Proof is in the Training Treat: Ending the Grind with GumBits!
Proof is in the Training Treat: Ending the Grind with GumBits!
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Gold Coast, Australia (March 29, 2021) - As they say, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, in the chewing gum for horses! Australia's Nicole Tough, a highly decorated dressage rider and trainer, recently posted a video showing just how effective GumBits are at their motto, "ending the training grind." Gumbits has recently expanded not only in Australia but around the world, and 5-time Australian Olympian, Mary Hanna, has been using GumBits since 2015. With a new distributor down under and the efficacy of chewing gum for horses becoming more well-known around the globe, GumBits are a unique and training-minded way to treat your horse!
In her video, Tough rides Faberge, an imported German gelding owned by Emma and Paul Wheel, who is known for his constant teeth grinding. She notes that he does it pretty much all the time, and that they were concerned that the habit would cost him points in the show ring. Even at the walk, Faberge is loudly grinding each stride, and at the trot it is even more apparent. However, with a quick handful of GumBits and a few moments to allow Faberge to chew, Nicole once again picks up the trot and the difference is astounding. Faberge's quiet jaw now no longer detracts from his lovely gaits and presence.
While Australia may seem like a far flung locale for the Official Training Treat of US Dressage, 5-time Australian Olympian Mary Hanna discovered the value of GumBits over 6 years ago. "I use the GumBits to encourage the horses to salivate and relax the jaw," she stated. "I find the horses like the taste of them, and I like how they go with the GumBits!"
In the fall of 2020, GumBits' founder & CEO Shereen Fuqua joined forces with Alex Martin and Lauren Bennet who opened Hestur Equestrian, an Australian on line store carrying Pikeur, Eskadron, Cavallo, HKM, STC, Zilco, Stubben and a wealth of local brands. Bennet has been managing equestrian retail outlets for 15 years, and is the exclusive Australian distributor for Stubben. Martin has actually used and competed with GumBits, and she is passionate about the success GumBits will bring to their equestrian community down under. Both competitors on the Australian show circuits, they have many many connections throughout the country. This new alliance with Hestur will allow them to distribute the "chewing gum for horses" to other stores, including Horseland, the largest equestrian superstore in Australia. Coupled with Bit Bank Australia, the country's only bitting expert who loves, promotes, and also sells GumBits, the sky’s the limit down under for GumBits! .
With US Olympians like Stefen Peters, Lauren Kieffer, Matt Brown, Kasey Perry-Glass, and Michelle Gibson on #TeamGumBits, it makes sense for the brand to become the official training treat of US Equestrian. GumBits have been softening equine mouths and encouraging salvation around the world, and the "chewing gum for horses" is currently used by a selection of the world's top Olympic and international competitors and are 100% FEI legal. GumBits are composed of an all natural combination of sugar and beeswax, and double as both a treat and a training tool. Their taste and texture encourage soft chewing, salivation, and a better connection with the bit. Tense, grinding, or dry mouthed horses in particular benefit from the addition of GumBits to their training program. The all-natural, bite sized pieces are perfect for use with or without a bridle, and naturally promote chewing activity, encourage submission, activates salivation, and eliminates teeth grinding.
GumBits' steadily growing fan base includes riders from the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as some of the top international competitors in dressage, eventing, show jumping, hunters, ponies, vaulting, the Quarter Horse disciplines, and combined driving.
