This message is from: Karen McCarthy <weeg...@hotmail.com>
Taffy it depends on what your friend is looking for in a western bit - I assume she's looking for a 'grazing' type curb bit, and that is the easiest type to find (Chimikum Tack sells one for under 23.00) If she needs a more sophisticated bit with a specific mouthpiece, she's not going to have much to choose from off the rack. Myler will still do a custom larger mouthpiece, and you can combine it with many different cheek styles and lengths. They take about 5-6 weeks. (http://mylerbitsusa.com/index.shtml) If she is after more of a 'fancy' show bit, I'd advise her to buy a good quality bit she really likes and contact a bit maker to have them create a wider mouthpiece. The only caveat is that I think the bit needs to be a steel bit, not a stainless bit. Silver mounted is fine as they can work aound it. At any rate, I'd ask a bitmaker 1st to be sure what type of bit they could work on. Years ago, I had bitmaker Larry Gay in Red Bluff (http://www.larrygaybitsandspurs.com/)create a much better and larger 5 3/4" mouthpiece on a very old collectible Las Cruces style Mexican bit. Larry's won many bit competitons and I was introduced to him at the Red Bluff gelding sale where he had a booth. I purchased this old bit for $100 consigned at a local tack store, but it was only a little over 4 1/2" wide! It had 4 different graduated silver conchas down the vertical cheeks, and a nice loose jaw. I wanted to use it on my stallion as he was "beefy" enough and broke enough to pack it.I think Larry charged me $120 to braze in a brand new sweet iron half-breed mouthpiece with tongue relief and copper roller, and it still is a very nice bit, just not one I'd use on one of my mares. Wish I had someone to use it on. . . one day! :: Karen McCarthy :: Great Basin Fjords :: Madras, Oregon :: > From: fjo...@nwgamebirds.com > To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com > Subject: Fjord Western Bits > Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:16:01 -0700 > > This message is from: <fjo...@nwgamebirds.com> > > > A friend has a Gypsy Vanner and is looking for a western bit to fit her. > Where's the best place to buy a 6" western bit? > > Important FjordHorse List Links: > Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e > FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw > FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
