This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
A mullen mouth snaffle, with a solid mouth, would be kinder than a single
jointed snaffle, but there is no leverage with a snaffle, only a direct
pull (shanked "snaffles" are not snaffles, but really are curb bits because
they have leverage.)
The level 1 Myler comfort snaffle is a good choice, about the same as a
french link, and a full cheek Myler comfort snaffle as well as the full
cheek French link would be a good choice.
The Mullen mouth bit has a curve in the mouthpiece that accommodates the
horse with a larger tongue and lower palate, the Glory bits have a
mouthpiece that is curved yet angled somewhat between a Mullen and an arch
mouth. all depends on which way the curve goes: In line with the shanks,
or at right angles to the shanks in the case of a curb bit. Yes, a curb
bit can have a mullen mouth.
Confusing/? get Dr. Deb Bennet's DVD set, The Anatomy of Bitting", lots of
info on bits and the anatomy of a horses mouth and how the bit works in the
mouth. http://www.equinestudies.org/cddvd.html#Bitting
Myler has a nice little booklet out also on bits.
I like the Myler bits because they are shaped to fit the horses mouth. I
have found that the solid low port mouthpiece with the elbow cheeks or the
butterfly cheeks ( both driving style bits) works well for my bit Gelding,
Bjorken, the myler bits are thinner which also seems more comfortable for
the fjords with less room in their mouth due to the large tongue and low
palate. I use the first slot below the snaffle setting in the elbow bit
for trail riding, sometimes use two reins, snaffle and curb as in a pelham
with the butterfly. I also use the Glory butterfly, but Bjorken seems
happier with the Myler low port as he has more tongue room.
After watch Buck Brannaman's videos starting the Bridle horse, I would
begin a young horse in a myler snaffle , maybe full cheek and teach him to
yield to pressure, with a release at the slightest try. I am doing some of
that with my 19 year old Bjorken, and he is getting much lighter also!
Jean in Fairbanks,Alaska, -18 degrees
RE: bits and fjords
I've heard the Mullen mouth bit mentioned before, but nixed it
cause it looked so severe (in my mind).
Is the Mullen mouth a kinder bit but give you the extra leverage on
a strong neck? Rubber or metal preferred? I have kind hands with the
other horses, but the fjord takes some strength and leg. Meanwhile,
ground work and trying to instill a work ethic in a very sweet and cute
fjord who would rather eat (!!) continues...I wish I could unlock his
mind to be a more willing partner, but if a Mullen is kind and would
help, I'd go buy one. Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheryl in S. Cal
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