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Post by maxandpaddy on Feb 8, 2016 19:28:48 GMT
After trying/borrowing lots of bits and feeling that we still havent found the right Bit for our section D I did one of those online advice jobbies and must say was pretty impressed with what we got back.
We sent in video of him schooling, a brief outline of the problems we were having which briefly include: No brakes if he tucks his head in, permanently fiddling with his bit/chomping on it, unsettled head up, head down, tongue out... even though his teeth have been checked and checked again.
What they came back with was very good, they even stated things I knew about but hadn't mentioned plus they take into account what you want to do in the future:
I am mindful that you will want to go to a show pelham or double at some point so keen to keep a theme running to make the transition to one of these as less awkward as possible
He has a fleshy tongue and a soft and responsive mouth (unless excited and tanking off/head tucked in/thinking hes Buzzlightyear)
The suggestions were
1. Myler hanging cheek 32 mouthpiece (mullen) 2. Myler eggbutt with slots (not a gag) 43mp (mullen)....not totally sure what this even is!!!
Opinions please?
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 8, 2016 20:22:03 GMT
Mullen mouthpiece to discourage playing with the bit, and side pieces to give a little poll pressure without being either a gag or a curb. My personal query, bearing in mind I'm not an expert, is whether a small port rather than a mullen mouthpiece would give him more tongue room? You may well have tried that already of course. My daughter had a horse difficult to bit years ago and he was used as the demo horse for a Myler presentation - what was recommended for him worked a treat, great bits.
Please give it a whirl and let us know how it goes!
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Post by judyh on Feb 8, 2016 20:27:01 GMT
I use a Myler bit with the correction mouthpiece for my cob who used to tuck his head in , this was down steep hills in walk. He lifts immediately when asked-he is very light mouthed and never pulls though. He is forward going and goes well in a double but this wasn't working in the forest. I love Mylers , had a mare who would go in nothing else once she had one in as a snaffle. Had to get a Pelham with the same mouthpiece for showing - that had a comfort mouthpiece
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Post by bubbles1822 on Feb 8, 2016 22:31:06 GMT
Maybe try something more flexible in his mouth. Waterford (varies options)
What bit are you currently using? What have you tried?
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 8, 2016 22:39:19 GMT
The comfort mouthpiece was the one daughter's horse had - in both snaffle and pelham versions.
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Post by Toaster on Feb 8, 2016 23:33:34 GMT
have you considered a mullen mouth Kimblewick? A kimblewick always used to be a 'go to' bit but has fallen out of favour in these days of enormous choice
While I understand that Myler bits are hugely popular I have seen a few bit experts that only stock high end brands and are always keen to suggest the bits that they just happen to have in stock, not saying thats what is happening here but I would just bear that in mind when proceeding
Its worth getting the teeth looked at again with a fresh set of eyes, it took FOUR different people, hundreds of pounds and multiple visits to discover that my pony is missing three teeth and has a tooth neatly half an inch overgrown, he was so unhappy in his mouth previously but has been a breeze since at last someone picked up on it and its being worked on gradually
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 9, 2016 8:45:39 GMT
The OP did ask for comments on the advice she'd got rather than other suggestions, she's done a round of that and tried lots!
As for more modern bits - while we should all remain open minded I think there has been much more emphasis lately on considering the conformation of each individual mouth and mechanical design to suit them - and of the importance of keeping the teeth in good condition. While the majority of animals I'm sure could be suited by good old fashioned bits, it won't hold for all. Another point - equines vary hugely in their sensitivity, some will put up with a lot whereas others have to be completely suited before they will be happy. it must not be forgotten that there will have been R & |D (research and design) costs on any new bit before introducing it to the wider market which need to be recouped, and the manufacturing costs may be higher.
Having said all that, the basic mechanics of bitting remain the same as they've always been - the horses's mouth doesn't change, and I sometimes think a bit of human education in that field would be of great benefit to the horse population.
A kimblewick used to be the go to bit for children who needed a little more braking power but had not yet learned to ride with two reins - my daughter used one but only in testing situations, not all the time, a snaffle was fine for most activities.
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Post by sageandonionagain on Feb 13, 2016 18:36:59 GMT
I think that as you have asked the "experts" for an opinion and you have received one, you should go with what they have suggested rather than seeking further advice on a forum. Even if you received positive/negative opinions on the bits that have been suggested, this will apply to other people (hands) and other horses. You have a direction to go in now so do so positively. You must of course ensure all medical checks have been carried out and you are also receiving advice on your riding technique with this particular horse.
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