Which Bit? And what are Myler bits??

[QueenDee_]

I was hoping you could help me decide on which bit to use for my 15.2hh Connemara.

I currently have him in a jointed snaffle, but I have found that when jumping [SJ or XC] he gets really strong and drags me into the jump, which isnt really the best, when I bought him he was in a 4ring dutch gag [I think] but I dont really like these bits too much My riding instructor suggested a hanging cheek snaffle, but I thought these were mainly for flat work? If anyone has one can they give me an idea what they are like? Also my friend suggested a pelham but I thought this would possibly be too severe?

I also have Chalky in a martingale/brestplate with a flash and a crank noseband.. Any help or info on these bits or any others would be very appreciated.

Oh, and what are myler bits? I have seen a few posts on them here, but i've never really heard of them before?

Thanks

 

[showjumpergirl]

No offence to your instructor, but hanging cheek snaffles are no more severe than ordinary snaffles - there is no poll pressure, they are just stiller and more stable in the horse's mouth as well as being less likely to be pulled through the mouth.

Why don't you like gags?

Myler bits are just very expensive (£100+) bits which not only act on the mouth but also the poll nose and chin (as a specialised thin rope noseband is attached so that when there is pressure on the reins, the bit turns and applies pressure to the nose and chin, they are sort of pelhams crossed with hackamores), they are quite severe, and would probably be too strong for you if you usually ride in a snaffle. (I don't have a problem with them in the right hands, and many people with my local pack have had great success with them on their hunters).

I'd try a pelham, a dutch gag or a tom thumb bit, remember that it's better to have your horse in a more severe bit and be in control than ride in a mild bit putting yourself and the horse in danger.

Good luck anyway, and try to borrow some different bits to try before you buy as different bits work for different horses.

 

[Toby773]

think showjumpergirl is trying to describe the Myler Combination Bit which of course is just one of a huge range produced.

The Myler Combination is not severe - not more than any bit in the wrong hands - and is in fact used by many people for starting youngsters and re-training racehorses. These bits afford great control without compromising the horse's comfort and risking hardening the mouth; would much rather use one than a Pelham. Pelhams, but their action, can cause a horse to go quite dead or wooden in the mouth.

The hanging cheek bit will keep the bit stable in the mouth.

Your horse may be running away from the flash-crank noseband. Not every horse likes the pressure these impart.

Waterford bits are good for control as are Neue Scule Universals and Butterfly Hartwells.

Speak to a bitting specialist for proper advice.

 

[showjumpergirl]

think showjumpergirl is trying to describe the Myler Combination Bit which of course is just one of a huge range produced

Yes I was, as this is the most common in my area, they also produce comfort snaffles which some horses love, others not so much.

My instructor recommended a while back that when trying a new bit, not to use a noseband at all, so that someone experienced on the ground, or the rider, can assess any resistance the horse may have to the new bit. Also, I don't really like crank nosebands (unless they are fitted like a normal cavesson) because apparently the excessive padding and tightness can push the horse's cheeks against his molars which can cause sores.

Good luck!

 

[Elsbells]

Try taking away the pressure, than adding more. It sounds to me that she's in some discomfort. If she can't open her mouth to breath because of a tight flash and crank and there is also a damm great thick bit in her mouth as well, no wonder she's trying to get away!

Take everything off to start with and maybe try a Myler low port bit, she might suprise you.

 

[the watcher]

I currently have him in a jointed snaffle, What kind of snaffle? need more information but I have found that when jumping [SJ or XC] he gets really strong and drags me into the jump, which isnt really the best, when I bought him he was in a 4ring dutch gag [I think]with one or two reins?

My riding instructor suggested a hanging cheek snaffle, but I thought these were mainly for flat work? No, you can use these for jumping, they add a little poll pressure and give you slightly more lateral controlIf anyone has one can they give me an idea what they are like? Also my friend suggested a pelham but I thought this would possibly be too severe?that partly depends on how you use it or fit it

I also have Chalky in a martingale/brestplate with a flash and a crank noseband.. Any help or info on these bits or any others would be very appreciated.if it was my horse I would change the crank/flash for a drop or grackle, but that is just my preference

Oh, and what are myler bits? I have seen a few posts on them here, but i've never really heard of them before?well made bits, quite slim through the mouthpiece with a lot of variations to try, you need to try a couple to assess if they suit you and your horse - I think they are very good, others don't - judge for yourself

hope that helps