Elliptical Mouthpiece
Elliptical Mouthpiece
Pressure Profile
Pressure Profile: Mild-Moderate Severity | Double-Jointed | Even Pressure Distribution
What This Mouthpiece Delivers: The elliptical design is a double-jointed mouthpiece that eliminates the harsh pinching action of traditional single-jointed snaffles. Instead of a V-shaped angle that concentrates pressure, the elliptical shape distributes pressure evenly across the tongue and bars. This makes it significantly gentler than a single joint while maintaining clear communication and responsiveness.
Pressure Profile & Stability Explained: Where a single-jointed snaffle creates two high-pressure points (nutcracker action), the elliptical design spreads pressure across a wider surface area. The double-joint means the center softens and the horse experiences even contact rather than pinching. Horses feel responsive bar pressure + moderate tongue pressure without the sharp squeeze sensation of a traditional jointed bit. Moderate squeeze pressure is present (unlike ported bits), but delivered smoothly rather than as a pinch.
Best For Horses Who Prefer:
- Responsive Horses Needing Control Without Pinching: The elliptical delivers the responsiveness of a jointed bit without the nutcracker harshness
- Horses Sensitive to Compression: While not a relief bit like a port or barrel, the elliptical's smooth distribution feels far gentler than single-jointed snaffles
- Horses That Need Clear Engagement: The double-joint encourages horses to step up into the contact and engage from behind
- Horses in Competitive Disciplines: The elliptical is reliable, responsive, and allows for precise communication
Why It Works When Pressure Profiles Match: For horses preferring mild-to-moderate pressure with responsiveness (but not extreme relief), the elliptical provides the ideal middle ground. It's the compromise between "I need gentleness" and "I need clear control"—delivering both through its unique double-joint geometry.
Discipline Applications:
- Dressage: The responsive double-joint supports collection and helps horses find their balance
- Jumping: Excellent for jumpers; the responsiveness supports take-off and landing, the smoothness prevents resistance
- Cross-Country/Eventing: The balance of gentleness and control works well across all three phases
- General Riding: The elliptical is often considered one of the most universally suitable jointed designs
Key Advantage: The elliptical solves a common problem: horses that need the responsiveness of a jointed bit but react negatively to nutcracker pinching. By distributing pressure smoothly instead of concentrating it, the elliptical keeps horses relaxed while maintaining clear communication.
Important Note: This is not a relief bit—it does apply tongue pressure, just smoothly rather than sharply. If your horse is highly tongue-sensitive and needs relief (not just smooth pressure), consider a port or barrel instead. But for horses that prefer responsive bits and just need the edge taken off a jointed bit's intensity, the elliptical is often the perfect match.