After many Years of "Listening to Horses", Mr HP has developed a bit range devoted to and specifically for his mouthing and remouthing systems and green horses to set them up for life.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a bit that ‘works’.
You will not believe the difference that these bits make to your horse’s response to the rein aids—even if you currently ride in a Myler or a lozenge.
HP Relief Barrel Bits: Mr HP heavily exposed the American Myler range of bits in Australia and worked with Myler, but wanted to have the range extended to ponies and heavy horses and include bits like the Tom Thumb, so decided to supply his own line of HP Relief Barrel Bits and save people over half the money. Changes to the design have been positively accepted, such as increasing the bend to fit the horses mouth more comfortably.
The barrel in the centre removes all nutcracker action and disperses pressure evenly across the mouth, similar to a mullen mouth bit but with independent arms for more feel and communication.
These bits are sold all over the world and are highly recommended by Bitfit in the UK.
The HP Relief Lozenge Collection: This is an innovative range of bits designed by Mr HP in conjunction with Mrs HP, Linda O’Leary, winner of the South Australian ‘FEI Dressage Rider' and also 'Dressage Horse of the Year, 2015’. The HP Lozenge is anatomically designed for both comfort and communication and it helps to develop a true contact and higher level of responsiveness. The sides are gently curved to wrap the tongue and the lozenge lays flat underneath the upper palate, giving very even and gentle pressure distribution for a more even sympathetic feel.
The HP Lozenge does not have the major design flaw of the French Link and other cheap lozenge bits: the French Link and many lozenge bits have two protruding semicircles at 90 degrees to the flat side of the link or lozenge, which put painful pressure points on the mouth when a contact is taken—this often causes evasions. The HP Lozenge is like the Neue Schule bits in that the semicircles lie flat in the same plane as the lozenge, not at 90 degrees to it. The roundness of the lozenge also ensures that there are no ‘corners’ to protrude into the tongue or palate if the bit rotates.
HP RELIEF BITS MAIN FEATURES INCLUDE:
From Shetlands to Shires—we have sizing available from 4" right up to 7". We endeavour to have all sizes available always!
NEW!
Unlike other brands, our Universal bit features a small offset ring at the top for cheek straps to reduce pressure & rubbing on the face.
NEW!
Unlike other brands, our Universal bit features a small offset ring at the top for cheek straps to reduce pressure & rubbing on the face.
Gives a range of leverage options, while the barrel keeps it more stable in the mouth.
The fixed top rings make this bit very stable in the mouth to ensure maximum stability across the tongue.
The fixed top rings make this bit very stable in the mouth to ensure maximum stability across the tongue.
Ideal for mouthing using HP systems and for riding green and newly broken horses.
Ideal for mouthing using HP systems and for riding green and newly broken horses.
Ideal for horses that like a set cheek piece that enables the bit to sit very still in the mouth
Ideal for horses that like a set cheek piece that enables the bit to sit very still in the mouth
Ideal for horses that like a little play in the rings and for extra sensitivity.
Ideal for horses that like a little play in the rings and for extra sensitivity.
Gives directional control and stability in the horses mouth, coupled with the barrel to give independent side action.
Gives directional control and stability in the horses mouth, coupled with the lozenge to remove the nutcracker action..
Innovative bit which eliminates any risk of the lips being pinched while combining the loose ring action and stability of a fixed ring.
Innovative bit which eliminates any risk of the lips being pinched while combining the loose ring action and stability of a fixed ring.
Great for horses that need a mild leverage with directional control and stability.
Great for horses that need mild leverage with directional control and stability.
Great for horses who are not wanting to take the contact, mouth shy, or evade by putting the head up.
These bits take away the ‘Nutcracker’ action of the single jointed bit and replace it with a much kinder action. The pressure is evenly spread across the bars loose ring bit and the tongue as the bit folds around the mouth.
The mouthpiece has been designed with more curve than a Myler, to give a better shape to fit the horse’s mouth properly, reducing the bar pressure even further and preventing bit ‘slide’. The comfort factor is often over looked when trying to diagnose bitting problems, and our barrel bits often solve issues by simply being more comfortable.
All barrel bits have copper inserts on the inside of the arm bend. Each arm is independent of the other for greater communication. The rings are smaller than those of other bits to prevent them from rubbing the outside of the face and making it sore.
The mouthpiece has smaller diameter—narrower than a Myler—to ensure the horse’s tongue and palate are not impinged by the bit and that the horse can seal his mouth and swallow. Try it yourself—it is very difficult to swallow unless your lips form a seal on your mouth. Thick bits prevent this and the thickness doesn't make them 'softer' only your hands and the correct mouthing & training can. HP Relief mouthpieces are Dressage Legal, they are 14mm where connected to the sides making them FEI legal.
Great for horses who are a little heavy on the contact & need a little 'play' in the mouth.
The HP Relief Lozenge Collection is an innovative range of bits, designed by John O’Leary of Horseproblems Australia in conjunction with Linda O’Leary, winner of the South Australian ‘FEI Dressage Rider and also Dressage Horse of the Year, 2015’.
They are designed for all horses in all disciplines.
The HP Lozenge does not have the major design flaw of the French Link and other cheap lozenge bits: the French Link and many lozenge bits have two protruding semicircles at 90 degrees to the flat side of the link or lozenge, which put painful pressure points on the mouth when a contact is taken—this often causes evasions. The HP Lozenge is like the Neue Schule bits in that the semicircles lie flat in the same plane as the lozenge, not at 90 degrees to it. The roundness of the lozenge also ensures that there are no 'corners' to protude into the tongue or palate if the bit rotates.
The HP Relief Lozenge is anatomically designed for both comfort and communication and it helps to develop a true contact and higher level of responsiveness. The sides are gently curved to wrap the tongue and the lozenge lays flat underneath the upper palate, giving very even and gentle pressure distribution for a more even sympathetic feel.
The HP Relief Lozenge Bits are ideal horses with thick tongues and low palates that simply don’t have room in their mouths for any bit wider than 12mm. Unfortunately, nearly all bits start at 14mm diameter and are too thick for them. This creates fussy mouths and tongue evasions. HP Relief Lozenge bits promote a softer more consistent contact, encouraging the horse to soften through the jaw relaxing and lengthening the neck.
These bits are smaller in diameter (the same as the NS Verbindend) and much thinner than the NS Tranz Angled Lozenge bits. They are 14mm where connected to the sides and are therefore FEI legal.
Damage that is done by French Link
It is usually the tongue which is affected by the pressure of the Central Plate.
In the photo showing the French Link bit in the horse's mouth, you can clearly see that the plate does not lie flat on the tongue, once a contact is taken. In fact, the narrow edge then lies against the tongue, causing extreme pressure. The x-ray image shows this.
This causes the horse to evade by opening his mouth to take the 'Arms' away from the tongue pressure, so the rider adds a flash or grackle to keep his mouth shut and make him 'accept' the bit!
Imagine if that was in your mouth—no wonder the poor horse won't relax his jaw and stretch down for the bit.
HP Relief Eggbutt & Baucher Bits with Barrels: I have decided to go with both the barrel bits, both of the horses are very happy in them!! My daughter's pony has always been extremely fussy, usually shakes her head throughout, yawning all sorts of annoying things, with the barrel bit, her mouth is closed and soft, the difference has been absolutely amazing, and so apparent! We are so pleased to have found something they both feel comfortable in.
Dominica vW, Auckland
HP Relief Eggbutt Bit with Lozenge: I tried a friend's bit recently that was a 5” version, my pony went so well in her one, even though it was too big. After removing the bridle there was white foam on the mouthpiece, a first for my very sensitive, tense wee dude. He was soft & much more relaxed than usual. I presently use a 4.5” Myler type eggbutt with roller, the lozenge is obviously more comfortable for him.
Jenny B, Takaka
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HP Relief Sleeved Bit with Barrel: "Just thought I'd let you know how the new bit is going. My horse seems to approve! No more snatching his head down, and no more hard pulling! amazing difference! Thanks so much for your help, I didn't actually think changing bits would make THAT much difference, but it has."
Julia, Warkworth
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HP Relief Sleeved Bit with Lozenge: "The sleeved lozenge bit is amazing and have had a huge improvement in my horses softness in the contact."
Becky, Christchurch
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HP Relief D-Ring with Hooks & Barrel (Bevel bit): “Hi, Just wanted to let you know how much I love your bits! I use the HP Relief bevel bit on my chestnut show jumper. He can be a bit temperamental and sensitive in the mouth but not in this! I only ride him in a snaffle version at home but when jumping 1.30s sometimes I just need a bit more control – in his HP he still takes the contact but just listens a bit more. He never argues or throws his head around, I have no idea how I coped without it!! We are using the same bit on a horse which even though having his teeth checked over and over could never accept any bit. He was being ridden in a hackamore as he just couldn’t cope. Now happily competing and hunting in his HP relief bit. I also use it on my hunter’s who equally love it. I get questions about it regularly and always 100% recommend anyone to try them. Horses just seem the feel much nicer in them. “
HP Relief Eggbutt with Barrel: "I have been riding in the barrel eggbutt I bought a few weeks back and love the results so much I've tried it on a few of my horses and need more of your bits! The light response, quiet mouths of previous chomper/grinders, and willingness to be bridled after being ridden in the HP bit for a few days has blown me away. They are game-changing for horse happiness. Super product! "
Kirsty, Waipa
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HP Relief D-Ring with Hooks/Barrel & Sleeved Bit with Barrel: "Just wanted to let u no my big horse who hasn’t been happy with any bit before is finally happy! His whole body shape has changed!! One of my friends has now purchased a bit from you with the same results and now another who borrowed mine after seeing my horse wants to purchase 2! So good Thanku"
Renee, Otago
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HP Relief D-Ring with Hooks: Thank you for making such a quality bit available. My young Ngati Awa type gelding has extremely fleshy cheeks and other bits pinched this tender soft tissue. His sensitive tongue did not tolerate much pressure and other bits impeded his swallow - causing a continuous out-flow of saliva during training. He "tolerated" and accepted other bits but only due to his forgiving nature. This new bit has changed everything. He drops his head and takes it from my hand like a piece of apple. The drooling has ceased. His head carriage is relaxed and signals are direct and discreet. Make no mistake - I spent a fortune on quality bits (including Myler) and I did not have great expectations. This has been a real success.
Nancy, Ohope
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HP Relief Sleeved Bit (with small rings): I must give you an update! The bit from you for our pony is amazing!!! No pinching and its amazing!
Sarah, Upper Hutt
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HP Relief Sleeved Bit: Today, I use the HP Relief Sleeved bit, for the third day, and went hunting, where my horse normally pulls for an hour & the old brake system used to fail when asked... not today! To fully test the new bit, I did not wear a noseband & got numerous comments about being "undressed"!
I was on a virtual loose rein the whole four hours, was able to jump without any fighting or rushing at the few jumps & watched whilst others were struggling with a variety of gag's & nosebands with cranks & flashes...
I can't thank you enough to introduce me to the HP Relief Sleeved bit. My horse says a huge THANK YOU... so happy to have met you and ask you for your advice... Our flat & jump lesson yesterday was the best ever - jumping on a loose rein w/o the normal fight or rubbish paces.. freedom at last." UK
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HP Relief FM Bit:
Hello John,
I just had to tell you about this.
We tried your HP Relief FM barrel bit on Dan this morning.
M****** had been having some problems with Dan, her newly started Standardbred, as he appeared to not have a clue about 'Steering' in the Myler Full Cheek Comfort Snaffle in the arena, in fact, when she applied a light left turn aid, he opened his mouth and went RIGHT!
Now, the two bits LOOK very similar, but the difference was amazing. He suddenly understood EXACTLY what was wanted, stopped opening his mouth (I don’t use any nosebands) and was changing reins like a pro—immediately after the bit change!
I could not believe how responsive he became to the halt aid either. I said to M****** that it looked as if she had only about 1 ounce of pressure on the rein, but she said no, it was 1/2 ounce or less as, by the end of the 10 minute lesson, he stopped dead, as soon as she picked up the rein!!!
He was remouthed using your system though!
I am VERY impressed, as I have used Mylers for years, but yours is streets ahead – WHY?
I think it is because the HP Relief bit has more 'curve' on the mouthpiece, to wrap around the bars better, giving a clearer aid as it does not ‘Slide’ in the mouth, like the Myler? It does not 'Collapse' quite so much, either, which totally gets rid of the uncomfortable 'Nutcracker' effect? Am I right or is there some other reason why it is so much better?
In any case, WELL DONE YOU!
Casey, Aus
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HP Relief Sleeved Bit: Just got back from a training hack with my Instructor, in the HP Relief Sleeved Barrel bit. I had stopped hacking out, due to my Highland cob making me nervous with his behaviour. He was always 'On Edge', head up like a giraffe, using his underneck muscles against me and looking for trouble.
Today, he was 'Mr. Chill', relaxed, dropping onto the contact in a superb outline with no effort on my part, relaxed at the poll and at the jaw and he felt (AND LOOKED, according to my instructor!) like a different horse. Even his face showed that he was enjoying the ride and as the ride progressed, he looked and performed better and better!
I am so delighted that I can't wipe the grin from my face!
I have had him for 4 years, riding him in the bit that he came with - a French Link loose ring snaffle. We swapped it for your HP Relief Sleeved bit—nothing else was different.
I am sure that he simply had not got room in his mouth for the 'Knuckles' of the French link. He is a typical Cob, with a low palate and thick tongue and the Knuckles of the FL were pressing into both when his mouth was closed. We looked before we changed bits. This caused him to want to put his head in the air, even on a loose rein, as the bit lies flatter like that. As soon as any contact came on the FL, his head would shoot up and his mouth would open to stop the pressure on his palate as the knuckles dug in.
I always used to find that my hands hurt after a long hack, (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis) due to his pulling, but today, they were pain free at the end of the ride!
Also, when I un-tacked him, he turned his head and gave me a look that he had never given me before. It was "A look of pure happiness, like when he is is getting a 'Treat'—but he wasn't asking for one!
Rowena, UK
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I have just ridden my 5 yr old Clydesdale in the HP Eggbutt Relief Bit I received from you this morning. Previously in a 6" Sweet iron fulmer which had become too small, I had contacted you by email about changing my bit to the full cheek FM you also advertised. Absolutely no need! She happily took the HP Eggbutt Relief Bit first time and, although initially leaning on it, within half a mile she became so incredibly soft and responsive, listening to the slightest touch. My mare is so willing that I like her to have the best. I believe I have found it.
Thanks
Helen
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I tell you HP these bits are amazing.
I lunged him again today and I took his halter off to put the bridle on and he turned his head to me lowered it, opened his mouth and put it on. This is a horse who puts his head up as high as he can, I have to smack him on the head, put the lead rope behind his ears and pull his head down, then stick my fingers in between his front and back teeth, lever it open then jam the bit between his teeth and then rub inside his lip/gum so he licks so I can get it the rest of the way in lol
I love this bit and I will never part with it.
Kelly Etheridge
Bundy Horse Floats
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Just wanted to write to say how happy I am with the HP Relief barrel bit I purchased.
My 4yo Arabian had been acting like he'd never been mouthed lately, complete and utter resistance in running reins, ridden, or even putting the bridle on. He was rearing, panicking and generally unhappy with my old loose ring snaffle that I had. I put it down to pain and pinching. The first day with his new bit from you, he was a different horse. Not a single protest, no rearing, no trying to flip over and evade, completely calm and relaxed. I was able to lunge him with running reins on for the first time without him slamming the brakes on and trying to rear, or spin and evade. Five days in and he is letting me bridle him and is just so soft and relaxed. Best bit I've ever bought. Thank you!
Regards Vanessa
Resonance Endurance
