Fager Mattias is a good choice for horses who you would describe as the following:
Can be worried in the mouth but get too stiff on straight bits
Reluctant to soften down into the bit.
Requires encouragement to seek out the contact and keep a consistent contact.
Can overreact when you take the reins
Can get on and off in the contact
Ā
Mattias is a double-jointed sweet iron bit with a special lockup function. The mouthpiece has a tongue relief but locks upwards, which can be good for horses with a low palate and sensitive bars who still prefers a tongue relief.
The bit doesn't lock forward like a normal lockup bit, which means that you won't get the stiff feeling of a straight bit.
The joints are rotated away from the tongue, which gives a more gentle, smooth pressure on the tongue. This can be good for horses that can overreact when you take the reins and need to keep the consistent contact through every movement. The sweet taste together with the stability makes the horse seek a stable contact with the bit.
The Dee rings make the bit lay still in the mouth and prevent the bit from sliding side to side. The straight sides help with steering and framing.
