BITS
Use of Bits in Ponyplay
The Bit is one of the most important pieces of tack that a pony can have. It fits in the mouth of the pony and is the device that allows the owner to have complete control over the actions of their pony. Once a pony has “accepted the bit” they, like real ponies and horses, are in submission. This means they have accepted the authority of the owner/rider and will obey commands without question and to the best of their ability. Ponies will do everything they can to please and make their owners proud of them. Most ponies will admitted that being “bitted” is the point where they become a real pony, silent, obedient and equine, and when they give control over to another person.
Types
of Bits
There
are literally hundreds of different bits available for Horses and Ponies.
They are made of various materials including stainless steel, rubber, and
vulcanite. Most bits are stainless steel and come in a wide range of designs,
however the human equine mouth is not designed to accommodate these types
of bits (unfortunately!) and PPUK strongly advises ponies and their
owners not to use them as damage to the ponies mouth and a large dental bill
will result.
The safest bits to use on ponies are rubber, plastic or nylon ones. You should consider the “straight bar” type which will avoid the unpleasant actions that jointed bits would deliver (and deliver very painfully in the human equine mouth). These “straight bar” will provide more than adequate control over your pony’s actions instilling the same obedience that real horses exhibit when using a stainless steel jointed bit. Look out for snaffle, bradoon or happy mouth (which are apple scented for the more reluctant pony) bits in the straight bar range. Your pony will be equally as sensitive to the actions of these bits in their mouth as a real horse is to jointed and stainless steel bits in their mouths.
Where
to get Bits from
Where
you get all your pony’s tack from, an equestrian shop or catalogue. Buying
a genuine piece of equine tack which is made for real horses and knowing that
it is going to be used on you or your pony can be a mind blowing experience
and adds immeasurably to the excitement of pony play.
Bits
cost from around £5.00 and generally buying a 4 ½ to 5 inch will be sufficient
for most ponies. Try online equestrian shops such as Robinsons
or Ride-Away.
If
you would like to buy a bit ready made for the human pony then go to Fantasy
Leather who make bits to fit their bridles.
Pictures of Bits
Weymouth, straight-bar snaffle, snaffle, Wilson Driving snaffle and Liverpool Driving bit all available in small sizes
