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Post by meadowwinds on Jan 2, 2015 13:59:53 GMT -5
So I have a bitting question....I've used pretty much all the standard type bits out there at one time or another, and understand how to fit, how bits work, etc....I haven't tried any of the newer 'shaped' bits (like Myler), so I'm interested in what people have to say about those especially, but any ideas would be welcome.
A little back story on my boy....he is a coming 8 year old ISH stallion. He has always had a super light mouth. He gets his teeth done regularly, and had wolf teeth removed around age 4. We've kept bits simple with him....snaffles: single and double jointed (eggbutt, loose ring, full cheek), double jointed happy mouth (though this was thinner and he didn't seem too keen on it). He started going in a fairly thick rubber D-Ring last spring which he seemed to enjoy (started accepting more contact and less head jigging)....I also ride him without a noseband most of the time, and only put one on when jumping (and even then it's really loose).
He started off the spring loving the new rubber D and no noseband....but by fall, he seemed to be unhappy with it again, not wanting to accept a light contact, tossing his head, not wanting to turn, etc. Yes he's a stallion and like any horse can have 'off' days, but I could tell he wasn't happy with something. His saddle is professionally fitted, and will be fitted again come spring.
Now, I have noticed that one canine has not come through the gums yet, though there is a bump there. He also seems to have a fairly thick tongue. He does not seem sore/tender where his wolf teeth were removed (I've been told that if they didn't get all the pieces of a tooth they can be highly sensitive). I will be getting the vet out for shots/teeth in about a month or so, and I will get him to take a good look inside his mouth at that point. He is off until spring, but I wanted to have enough time if I need to order something in to get it before we are back to work.
I am interested in hearing anyone's suggestions, and why they think it would be a good fit for him. I have a few ideas myself, but am always interested in other's opinions.
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czf
Greenie
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Post by czf on Jan 5, 2015 13:20:24 GMT -5
Honestly, if you think there's an issue in the mouth, having that looked at and resolved may solve your bitting issue completely. And trying different bits won't help if the underlying problem is still there. I'd just see what the vet says before investing in more bits and maybe see if you can get the vet out a bit sooner.
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Post by gotzon on Jan 6, 2015 16:50:57 GMT -5
What is he like when you have the noseband on? Why did you take it off in the first place? Having no noseband will make a bit feel far more severe to them than with a noseband - maybe that's actually what he's objecting to. Are you sure your contact and hands aren't pulling or are steady - especially without the noseband??
In any case, I'm a big fan of Myler bits and most tack stores that carry them do offer a one week trial so you can try before you buy as they are somewhat pricier than most basic bits. There is a lot of science behind them and I haven't found any horse really that doesn't go well in the basic old Comfort Snaffle. Some of them can get pretty wild with the different ports and whatnot, but the comfort snaffle is simple, and legal in dressage (if you're going to show).
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Post by meadowwinds on Jan 7, 2015 19:50:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies!
He will be having a full mouth/teeth exam before he goes back into work.
Gotzon, could you explain to me why having no noseband would make a bit feel more severe? It is my belief that the opposite is true, because with a noseband, it effectively keeps the mouth closed and they can't evade the pressure, whereas with no noseband, they could.
I found with my boy, he was locking up his jaw with a noseband, and so we removed it so that he felt that he could 'play' with the bit more....and it worked. He started to relax, accept more contact, and started to come rounder.
I am pretty anal about my hands and contact, always striving for steady and light.
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czf
Greenie
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Post by czf on Jan 8, 2015 7:40:25 GMT -5
Have you tried a drop noseband? They go on quite loose and only 'activate' if the horse opens its mouth.
I have ridden horses who didn't like Myler bits, but some seem to like them so are worth a try. I just think dealing with the mouth issue is priority #1, because it won't matter what bit or noseband you use, if his mouth is hurting him.
Good luck, keep us posted!
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Post by churchmouse on Jan 12, 2015 8:48:43 GMT -5
You can rent a Myler bit so you don't have to spend a lot of money buying a bit your horse might not like.
I like the Myler bits & my horses go very well in them. Most popular seems to be the MB02 & MB04 mouthpiece.
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Post by gotzon on Feb 4, 2015 6:06:51 GMT -5
I was at a Clayton Fredericks clinic a couple years ago. There was a horse who was heavy on the hands and not respecting the half halt. He took the noseband off to make the bit have more of an effect. I also know of a couple UL riders who ride xc without a noseband because they're so strong. It makes it harsher because the bit doesn't stay in the right position, it can be pulled quite a bit more. My coach once had me undo the noseband for a couple courses because was my horse was being an ass and right away he was much more sensitive to the bit and my rein aids. There's a reason those western horses are so curled up and need very little rein contact!! I'd still recommend trying the myler, but I'd also try searched for a noseband that works for him too.
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jlb
Greenie
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Post by jlb on Feb 4, 2015 10:27:44 GMT -5
I can't really comment on nosebands on snaffle bridles, but western horses are sometimes curled up with little contact because their bits have a high port and a much longer shank than you would see on an English bit (allowing the reins to cue the horse without much weight in the rider's hand). They don't need a noseband to stabilize the bit in the mouth.
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czf
Greenie
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Post by czf on Feb 5, 2015 9:22:37 GMT -5
I agree about the western bits, they are generally quite a bit sharper
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Post by gotzon on Feb 15, 2015 17:48:50 GMT -5
Absolutely, I know their bits are quite different than ours, but the fact that they have no noseband can make them even more severe.
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