Bit Recommendations Please

S

SecretSquirrell379

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 October 2005
Messages
4,680
Visit site
My mare is VERY very strong and I use a Myler Combination bit at the moment

g_mbits_3Rcombo_short.jpg


My instructor would like me to try something less severe during schooling. She wants to see if she will soften at all if she does not have so much pressure on her. I am not convinced and I am pretty sure that she will just try and bugger off! I am willing to give it a go and see how we get on. At the end of the day, in a school she can't go far!! She is a bit of a 'give her an inch and she will take a mile' horse but if she is happier then she may listen to me more.

What are peoples recommendations for softer bits. I still need control, of course but I'm not sure what to try. I have not asked my instructor yet what she would use, I'm going to speak to her tomorrow. Wanted some opinions first
grin.gif


Thank you xx
 
Can't really think of a bit to recommend for schooling, but I do have to ask, what on earth is the bit you are using? I have a horse who is so strong when hunting and feel that I am totally yanking his mouth so much that I end up making his mouth and my arms sore for ages! Doe sthis put pressure somewhere else then?
Have you tried an American gag? Thats what I hunt in at the mo. Too strong for his schooling but not enough brakes for hunting so may suit
 
It does not put the most pressure on her mouth, it puts pressure on her nose, poll, mouth and chin. It disperses the pressure so she does not get a sore mouth.... this is taken from the Myler website.....

Dispersed pressure for a kinder, softer message - Utilizing various pressure points, Combination Bits offer simultaneous interaction of the mouthpiece, curb strap and noseband. When rein pressure is applied or released, the bit automatically disperses or releases pressure to the horse’s mouth, chin, nose and poll. Because pressure is dispersed between all four areas, the bits offer succinct and effective, yet very humane communication, allowing the rider to use less pressure than needed with a traditional bit.
Subtle pressure is applied to the mouth as the mouthpiece slides on the ring. Rewarding the horse for staying light, the sliding mouthpiece offers encouraging “free play” before completely engaging and applying downward pressure. Together with the downward pressure of the noseband and the forward pressure on the curb strap, the Combination Bit is very effective at asking a horse to relax at the poll.

It works but we are trying to get her to relax more, hence trying another bit
grin.gif
 
The picture is of a medium shank combination, but the title says short shank
confused.gif
. What shank and mouthpiece do you use?
Depending on the mouthpiece and if you use a short shank combination, they don't get much kinder than that
smile.gif

Myler combination bits if fitted correctly, with the right mouthpiece for horse and rider, work by applying pressure to the nose, chin, poll and lastly the mouth. The horse is getting a clear message what is expected, so there should be no need for holding onto your horses mouth.
Because the message is so clear, it can be a softer message.
 
my mare is also VERY strong but I school her in a KK ultra hanging cheek snaffle and she softens really well. This is however after taking her back to basics and teaching her the benefits of softening to the bridle.

She'll never be easy and I have some hardcore bits for x country and hunting but this snaffle has been the best one I've found for her and that bit of poll pressure really seems to work.
 
My combination is the same as the picture, the 'short shank' bit came straight from the Myler Website!! the only difference is my mouthpeice is 'anodised' (not sur if thats the right description, its meant to taste nicer for her)

Because I have to have such a constant and often quite strong contact with her I have been advised to try a softer bit to see how she goes in it. The combination is not the most gentle of bits, it is quite a strong one and maybe our constant battle is making her stronger.... hope that makes sense
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top