Why choose a Verdun bit for your horse?
The Verdun bit is defined by its D-shaped rings, which give better lateral support than a standard bit. With an opening rein, the flat part of the ring presses against the opposite cheek, helping the horse hold its line without drifting out through the shoulders. Its main benefits are:
- Lateral guidance: the D-shaped cheeks guide horses that drift, without sliding through the mouth.
- Steady hand: the fixed ring stabilises the contact and prevents unwanted movement of the mouthpiece.
- Lip protection: the fixed joint removes any risk of pinching the corners of the lips.
Single-jointed, double-jointed or straight Verdun bit: which to choose?
The design of the mouthpiece determines how pressure is spread over the tongue, bars and palate, depending on your horse's conformation:
- Straight mouthpiece: a straight bit, like our rubber FEELING model, spreads the pressure evenly for mouths that look for a firm contact.
- Single joint: it acts in the classic way on the bars and the sides of the tongue when you take up the reins.
- Double joint: a double-jointed Verdun bit follows the curve of the palate and frees the tongue thanks to its central link, as on the SPRENGER double-jointed or "Dynamic RS" models.
Which material is best: stainless steel, copper or rubber?
The material directly affects comfort, salivation and how relaxed the jaw is:
- Rubber: suited to delicate or sensitive mouths, it gives a soft contact in straight or jointed versions.
- Stainless steel: traditional and long-lasting, it offers a smooth, neutral surface for everyday use.
- Copper alloys: the Stübben double-jointed copper Verdun bit encourages salivation thanks to its pleasant taste, which promotes chewing.
- Rollers: a Verdun bit with rollers encourages the horse to play with its tongue, so it does not lock up on the bit.
For riders comparing rollers and copper, our range offers either FEELING moving rollers or well-regarded copper alloys.