What are the different horse bits?

The two basic types of bits are snaffle bits and leverage (curb) bits. These differ in the areas on the horse where each applies pressure. In addition to these two types of bits, there are hackamores, which generally do not have a mouthpiece.

What is the most gentle bit for a horse?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn’t pinch the corners of the horse’s mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

What is the mildest bit for a horse?

French Link – mildest of the snaffle bits, the three pieces relieves pressure on bars.
  • O-Ring or Loose Ring – the mildest.
  • D-Ring & Eggbutt – adds slightly to severity.
  • Full Cheek – adds cheek pressure & prevents bit from pulling through mouth.

What is the harshest bit?

The harshest bit is the one which is in the heavy hands of an unskilled horseman. Any bit can be harsh in the wrong hands. The majority of bits are perfectly fine in the hands of a skilled, light-handed rider. To say one type of bit is inherently the “harshest” is too broad of a brushstroke.

What is a good bit to start a horse with?

Snaffles. Logically, a simple snaffle is the best choice. Leave any type of curb to more advanced training. The first choice will probably be a jointed snaffle bit with smallish rings that would be unlikely to catch on anything if the horse does try to rub its face.

Why are Myler bits so good?

Myler bits reinforce the horse’s learning process by offering tongue relief when the horse establishes the correct way of going and responds to the riders’ aids correctly. The Myler mouthpieces offer differing levels of tongue relief and this needs to be accounted for when selecting which mouthpiece to use.

What is the kindest snaffle bit?

The kindest bit is the one in the mouth of the rider with the softest hands!! Any bit can be strong in the wrong hands!

Are Myler bits gentle?

The Myler Combination Bit

However, it is actually one of the kindest bits for your horse due to the poll, nose and chin pressure it applies before any pressure is applied to the bars, lips and tongue.

What are Myler bits used for?

Myler bits are designed to use select pressure points for the best communication for that Level. Choose from Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 bits that correspond to your horse’s level of training. While Myler bits are suitable for both Western and English riding.

What are the different levels of Myler Bits?

SELECTING A MYLER MOUTHPIECE

The mouthpiece Levels start at Level 1, which apply maximum tongue pres- sure, and go up to Level 3, which apply minimum tongue pressure and offer the most tongue relief.

Are Myler Bits any good?

Myler bits are good, but not suited to every type as they tend to be around 12mm in the mouthpeice which can be too thin for some horses. Lozenge bits are a good alternative as they are still ergonomic, but offer more choice. These can also be much more cost effective!

Which Myler bit should I use?

The Level Two Myler Bits may be perfect for you and your horse. In theory, Level Two bits are used a horse has been trained and educated in a Myler Level One bit. However, many green horses with stellar dispositions may be better suited to beginning their training in a Level Two Myler.

What is a pee wee bit?

The Pee Wee is the only bit on the market where the big rings do not contact the sensitive side of the horses face. The Pee wee eliminates the horses lips being forced against the teeth. In other bits the pinching causes the horse pain and results in the horse leaning on the bit and tossing its head to the side.

How do I choose a bit?

To start with consider the thickness. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more your horse will feel the effects of rein pressure. Thinner bits should encourage more of a reaction to contact. Thicker bits are often a good option for young or mouth sensitive horses as they can find the pressure of a thin bit to be sharp.

What are the hooks for on a Myler bit?

they stabilise the bit inside the horse’s mouth and rotate it back and up off the tongue when the rider relaxes the contact, allowing for a much clearer signal and reward. the hooks also enable some Independent Side Movement, for a clearer signal.

Are Myler bits harsh?

You can’t generalise and say “myler bits are harsh” or that they’re all mild. Some of the Mylers are INCREDIBLY harsh (look in the Myler book at things like the twisted snaffle with long shanks) but some are mild. It’s a cliche but they really are only as mild or as harsh as your hands.

Is a Myler bit legal for dressage?

The following Myler snaffles are now dressage legal, although hooks, the slots in the cheek rings that hold the bit off the horse’s tongue when pressure is not engaged, are not allowed under FEI/BD rules.

How do you fit a Myler bit?

Measuring the Horse’s Mouth To measure your horse for a Myler Bit, measure the width of his mouth using a bitting stick or dowel (a smooth sturdy wooden spoon handle is ideal). It is much easier to do this with help! Gently place the stick in the horse’s mouth in the position a bit would go.

How do I measure my horse for a bit?

What is the softest bit you can use on a horse?

In my experience, the most gentle and acceptable bit for most horses is a loose ring snaffle with a smooth lozenge in the middle. Loose ring because the bit stays still in the horse’s mouth regardless of the position of the reins, as the rings absorb any changes in angle. The lozenge does two things.