Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

KK bit

From: Pip

Hi Jessica:

the other question I have is regarding the infamous KK bit that I keep hearing about. I finally saw one yesterday and was very impressed. It seems a very kind, smooth bit (lacks the lumps and bumps of a regular french link). Have you used one? What is your opinion? I know that when I switched Squeak from the regular eggbut snaffle to the french link, he just loved it. I think he suffers from the classic low palatte a lot of arabs have. My thought was that perhaps his downward transition head fling might still be related to the bit??? possibly still tipping up and catching him? Therefore I'm thinking of trying the KK bit and seeing if it is more comfy for him (deadly expensive though, good grief!). So, I'm looking for input/ feedback from someone who has used one to find out if they are as good as people say they are, and as good as they seem to look. First bit I've seen that actually looks comfy and almost 'tasty!' (I guess all horsey people must be weird huh!?)

So, thanks for any suggestions you might have Jessica. Boy, by the time you get up here for our clinic I"ll have figured everything out!!

thanks again,

Pip

Hi Pip! I love the KK snaffles, but I've met a few horses that don't agree. So considering the expense, I'd try to put some different riding techniques into practice during downward transitions first. Remember that you should be able to effect all of your downward transitions in a FORWARD manner. Use your seat and legs, keep your eyes up, and bring your SHOULDERS back -- not your HANDS. If the problem persists, by all means try out a KK -- but try to borrow one before you buy one. You might also borrow (or buy, they're about 1/4 the price of the KK snaffles!) a mullen-mouth snaffle, which is sometimes the ideal bit for a horse with a thick tongue and low palate. If this works out, you may not need to go any farther -- and if it doesn't, it's still a good bit to have in the bit cabinet, and a less expensive experiment than the KK. If, at that point, you still want to try the KK, at least you'll know that you exhausted the other logical (and less expensive) options first. ;-)

- Jessica

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