your horses teeth are in good shape.
If it's controversial to the same people who say a tie down is bad, don't even bother answering the previous "why" question..... I'm out..... Lol.
I think it's so controversial because it looks so different than most bits out there and people don't know how to use it or how it works. That's why I'm wanting to do my research and asking all sorts of questions about it from makers and other people who use it. |
|
| |
|
 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | cecollins0811 - 2017-04-29 9:11 PM
barrelracinbroke - 2017-04-29 2:55 PM
Why is the No Hit Bit a controversial subject on here? It's a great tool when used properly. I use it during the week to keep a solid patterned horse that tends to get stiff, supple. They're made very well and feel more balanced in your hand than the rope of a draw gag. As with most every bit, people just need to be cognizant of their hands, be light, adjust it properly, and make sure your horses teeth are in good shape.
If it's controversial to the same people who say a tie down is bad, don't even bother answering the previous "why" question..... I'm out..... Lol.
I think it's so controversial because it looks so different than most bits out there and people don't know how to use it or how it works. That's why I'm wanting to do my research and asking all sorts of questions about it from makers and other people who use it.
It's not a novel idea for a bit... it's a slightly modified version of a Jarrett gag with just a bit more bend. Draw gags on metal shanks have been around for a good while.
I don't have a no hit bit but i do have an O ring from the people who make the no hit bit and its by far my favorite O ring I have ever bought. I love it. So the quality of the no hit bits I'm sure are nice. |
|
| |
|
Did I miss the party?
Posts: 3864
| cecollins0811 - 2017-04-29 7:09 PM For the people who do own one and like using it, could you tell me how you ride in it? Do you use split reins and use it just for slow work or do you like running in it as well? How do you place your hands in a run, lifting or guiding? How do y'all have the chin strap adjusted?
I currently ride it with just split reins for daily exercising and when necessary, slow work. I'm able to keep him flexing and soft in the ribs, which is what I need to do with this horse or he tends to want to stiffen up. I have run in it but, only at home. However, I'm not a huge fan of running in bits with a lot of gag personally so, I'm not a fair judge of that. I can handle some gag, yes.... but not a ton because I don't like the delayed feel. I have had some horses I've done it with over the years but, rare. And as far as hand position, I'm not a big "lifter". I use this bit moreso for lateral flexion than anything. But, I can get some vertical collection and a heck of a stop too.
|
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 158
| I use the 3 piece smooth mouth no hit bit on one of mine. I was skeptical but my mare really enjoys running it. This horse rides around great in a o ring, heck even a halter, it's not a band aid to cover lack of training, some just seem to really click with them. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Quick update; the bit and bridle came in the mail today and I'm super excited to try it out (hopefully tomorrow). The bridle is super soft and buttery, great quality leather! And the bit itself feels nice, has some good weight on it, and the mouthpiece is made very well! No sharp or uneven points. So far I feel it's a great quality product. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 217
| Awesome I'm anxious to hear! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1531
Location: Oklahoma | I have long shank No Hit big link chain , he is a puller so too much bit makes him mad , not enough he forgets his whoa. , horse loves it but he gets too setty and slow in turns and sticks his tongue out. So I am using it to school now and running in Chain locked snaffle as in runs I just need to get his nose. I would get the new shorter version next as the long shanks are way too big on my finer headed horses. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | People are always asking what's the difference....it's how well made they are! They fit a horse very well and are impeccably made! It's nice that they include a headstall and chin strap so even that all fits properly. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Well today I had my first ride in our new No Hit Bit...and I'm in love! It's so smooth acting and I could tell there was a difference in my horse at the end of the ride. In the beginning I could tell he was waiting for that "hit" part with your gag type of bits and some other bits but after 10 minutes of riding he started to realize that it wasn't going to happen and honestly he seemed happier.
Now I'm not gonna lie and say he was calmer and not a hot head, that's just him, but he was definitely calmer and thinking more as I was cooling him down from doing our one barrel drill. I'm going to keep riding him in this bit and will probably work the actual pattern after I've ridden him for another 3-6 times just so we both know what's going on and for us to develop more feel with this bit.
I'll post another update on the bit and how my horse is doing with it within this next week if anyone would like and I'd be fine to try and answer and questions about my first time use/impression. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Update #2: I still love this bit! I can see why certain people love it now and it's quickly becoming my go-to bit for hard to please horses. I did a quick lope through the pattern for the first time and my horse, who is known to come off the barrel wide and getting too excited, blew me away with how well he did. Not only did he not step off the barrels but he even turned it too quickly on the first, causing me to lift my leg to save myself from the barrel! Now I know this isn't a thing for people to have as a goal with their horses but it was a complete 180 from how my horse used to turn and it certainly was a nice change. I was also able to keep my hands super light around the barrels and in general in the arena.
If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask! |
|
| |
|
Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | I'm excited to hear the updates. My mare works really well in the Connie combs Stabilizer bit, but has recently been a little stiff with bending around second. Up to date on chiro. Wondering how she would do in a similar mouthpiece in the no-hit-bit set up. Now to bite the bullet... |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 217
| Yea I'm just not ready to bite that bullet yet but you've convinced me to try one |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | I highly recommend talking to the Original No Hit Bit creators on Facebook. They answered all of my questions quickly and we're very helpful finding the right bit and size for my horse. Very nice and cooperative people to work with! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Update #3: I am seriously in love! I have been using this bit since it showed up on my doorstep and it's the only bit I will use on my hard to please horse. Today we did our first fast barrel run and it was like a night and day difference from the runs he has given me for the past few years! Of course I did a fair amount of drills and stayed off the actual pattern since I received the bit, around a month or so, but I can say I'm very excited to exhibition him next week. I made two runs on him today and both were reliable and consistent, which is a HUGE thing for me and my horse. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 217
| Awesome! I should have mine by Friday! |
|
| |
|
Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Really great news! I need to go read back, but did you get the same or similar mouthpiece as the bit you used prior? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | ~BINGO~ - 2017-05-24 5:36 PM
Really great news! I need to go read back, but did you get the same or similar mouthpiece as the bit you used prior?
Yep the exact same mouthpiece and I'm really glad I did. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 5
| Glad you are loving it, the No Hit Bit was a game changer for my hard to please with any bit gelding, I now have a collection of No Hits and use them on any horse I ride in a bit, love them! |
|
| |
|
Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | Too bad they don't let you "try before you buy". Hubby is not on board with the cost and the unknown if it will help. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | ~BINGO~ - 2017-05-25 1:55 PM
Too bad they don't let you "try before you buy". Hubby is not on board with the cost and the unknown if it will help.
My husband was the same way but he knew I'd been interested in it since 2016 NFR and been talking about it since then. Guess hubby got tired of me talking about it lol. Plus I saved up some money on the side so that helped. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 217
| Rode my mare with mine tonight, she absolutely loved it. Very soft and very relaxed in it.
She still was head shaking but that's a different problem all together |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Update #4 (the last update): So last night was the night I bit the bullet and exhibitioned at a jackpot. Now generally I like to treat my exhibition runs like an Open run, unless I'm on a colt, and that's exactly what I did last night. He was amazing! I was so proud of him and had no troubles turning every barrel and staying on track. I can honestly say that I'm confident in my horse now and there's no better feeling! Sorry, no recordings of our run. He went in there confidently to the first and it just built up from there. Now we had some alleyway issues but that's my fault for being nervous, will be working on that from now on.
Now, I'm not saying that everyone should go out and buy one of these bits, you definitely need to be light and let you and your horse take a while to work with it and understand it, but I will literally never put another bit in this particular horse. Like I said above, this will be my last update so if you have any questions please feel free to ask before this post fades into oblivion lol. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | So from May to July the no hit bit still was working well for me and my horse but by the end of July my horse was becoming a little stronger on the pattern and was not rating well for his barrels. I stayed with this bit for another week, just trying to work on slow work and tried picking up the pace on the barrels again. Unfortunately the rating problem was still there and he was pushing on the bit instead of giving in and tucking his butt under him. Now I still love this bit and I will never sell it, but this sadly won't be our barrel bit like I was hoping it would be. Now this is a problem that I've had with my horse multiple times so I'm not mad at the bit nor the people who make it, it's about finding the right bit for me and my horse.
A note I'd like to add is that after I stopped using the no hit I started going back to cutting foundation training with my horse and I may come back to this bit for slow work in the future but it will not be for my horse on the pattern who needs a fair amount of help rating and collecting for the barrels. If my horse was naturally more rate than free running than I don't think we'd have this issue.
Here is the post I had for my revaluation http://forums.barrelhorseworld.com/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid...
Edited by cecollins0811 2017-08-11 6:09 PM
|
|
| |
Goosetree to a No Hit Bit