Double Jointed Dr Bristol Pro King Dee Bit

This design pairs the Dr. Bristol's characteristic angled center plate with polymer-covered outer sections (bars) — a hybrid mouthpiece intended to combine the control of the Dr. Bristol mechanism with the comfort typically associated with a soft polymer bit.

Design

• The mouthpiece has the classic Dr. Bristol structure: a double-jointed bit with two outer sections and a rectangular, angled center plate, offset so an edge (rather than a flat surface) contacts the tongue under pressure.
• The key distinction from an all-metal Dr. Bristol: the outer bars are coated in a soft, flexible polymer (often apple-scented), while the center Dr. Bristol plate typically remains stainless steel, uncoated.
• This combination means the parts of the mouthpiece resting on the bars and corners of the mouth are softer and warmer, while the part responsible for the bit's signature control — the angled center plate — retains its firmer, more precise action.

Function

• Softer contact at the bars and corners: The polymer-covered outer sections feel gentler against the lips, bars, and corners of the mouth than plain stainless steel, and the polymer stays at a more neutral, comfortable temperature in both hot and cold weather.
• Retained Dr. Bristol control where it matters: Because the center plate is left uncoated, the core mechanism of the Dr. Bristol — sharper edge-based tongue pressure under stronger contact — is preserved. The horse still experiences the characteristic "light at rest, sharper under resistance" action described for the all-metal version.
• Encourages acceptance: The pleasant scent and softer feel of the polymer bars can help horses that are naturally suspicious of, or resistant to, plain metal bits settle into contact more readily.
• Direct pressure only: As with any Dr. Bristol, this remains a true snaffle — no leverage, shank, or curb chain involved; all its added control comes purely from mouthpiece shape.

What it's good for

• Strong or leaning horses that are also sensitive or apprehensive about an all-metal mouthpiece: This combination offers the Dr. Bristol's known "extra control when needed" while softening the overall feel, useful for a horse that needs more brakes than a French Link but reacts poorly to a fully rigid metal mouthpiece.
• Hunter and equitation-style showing: Often built onto a classic D-ring ("King Dee") cheek specifically because that cheek style suits the traditional turnout expected in hunter/equitation classes, while still offering useful control.
• Riders wanting a "softened" version of a known control mouthpiece: A good option for transitioning a horse that's currently working well in a polymer/French Link-style bit toward more control, without jumping straight to an all-metal Dr. Bristol.
• Horses new to contact who still need some correction: The polymer helps first impressions and ongoing comfort, while the Dr. Bristol plate still offers the rider a meaningful tool if the horse becomes strong or resistant.

A note on severity

• Even with the softer polymer bars, the Dr. Bristol center plate's mechanism is unchanged — it will still apply sharper, edge-based pressure to the tongue under firm contact or resistance, same as the all-metal version.
• This is still generally considered more severe than a French Link or plain jointed mouthpiece, and best suited to riders with an educated, quiet hand rather than green riders or green horses.
• The polymer coating does not "water down" the fundamental control the Dr. Bristol provides — it primarily improves comfort at the corners and bars, not the core tongue-pressure action.

Summary

A Dr. Bristol with polymer bars combines a softer, more comfortable feel at the lips and bars with the Dr. Bristol's characteristic sharper, edge-based tongue control at the center — making it a useful option for strong or resistant horses that also benefit from a gentler overall mouthpiece experience, while still requiring the same thoughtful, educated hand any Dr. Bristol demands.