Blog Hop: Bit of Luck

I think that we all have those tried and true bits in our collection while others we just steer clear of.  Are there any bits that work like magic for your horse?

 

When I began riding Ypke three years ago, I always rode her in a single jointed eggbutt snaffle.  If you have been reading for awhile, you will know that I was a complete beginner when I purchased her (riding for less than two weeks).  While my hands were never unsteady to the point of flailing every which way or constantly yanking, they definitely left a lot to be desired.  At the time, I never thought about how bits could affect the performance and willingness of an individual horse.  A different trainer noticed her constant evasion tactics of chomping, ducking, or being a giraffe and brought up how many horses are bothered by the "nutcracker" effect that single jointed bits can have.  He suggested that I look into the Myler Comfort Snaffle line for Ypke. Research mayhem ensued.

 

Here is the breakdown of my favorite features offered by the dee Comfort Snaffle w/ hooks and  copper roller that I chose (and really the comfort snaffles in general): 

• Curved mouthpiece alleviates tongue pressure and allows the horse to swallow easier
• The sides move independently and are isolated from each other which is especially helpful for a bending cue.
• Copper inlay bars
• Hooks!  Some people say they are for leverage, but I personally think that they are great for keep the reins, cheek peices, and curbchain from sliding around the ring and tangling with each other.

The day I tried this bit was actually the day I began clicker training Ypke.  Partnered with each other, the difference in her willingness to work was monumental.  Bit evasion used to be constant throughout our rides, but now it only happens every once in awhile on our off days.  She does still chomp out of habit, but it is noticeably less severe.  Prior to Myler two years ago, I always thought people were exaggerating or bluffing about how a bit completely changed their horse's tune.  After I experienced it firsthand, I can testify that the difference was almost magical for Ypke.

 

Since then, I have only stuck with Myler and am starting a collection.  Some of my favorites are... 



 

I used this Kimberwick Comfort Snaffle in Ypke's first class at her first show.
 

When I first saw the 3-ring combination I thought it looked scary, but I was wrong.  My mom's horse had to be ridden bitless because he HATED bits, as in he refused to open in his mouth and had huge meltdowns. This combination is set up to where it uses nose pressure (like his bitless bridle does) before it goes to the mouth. This bit was the perfect solution for him and now he has 0 tantrums and is quite an easygoing fellow.

 

 

HBT shank w/ sweet iron Comfort Snaffle and copper roller is her Western bit.
  

 

I have been eyeing this dee Comfort Snaffle as our dressage bit for awhile now.  The dee ring that I have right now is not legal due to the hooks and copper roller. Wish list!

 

Which bit does your horse go best in?