Sprenger bits, do they make a difference?

[Phoebe]

Who out there uses Sprenger/KK bits?

Do you think they are worth the money? I've never felt inclined to spend that much on a bit before, but I've just noticed these new ones with the double joint and roller on the middle piece, anyone tried these?

And does anyone know of websites that sell Sprenger gear, so I can check out prices?

[Jytte]

I admit I have Sprenger bits for Tad...but whether they make any difference, I'd have to be skeptical!

[Equine Elegance]

yeh we've got one of those, but I haven't ridden a horse in it yet! Waiting to see what Mel thinks of it, as we bought one for Squigg and she's away being broken.

As soon as I find out, I'll let ya know! We've bought a second one for another mare but it was marked the wrong size and the replacement hasn't arrived yet....

I'll be buying rock's "double" bits next weekend and we've been told what sprenger curb to get for him, so that's what he will be in! But they're all just in normal (inexpensive) bits at the moment, french and kk's.

edit to say: the ones with the rollie in the middle are called W? Ultras. Lisa Wilcox and her trainer developed them (his name escapes me) and that is what squigg is in.

[gIlBeRt]

yeh i have those bits too...not too sure if they help my horse though..but i think he just has mouth/bit/bridle/i don't want to do it i'll stick my tongue out issues!!!haha

I was told though that once to use them you can't go back to other ones cause these ones are a sweeter metal or something so they get really used to it. Not too sure how correct that is though?!?!

And they are a PAIN to clean!!! Well the gold ones are anyway!!!

[Phoebe]

oh god, I hadn't thought of that... I've already spent ages searching for the right double bits for the mare, (she's fussy about her bits)... I can just imagine having to go out and buy another set because they 'don't taste right mum!'

[Koo]

I have the sprenger bits as well and my other horse goes much better in them than the standard metal bits!

[Jayden]

I use sprenger bits, the main difference I noticed between them and most other double jointed bits (KK's or what ever) is that the middle bit is joined onto the side peices the oposite way to most other double jointed bits and so it sits in their mouth a bit better. Some of the sprenger bits are twisted as well and Cossack does go better in the bit with a twist than in any other bits.

[Jenny]

Phoebe check out calevo.com.de for all your shopping needs. Not just bits but breeches,boots,jackets, you name it, they've got it. Happy shopping.

ps. Sprenger bits are fantastic. I use them on all of my horses except one who had a strange metal allergy. You hardly see anything else used in Germany.

[Phoebe]

yep, WH Ultra is the one I'm looking at, I think it's a neat idea to have the roller in the middle...

[Phoebe]

Cool, thanks Jenny, I'll check that site out (I hear the Visa card trembling already)

[Zephyr]

Who out there uses Sprenger/KK bits?

Do you think they are worth the money? I've never felt inclined to spend that much on a bit before, but I've just noticed these new ones with the double joint and roller on the middle piece, anyone tried these?

And does anyone know of websites that sell Sprenger gear, so I can check out prices?

Zephyr has a sprenger weymouth on his double, and I love it. I'd never use anything else. cardiff, on the other hand, I borrowed a sprenger, cos he plays incessantly with his bit when he's standing still and it annoys me, and he hated it! He sucked right back off the contact and tossed his head when I asked him to turn, and that is most unlike him! He's a good boy, saved me $150.00!!

[Jayden]

WOW I love visiting Calevo.com. I was going to buy my top boots from there but even my friends who study german had trouble translating some of the words that altavista couldn't. I thought it would be safer to get them from an Australian shop. But I am going to spend up big on breeches and everything I need.

Now I just need to get my hands on mum's credit card.

[Phoebe]

Yeah, the prices are really good for the Sprenger bits, but unfortunately it's not the same for the postage fees! I'm sure it doesn't cost $35 euro to post a light bit... but even with that it still works out about $2 cheaper all up than buying in Australia :)

Anyway that site has some really awesome stuff! Straight to the bookmark list....

[Sharyn Ross]

Hi Jayden

Make sure that you have put it on english, if you haven't already, or try this translator http://www.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html . I have found that it works quite well.

Calevo will email you an order form the same as HRW, only in German. A friend of mine translated it for me while she was over from Germany last year, and i am sure i have it around here somewhere if you would like a copy? Let me know and i will hunt it down.

Cheers

Sharyn

[Jenny]

I'ld like a copy Sharyn!
Phoebe to cut down the postage, order more stuff! I got three pairs of breeches (pikeur and eurostar) delivered to my door for $450 including postage. Not bad considering they are $375 a pair here. Also keep an eye on the dollar/euro exchange rate (only reason I watch the news!) and buy when the dollar is up. Cheers.

[tmayhew11]

I'ld like a copy Sharyn!
Phoebe to cut down the postage, order more stuff! I got three pairs of breeches (pikeur and eurostar) delivered to my door for $450 including postage. Not bad considering they are $375 a pair here. Also keep an eye on the dollar/euro exchange rate (only reason I watch the news!) and buy when the dollar is up. Cheers.
Geez, that's a good price. I think I paid around $350 a pair for my pikeurs - I looooove them so much I bought another 2 pairs, so darn comfy!

[Sharyn Ross]

what is your email address, Jenny? I will send the translated copy, and an original order form.

[Zephyr]

me too, please!!

[Jayden]

I have heard though that with expensive things there is a decent amount of import tax or something. I foret who it was that told me but if you get them to put SAMPLE or a fake receipt for a much lower value you get out of all that.

[Phoebe]

yeah, you can get people to tick 'gift' on the customs declaration, I think that helps...

[Equus]

I have heard though that with expensive things there is a decent amount of import tax or something.

There is both import duty and GST to worry about, as well as Customs clearance fees. There used to be big difference in the threshold value for being charged happened depending on how you arranged shipping ($300 for couriers, $1,000 for post), but this has recently changed (8 October this year). There are still a few little catches to be aware of though.

Now, anything under $1,000 does not incurr import duty or get charged GST (regardless of whether you use the post or a courier). Over that amount, and you pay (and be aware if you simply get them to send 3 pacakges and they all arrive at once or close to it, customs will add up the values).

Anything sent via international courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS etc), will be cleared through customs by the courier company - regardless of the value. This will cost you the courier company charge for doing the clearance for you (don't know exactly, varies by company, but frequently $30-$50) - regardless of the fact that you don't end up paying duty or GST. They can even (as a service to you!), deliver your parcel, then present the bill some time later!

If you use the post (including International Express Post), and the value is under $1,000, not only do you not pay duty or GST, but there is no clearance fee tp pay either.

There is lots of information available about all these matters on www.customs.gov.au (http://www.customs.gov.au/)

[nat]

i have a couple of sprenger bits and i love them!!.only problem with the gold one is they r high maitnance, but they look great on amigo (hes a grey).apparently wen sprenger designed the bits with roller in the middle they copy righted them or wat ever it is...giv me a break here im blonde!. so that other brands cant copy the design so therefore crappy designs are made that look similar but sit on a different angle making it less comfortable for the horse. in my opinion your better off spending the money and buy the real deal instead of cheap imitations.

[Phoebe]

Well, whatever they did it was probably worth copyrighting, because I took the plunge and bought one... and the difference was huge. I really wasn't expecting much to change, but I was pleasantly surprised! I'm off to Horseland on Friday to pick up my new HS curb and bradoon WH Ultra :)

[ann]

wen sprenger designed the bits with roller in the middle they copy righted them or wat ever it is...giv me a break here im blonde!.It's patented, Nat. Same area of law (intellectual property) but different aspect. ;)

[judi]

Madeline might have an intersting story about bits...

[Emma]

When I was little and went to Brownies we always polished our badges with toothpaste, so that's what I use on all of my bits and pieces.

[chestnuthorse]

yes i have used 2 different types, had a problem in the double, I now use the conrad set, Shelly Price has a large range of them and she sent me a demo model to try before you buy, That is a good way to see if they suit your fellow.

[Phoebe]

I've used toothpaste too. I haven't tried to get rid of the tarnish on the Sprengers with it though. I bought some Diamond Paste the other day, just tried it this afternoon, and it worked quite nicely.

[Freya]

I bought some Diamond Paste the other day, just tried it this afternoon, and it worked quite nicely.

Yes that Diamond paste works really well!