So last week I had the greatest day ever! I used my new Myler O ring Combination Snaffle bit that I got for Christmas on Daisy for the first time! For those who don’t know a bit is basically what helps you to stop and steer your horse. It goes in their mouth and when you want to stop you pull back and it gently pinches their mouth, which is their cue to stop. Parts of the bridle are that they either have a brow band that that goes around both ears or an ear band that just goes around one ear. Then most have what is called a throat latch. This basically goes under the jaw and latches to the other side. This should be tightened snug enough that you can fit at least two fingers through it. Then some may have a curb strap the is placed just behind the lower lip. Here are some pictures to give you an indication of what it looks like thanks to Mini horse and Pony Tack guide and America’s Horse Daily:
A given that Daisy had not used a bit in a super long time, like in eight months plus longer, I just used a halter and lead rope before I got this. So I was just a little worried to use it on her! Let me tell you folks, Daisy did AMAZING with it! This bit is very unique in the sense that it is not like most bits. Instead of pulling on the mouth, which by the way if you pull to much it can make the mouth harden and be painful, it applies more pressure on the poll and nose and less on the mouth. That way you have less hardening.
Here is a diagram of the head of a horse by extension.org:
What’s also really unique about this bit is that you can set it to the level of pressure that your horse needs from the bit. This not only is a great tool, but also saves money in having to buy another bit. Considering bits can be well over 100 dollars apiece. The first ring is designed for minimal mouth pressure and more pressure from the poll and nose. This challenges them to work mainly off their nose. The second, (what I set Daisy to.) is designed for slightly more mouth pressure and less pressure from the nose and poll. The third ring is designed for complete mouth pressure. Now I bet you are wondering how I come to my decision on what one to set Daisy to. Well looking back it was simple really. I first set her to the third ring. Well when I got on her she started throwing her head and chomping on the bit. I tried adjusting the chin strap, noseband, throat latch and other adjustments to the headstall. None of those worked. I sat there for a while completely stumped. That’s when the epiphany happened. I moved her up a ring. After I did that she completely changed. She stopped throwing her head and lowered it to the horizon line right away. For horses the term horizon line means that the horse drops their head even enough that it isn’t low enough for them to buck, but not high enough for them to throw their head. An even medium. It is said that a horse’s head is so even that it is completely parallel to the earth’s natural horizon. Here is a great example of this thanks to Jeff Williams Quarter horses:
This bit can be quite expensive depending where you buy it. My mom got mine on sale for $56.00 at Leashes and Leads in Byron. (http://www.leashesandleads.com/) However full price was $156.00. Even though this bit is quite expensive it’s well worth the money! In just one day I noticed a huge difference in Daisy. Now imagine the difference it will make in the future! J
Check out the difference it also made in other peoples horses. Notice how much more the horse and rider are related and the horse gains more bend. Thanks to Julie Goodnight on Youtube.com for providing this video.
Anyway, thanks for reading and watch for more posts to come!
See ya!
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