myler bit help (i know nothing!)

[tinap]

I posted a while ago because we were having trouble with the waterford gag - one of the end links was always giving the pony a papercut type cut on one corner of his mouth. Daughter was paranoid it was her hands, instructor insisted it wasnt but we tried countless other types of bits anyway.

He is always ridden at home in a copper full cheek snaffle with a lozenge & goes fab (he hates a single joint) but when she takes him sj & xc he just leans & is so strong - the waterford was the only bit we found that he goes well in.

So we ended up going back to the wf after 6 months of trying other bits with no success. Problem is after 1 round (very good round, best he's been for ages!) the corner of his mouth has split again we were pretty sure that it was one of the links that was nipping so it was bitwrapped & the bit was covered in vaseline, but it still cut him.

So now this is where I'm needing advice!!
I freely admit I know nothing about these bits, but my friend has just leant me this Myler to try on him http://www.google.co.uk/m/search?si...t=&htf=&his=&maction=&q=myler+ported+bit#i=27

Can anyone please tell me if it is a logical alternative to the waterford gag (i can't seem to find out much about it) & also if anyone knows if it is junior bs & pc legal for sj? She hacked out in it yesterday & said it felt no different to the wf but more importantly, his mouth came back in one piece!

Feel free to grab a lovely fruity scone if you got this far

Many thanks xx

 

[meesha]

link shows lots of bits - but just a thought have you tried a different waterford - I used to use one all the time and never had a problem (my chap is v strong) - check the size - you should always be in a slightly bigger size in the waterford - could it be too small for pony ?

You can also get the waterford as a 3 ring gag

 

[tinap]

Thanks meesha,

Oh I'm useless at links its a D ring with hooks & a port that moves/collapses.

It's the 3 ring wf she usually has him in 1/2 inch bigger than he takes - have also tried a loose ring & hanging cheek wf & she then has no brakes.

 

[kerilli]

the beauty of the waterford for a horse that leans is that the multiple joins mean that the horse has nothing to lean against. so, i don't think that a ported bit will work the same... although it might still work!
the waterford you have, can you post a photo of it? because on some of them, the shaped pieces go all the way to the bit rings, where the lips sit around it. the better bit manufacturers make the edges of the bit (beside the rings) smooth, like a barrel, so that the shaped parts stop short of the lips, therefore less likely to tear the skin. hard to describe but easy to see.
i have a lovely John Dewsbury waterford that is the old-fashioned type, with smooth barrels at the ends, can post a pic if you want.
also, is it big enough? waterfords are usually fitted longer than the bit the horse normally takes.
the trouble is that once a horse has torn its mouth there, it is paper-thin for ages and tears again really easily. it might be worth using 'bit butter' or similar to see if that helps?

 

[Emily S]

I had a Myler Bit fitted for my horse becuase he was a leaner, he was fitted with the higher ported one becuase he had a fleshy mouth and he would draw his tongue back when being ridden. He loved it and worked really well in it

I would get someone to fit it for you if your not sure whether the high port of low port will suit your pony better. Also they do different types like combinations etc

When the reins are threaded through the slots in the bit it does act like a gag and also you can buy a balancing rein that attaches like a curb chain but instead of the chain its a leather or neoprene strap, which also helps with breaks.

I do recommend them as they very kind in the mouth due to flexibility of the joints and the port has roller on it too so lets them sit their tongues in a comforatble position.

Hope this helps

 

[tinap]

Thanks for replies

It's a cheapo wf gag I have (its at the yard at mo so can't do a picture) & the shaped pieces of the links do go all the way to the end. I know exactly what you mean kerilli, I did see that NS did one with a straight part on the lip end part & thought that might be worth trying, ill have to see if can hire one to try. Not sure if they do it as a 3 ring gag though, will have a look! I've heard of bit butter & thought vaseline might do the same!

the myler I've been leant has a high port that collapses so that's what made me think it might be similar to the wf when he leans on it or have I got that wrong? T xx