Bit Shopping

[ghostrider]

Okay I'm wanting to get another bit for Boomer. I like a Full Cheek but I want to try either a copper, sweet iron or happy mouth. I see copper can become sharp so maybe I don't want a copper one and I don't want one that can pinch the corner or tongue so what do you guys think about these?
www.victorycanter.com/Happy-Mouth-copper-roller-full-cheek-468554.html

What does the roller in the middle do?
www.horse.com/item/happy-mouth-double-jointed-full-cheek-bit/E007525%20500/?srccode=GPHORSE&gclid=CI3amYCW3bYCFUWK4AodeQoAEA

[vsolubo]

Bear always loved his D ring with copper rollers, Marie has a O ring now with a copper mouth piece, but Colt only liked his sweet iron (he'd be a bum wipe with copper).

[ghostrider]

Is the roller just for amusement? I've hears some bits pinch so which do I need to stay away from?

[vsolubo]

The rollers help nervous horses become more relaxed; Bear would roll his tongue back & forth whenever he got nervous. Most snaffles don't pinch unless they have a shank; any broken, mouthpiece, shanked bit has the chance to pinch HARD the mouth. They normally pinch at the corners where the mouthpiece meets the shank.

[ghostrider]

Thanks for the info. Boomer isn't nervous if anything he's pretty laid back, non spooky/nervous but still energetic. But he likes to chew on the bit continuously, always has.

[Deleted]

Denise...I couldn't get the second one to load, but I like the first one. I always like a full cheek with a french link. I've got a good friend who likes to use the Happy Mouth bits. The one you posted looks pretty mild. We always used something similar on DD's sport pony.

I really love Myler bits. I've had several over the years. Luckily, Mason came with his Myler bit. It retails for $150!! He loves it, so very happy I didn't have to buy it. It's a low, low curb bit. He's a finished WP horse, so needs to be shown in a shank bit. He also goes English, so will ride in a full cheek.

One thing that the previous owner/trainer of Angel and Mason, is she hangs the bits kind of low in their mouths. This encourages them to pick the bit up. I always had been taught that you have a little wrinkle in the side of the mouth. I do go ahead and hang Mason's bit low, and he seems to be quite happy.

[ghostrider]

I like to have either none or one wrinkle so it's a bit loose. I don't like it to be tight. I've heard a lot of people go for three wrinkles but it always looks so tight and uncomfy.
My first bit for Buddy was a Mylar Kimberwhick bit. You can attach the reins in three places making it a no-shank, low shank or med shanked bit. Still have it hanging in the shed and it still looks brand new.
When Matt did 4H he said if he had to put a shanked bit in Boomer's mouth then he refused to show. He did the speed events but refused to enter any of the show classes.

[Deleted]

I used to have a problem with shank bits until I started using finished western pleasure horses and was taught how to use them correctly. Used correctly, they are not harsh at all. Any bit, even a snaffle can be painful and harsh if used incorrectly.

[ghostrider]

I can't get over the saying...if a horse can be ridden in a snaffle, does everything you ask then why do you need a more severe bit?

Stacy Westfall can do more without a bit and bridle then most people will EVER do.

[Deleted]

I agree to a point...but if you show in certain disciplines, you have to use the proper equipment. My horse is completely happy and comfy in his bit. Doesn't bother me at all. I've seen people be really mean in the mildest bits.

My guy is super happy in his bit , and he rides bridleless as well.

I'm not arguing....I totally get your point. I just know that lots of really good, kind, reputable horse men and women ride in something other than a snaffle and happy horses.

[ghostrider]

True but I don't have to use a shank therefore I don't. Matt had the same opportunity, show or don't show and chose his horse over their rules and I applaud his decision. For a kid to think of the horse before himself I think is admirable.
I don't understand why the industry doesn't allow snaffles, if you can ride in one then you should be allowed to. But it's their game.

[vsolubo]

Denise, they require a shanked bit in WP because it shows the horse is finished in its training; a snaffle shows they aren't completely trained. Also it's because it is tradition for western horses to show in western style bits; thus shanked bits.

[ghostrider]

The QH industry also starts foals out before it's healthy, I just don't have to be a follower.
I hope eventually things will change, with all the new training styles and methods I'm sure there's a new and better way coming, hopefully not too long.

[Deleted]

Not everyone in the QH industry starts their horses too young. Not everyone who rides in a curb is unkind to their horse's mouth. My horse, for instance, finds an immediate release, and I have light hands.

I have seen people ride in a snaffle that are heavy handed, and obviously causing the horse pain. It's about a whole lot more than the bit.

I went to a JL cert clinic once. I told her I rode my horse in a curb and asked if that was ok in her clinic. She said much of what I've been saying. As long as you use light hands and allow your horse a release, it's fine. Those things are what matter more than making sure you use a snaffle.

Anyway! Did you find a bit Denise? )

[ghostrider]

I totally agree nana, it's the bad apple that you notice and there's probably a whole tree of good ones.
I like the first one but I'm scared about the copper middle. They say copper get's sharp? I want to go to Springfield, there's a tack store there with some knowledgeable people. I'd like to have them show me the difference so I can SEE before buying. I'm also wondering about the sweet metal?