Neue Schule Team Up Bit – Modern French Link with Ergonomic Lozenge Design
The Neue Schule Team Up Bit is a redesigned evolution of the traditional French link snaffle, engineered to improve tongue comfort, enhance communication, and reduce the common pressure issues associated with conventional double-jointed bits.
By replacing the traditional “edge-on” centre plate with a smooth lozenge and refining the mouthpiece geometry, Neue Schule has created a more anatomically sympathetic bit that promotes relaxation, acceptance, and correct contact.
Why the Traditional French Link Can Cause Issues
Conventional French link bits feature a flat centre plate that can sit vertically against the tongue when rein pressure is applied. This “edge-on” positioning can create:
Localised tongue pressure
Reduced tongue clearance
Uneven pressure distribution
Potential discomfort or bruising in sensitive mouths
In some horses, this can lead to defensive responses such as:
Evading the contact
Tension through the jaw
Tongue evasion or overactivity
Inconsistent acceptance of the bit
It is worth noting that other designs, such as the Dr Bristol, intentionally angle the centre plate to alter pressure dynamics—highlighting how critical orientation and geometry are in bit comfort.
What Makes the Neue Schule Team Up Bit Different?
The Team Up Bit modernises the French link concept by replacing the traditional flat plate with a lozenge-shaped centre link, designed to sit more naturally within the horse’s mouth.
This refinement creates a smoother transition across the tongue and bars, reducing sharp pressure points and improving overall comfort.
Key Design Features of the Team Up Bit
Ergonomic Lozenge Centre Link
The central lozenge is designed to:
Sit more evenly on the tongue
Avoid edge-on pressure points
Encourage a softer, more consistent contact
Improve acceptance of the bit
This makes the action significantly more tongue-friendly than many traditional French link designs.
Anatomically Shaped Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is contoured to wrap more naturally around the horse’s mouth, improving alignment with oral structures.
Available thickness options include:
16mm Mouthpiece (Standard Use)
Suitable for horses with adequate oral space
Reduces pressure on the bars by increasing surface area
Promotes even load distribution across the mouth
14mm Mouthpiece (More Tongue Room)
Ideal for horses with larger tongues or limited oral space
Provides additional clearance under the palate
Helps prevent overcrowding in the interdental space
Correct sizing is critical, as excessive bulk in the mouth can be just as restrictive as a bit that is too thin.
Salox Gold Alloy – Enhanced Acceptance and Relaxation
The Team Up Bit is manufactured using Neue Schule’s proprietary Salox Gold alloy, designed to improve bit acceptance through:
A warm mouthfeel that encourages salivation
Reduced metal “shock” compared to conventional alloys
Increased comfort when teeth or lips contact the bit
Improved relaxation through sensory acceptance
This material plays a significant role in encouraging a softer, more consistent connection between horse and rider.
Performance Benefits of the Team Up Bit
The redesigned geometry and materials combine to produce a bit that is widely accepted by a broad range of horses, including:
Young horses in early training
Horses transitioning from harsher French link designs
Sensitive or tense horses
Horses that evade or disconnect from the contact
Horses need improved throughness and connection
Why It Works for Training and Development
The Team Up Bit is particularly effective for horses that have developed tension or resistance in traditional double-jointed snaffles.
By improving tongue comfort and reducing pressure spikes, it helps encourage:
Steadier contact
Improved acceptance of the rein
Better engagement from behind
More consistent connection through the topline
Reduced defensive mouth behaviour
Horses that previously backed off the contact due to discomfort are often able to re-establish a more confident outline and work more willingly into the bridle.
Loose Ring Action – Light, Responsive Contact
The loose ring version of the Team Up Bit provides a fast release action, which is particularly beneficial for refined riding.
Key advantages include:
Quicker rein release compared to fixed cheekpieces
Improved sensitivity in the rider’s hand
Reduced the likelihood of horses leaning or fixing on the contact
Greater clarity in transitions and half-halts
This responsiveness supports precise schooling while maintaining softness in the connection.
Ideal Uses for the Neue Schule Team Up Bit
The Team Up Bit is suitable for a wide range of horses and disciplines, including:
Dressage schooling and competition
Young horse production
Horses transitioning from traditional French link bits
Sensitive horses need improved tongue comfort
Horses that lean, brace, or evade contact
General flatwork and education work
Key Benefits at a Glance
Modernised French link design
Ergonomic lozenge centre link
Reduced tongue pressure and improved comfort
Salox Gold alloy for enhanced acceptance
Available in 14mm and 16mm mouthpiece thickness
Loose ring option for fast release and sensitivity
Encourages relaxation and steady contact
Suitable for training and competition use
Final Summary
The Neue Schule Team Up Bit is a thoughtful redesign of the traditional French link snaffle, offering a significantly improved level of comfort and communication. By replacing the problematic edge-on centre plate with a smooth lozenge and combining it with ergonomic shaping and Salox Gold alloy, Neue Schule has created a bit that supports softness, acceptance, and better overall performance.
For riders seeking a more refined connection without sacrificing clarity of aid, the Team Up Bit provides a modern, horse-focused solution that promotes long-term comfort and the correct way of going.