The Evolution of TRUST Equestrian: Crafting the Perfect Bit for Every Horse.

TRUST Equestrian has been shaping the equestrian world for over 15 years, born from the passion of Teun van Riel, who began by selling bits at competitions across Europe with his mobile tack shop. As he engaged with riders, he listened intently to their feedback about bits, sparking his vision to create something truly special. To bring this vision to life, Teun partnered with his brother Bas, whose background in manufacturing enabled them to create meticulously crafted, high-quality bits that would cater to every horse’s needs.

From the very beginning, TRUST’s philosophy has been centered around quality and craftsmanship, and today, each bit is still handcrafted in the Netherlands by a dedicated team of skilled technicians. Every bit is made with great care, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. It’s this commitment to excellence that has made TRUST Equestrian a respected name in the equestrian community.

The Materials Behind TRUST Equestrian Bits

The materials used in TRUST bits are integral to their performance. With three distinct materials to choose from—Sweet Iron, Inno Sense, and Leather—riders can find the perfect bit tailored to their horse’s needs and preferences.

Sweet Iron: A Tradition of Innovation

Sweet Iron is the original material used by TRUST and is well-known for its signature blue hue, achieved by heating the metal during production. When exposed to humid air, such as in the horse’s mouth, the Sweet Iron develops a surface that tastes sweet, encouraging saliva production and improving the horse’s acceptance of the bit. This process often results in the horse foaming, a sign of a comfortable, well-accepted bit. The Sweet Iron collection boasts a wide variety of mouthpieces, each designed for a specific purpose to suit different horses and riding disciplines.

Leather: A Unique, Gentle Option

TRUST’s Leather mouthpiece offers another exciting alternative. Stitched around a nylon core, these bits are tanned without the use of chemicals, ensuring they are as natural as possible. When saliva contacts the leather, it softens and molds to the horse’s mouth, creating a flexible effect. This combination of flexibility and the natural taste of leather makes TRUST Leather bits an excellent choice for horses with very sensitive mouths.

Inno Sense: The Perfect Fit for Sensitive Horses

Inno Sense bits are especially popular for young or sensitive horses, and for good reason. Made from FDA-approved, non-toxic plastic that contains no harmful plasticizers, Inno Sense bits are softer than traditional metal alternatives. These bits help encourage horses to follow the rider’s hand and accept the bit. Inno Sense mouthpieces come in four different flexibilities to cater to various needs:

• Flexi Soft: Made from elastic plastic with a flexible metal core, this option is perfect for sensitive horses. It’s not ideal for strong horses, as its flexibility offers a gentler touch.
• Mullen: This straight-bar bit slightly bends forward and has a rigid core. While the Mullen bar itself doesn’t flex, the surrounding Inno Sense material offers a softer touch for the horse.
• Port Medium: A slightly firmer option, this bit features a tongue arch that provides less pressure on the center of the horse’s tongue, offering more freedom. It’s ideal for sensitive horses or those who tend to stick out their tongue.
• Port Hard: Harder than the Port Medium, this bit also features a tongue arch, giving the horse the same tongue freedom while providing more stability.

The Inno Sense bits come in 15mm and 20mm thicknesses. The 15mm bits, often referred to as “slim,” are perfect for horses or ponies with smaller mouths, or when using a double bridle.

Tailoring the Right Bit to the Rider’s Needs

Different disciplines often require different types of bits to optimize communication between rider and horse. For example, Hunter Jumper riders often gravitate toward the Flexi Soft mouthpiece for horses that tend to hide from the bit. For Hunters, a Dee Ring or Full Cheek is a popular choice for young or sensitive horses, combined with the Flexi Soft mouthpiece. Jumpers may pair this mouthpiece with a Baby Pelham or 2.5 Ring for added control.

The Port Medium is one of TRUST’s most popular mouthpieces, offering tongue relief and slight flexibility. This style is often seen in Hunters with a Dee Ring cheek and is equally favored by Jumpers, who pair it with a Pelham, 2.5 or 3 Ring, Gag, or even a Combi-Hackamore for added versatility.

For horses that prefer a softer material but require a bit more strength, the Mullen or Port Hard mouthpieces might be ideal. These bits offer a more stable connection with the horse’s mouth while maintaining the gentleness of the Inno Sense material. Hunters often use these with a Dee or Pelham, while Jumpers may combine them with any of the popular cheekpieces mentioned earlier.

Finding the Perfect Bit

Every horse and rider combination is unique, and TRUST Equestrian recognizes that the perfect bit depends on each individual’s circumstances. The team behind TRUST Equestrian continues to innovate, always inspired by the desire to improve communication between horse and rider. Their mission is to provide the best-fitting bit for every horse’s job, ensuring comfort, performance, and harmony in the ring.

Explore TRUST’s wide range of bits available on Farm House Tack, and find the one that best suits your horse’s needs! Whether you’re training a sensitive young horse or fine-tuning your performance with a seasoned competitor, TRUST Equestrian has a solution that can elevate your riding experience.

TRUST Equestrian has built a legacy of quality and innovation over the past 15 years, with a dedicated focus on crafting bits that cater to the diverse needs of horses and riders. From Sweet Iron to Inno Sense and Leather, each bit is designed with care to ensure comfort and communication between horse and rider. With over 2000 different combinations of materials and styles, TRUST continues to lead the way in providing the perfect bit for every horse.