Herm Sprenger Horse Bits

With the belief that optimal communication between horse and rider is the basis of performance and success, Herm Sprenger knows that a well-fitted, quality bit can make all the difference. Not only is the horse’s mouth a key point of contact for the rider, but it is also one of the most sensitive parts of their body. Since their founding in 1872 over 150 years ago, the Herm Sprenger brand has been renowned for their high quality products and constant strive for innovation.

Herm Sprenger utilizes decades of intensive research by the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover to produce innovative materials and designs specifically adapted for the horse’s well-being. It's no surprise why they're a well-loved brand! Read on to learn more about the technologies in these German-manufactured bits made to aid you and your equine athlete’s connection, and thus, success.

Sensogan

This material was developed by Sprenger as an improvement to their original material, Aurigan. Keeping the positive aspects of Aurigan, like taste and salivation, Sensogan amplifies connection to the horse through its unique composition. In creating the Sensogan material, Herm Sprenger combined copper, manganese, and zinc to regulate the oxidation process and encourage a supple mouth.

Manganese is a critical activator of enzymes, making it a necessary component for building up connective tissue, muscles, and stimulating the metabolism. This micronutrient is thought to be helpful in preventing muscle tension and reducing stress, as well as reducing histamine to prevent allergic reactions. With the copper content reduced and manganese added, these bits exhibit an elegant white-gold color, which supports the horse’s natural chewing activity and does not tarnish easily.

Duo

Herm Sprenger Duo bits are designed to be very gentle on the horse’s mouth. Made of soft, flexible plastic, the mouthpiece is food-safe, solvent-free, and does not contain plasticizers. These bits are reinforced with a steel cable core to ensure that they are stable and secure. Duo bits can be used as a straight bar mouthpiece or bar with space for the tongue, depending on your horse’s preference!

Satinox

Herm Sprenger Satinox bits are made of a high-quality stainless steel consisting of iron, chrome, and nickel. Featuring a satin mouthpiece with a matte surface, Satinox bits ensure a more pleasant feeling on your horse's tongue for improved bit acceptance. The neutral taste does not increase mouthing activity, as the material has no saliva activating properties. The Satinox range includes a bit selection for all horses, disciplines, and training levels for a comprehensive approach. With Satinox, Herm Sprenger created an essential bit line that performs well without breaking your budget!

KK Ultra

Developed through scientific research, Herm Sprenger offers KK Ultra as the pioneer to modern bits. The unique, precise effect of KK Ultra bits is achieved by the middle link, or lozenge, which is set at a 45-degree angle and shortened compared to conventional options. When the reins are taken up, the lozenge gently rolls over the horse’s tongue stimulating touch, without causing the attached joints to exert pressure on the mouth.

Herm Sprenger’s research shows that the sensitive anatomy of the horse’s mouth offers little space for a bit. Knowing this, the KK Ultra bits are made with adjustments to make comfortable, effective rein aids possible for the rider. When used correctly, these bits can enhance the horse’s confidence in the rider’s hand, making them useful for a variety of disciplines and training levels!

Dynamic RS

In the Dynamic RS line, Herm Sprenger took the KK Ultra design and went a step further. Dynamic RS bits are ergonomically shaped to lie correctly between the tongue and the palate so they do not exert pressure on the sensitive parts of the mouth. Like the KK Ultra bits, this design also utilizes the 45-degree angle of the lozenge, but due to the shape of the mouthpiece, these bits distribute rein pressure across the entire tongue evenly.

This bit’s anatomically adapted style ensures it is in the correct central position to maintain soft and even pressure while encouraging willing contact with the bit. The curved mouthpiece fits perfectly with the tongue and mouth, resulting in precise communication during daily work or even the highest levels of competition. When used correctly, Dynamic RS bits provide a confident contact for even sensitive horses!

Q: How do I care for my Herm Sprenger bit?

A: One of the best ways to ensure that your Herm Sprenger bit lasts for years to come is by rinsing it thoroughly in clean water after each use. Not only will it help prevent discoloration through oxidation, this practice will help keep food remnants and saliva from getting caked on the bit. To eliminate any squeaking noises in eggbutt or D-ring bits, Herm Sprenger recommends cleaning and rinsing those moving pieces with cooking oil once in a while.

Herm Sprenger's Duo or other rubber bits should be cleaned after each use as well, just as other bits. It is also strongly recommended to inspect these bits regularly for signs of wear and tear as you would with any bit. It is important to keep a close eye on these bits in particular to avoid your horse experiencing any discomfort due to sharp edges or pieces.

Q: Where are Herm Sprenger bits made?

A: Herm Sprenger bits are made in Germany, with their base being located in Iserlohn. By the end of 2019, Herm Sprenger established a U.S. subsidiary, Herm Sprenger USA Inc. in Queensbury, New York. This allows for rapid shipping from Germany and efficient distribution channels through the United States!

Q: My Herm Sprenger bit has an arrow on the left side. Which way should it face?

A: Some Herm Sprenger bits feature an arrow on the side of the mouthpiece to assist riders in ensuring the bit is correctly positioned in their horse's mouth. For the best bit effectiveness, the arrow on the left hand side should point forward - towards the horse's head.

Q: How do I determine the correct bit size for my horse?

A: There are several factors to consider when determining which bit size to select for your equine partner. Measuring your horse's mouth to find their ideal size is quite simple, and we have outlined the details on how to do so in our article on measuring for bit size! Other important factors you will want to consider include the type of cheekpiece, as well as the type of mouthpiece, that will work best for your horse's individual needs.

No matter the design or material of Herm Sprenger bit you choose, rest assured that you're buying into technology that has been scientifically proven to make your horse comfortable and confident as you perform as a team. With over a century and a half of experience under their belt, Herm Sprenger is sure to have a bit that will enhance the connection between you and your horse. These thoughtfully crafted products are backed by many top international riders, which is a true testament to their effectiveness!

Should you be looking for further information on choosing the best type of bit for your horse, be sure to check out our helpful articles detailing the different types of cheekpieces and mouthpieces available. As always, if you have any further inquiries or need additional assistance, our customer service team is happy to help. They may be reached at over the phone at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Ride on!