Specialised Bits

We use the specialised bits collection for bits that sit outside the standard Trust Equestrian and Poponcini ranges shown on the main bits page. Specialised covers Sprenger, Metalab, Nathe and Lami-Cell patterns - signature designs, Pelhams, hackamores, gags, combination bits, KK Ultra, KK Correction, Pessoa Magic System, Bernard Fonck and Cyprium-alloy mouthpieces - the bits riders look for when a standard snaffle isn't doing what they need.

Sprenger (German, including KK Ultra, KK Correction, Linda Tellington Jones and Sheepskin Hackamore), Metalab (the Bernard Fonck signature line, Pessoa Magic System, Cyprium-alloy bits and a wide range of Pelhams, gags and combination patterns), Nathe (German, flexible mullen mouth bits with sliding cheek), Lami-Cell (Pessoa Softening Bit and Leather Hackamore), with occasional patterns from Acavallo, Abbey, One Equestrian and Agrihealth.

When the horse's response in a regular snaffle isn't what you need - too keen, leaning, ducking, or unresponsive to the rein. Specialised patterns work in different ways: Pelhams and gags add curb or leverage action; combination bits spread pressure across nose, poll and bars; KK Ultra changes the angle of the joint; Cyprium and copper-alloy bits encourage salivation and acceptance. Get advice on what's likely to suit the horse before changing bit - we're happy to talk through what you're feeling and shortlist patterns that match.

Yes - several specialised patterns come in pony sizes. Trust Equestrian's Baby Pelham and shorter cheek patterns, Sprenger 14mm KK Ultra in 12.5cm and 13.5cm, and most Metalab Pelhams in 5-inch (12.5cm) sizes are pony-suitable. For pony bits across all categories, see pony bits.

Stainless steel is the everyday standard. Sweet iron (Trust Equestrian's range) encourages salivation through controlled rust on the mouthpiece. Copper inlays and rollers (Metalab, Sprenger) do the same with less surface change. Cyprium is a copper-rich alloy used by Metalab for warmer, softer mouthpiece feel. Hard rubber and vulcanic rubber appear on Pelham mouthpieces for a milder action. Flexible synthetic (Nathe, and Trust's Inno Sense range) is used where a soft, forgiving mouthpiece is needed without the wear of rubber.

Rinse with warm water after every ride to clear food and saliva from the joints. Sweet iron will rust over time - that's normal and part of how the mouthpiece works. Stainless and Cyprium can be polished with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh detergents on rubber-mouthpieces and flexible synthetic bits. Inspect joints, rollers and mouthpiece-to-cheek connections regularly for wear, and replace any bit where the metal shows pitting or the rubber is splitting.