I love how kind your bits are! Many people put thoroughbreds in gags, and other severe devices to control them. I never used anything stronger than a full cheek snaffle on my thoroughbreds.
Leons Lioness gags are generally only meant to be used in the stables at race tracks for saftey. Its not a normal tool people are meant to use and youll find the gags are onky used when they are being worked with on the ground. Most racers are ridden in a snaffle
Me to, I just transferred my thoroughbred into a 3 piece happy mouth. It's way softer in their mouth then a normal metal belt and he seems to like ot better 😄
I have always ridden my OTTBs (yup, some have been racing for 10 years!) in a eggbut snaffle and after abt a 10 month training I ride them bitless! I see no reason why people put them in gags etc.
Sorry in advance for the long post but I thought I would tell our story in case it helps someone else with a horse with similar bitting challenges:- We have an OTTB with the smallest mouth I have ever seen. She also has a very low port and unfortunately splits the inside corners of her mouth just carrying the bit (ie..no contact). After lots and lots of trial and error, we settled for a sweet iron, loose ring, oval link with generous amount of original bit butter in the smallest size they make, for dressage. The sweet iron with the bit butter seems to eliminate the splits in mouth, and the tiny light weight of the oval link accommodates her 0 space in mouth problem. Only bit she will take contact with willingly. However it doesn't work for jumping, rider makes the smallest movement with hands over jump and she would flip her nose up in the air over the jump...all the rubber, seal wrapped, duo, happy mouth (she absolutely hated the plastic) just take up too much room. So we tried leather bits. We started with a Meroth which she loved and jumped great in, but even with bit butter would still split corners(due to square edges). We found a place called Winterpast Farm that make leather bits only 13mm thick with rounded/beveled edges...finally took care of the problems! Hope this helps...
@@abbylol8844 I agree with you in that I don't EVER see a need to use a bit, but stupidly enough a lot of competitions require that participants use a bit :(
this is the best video on youtube. i am so happy you're educating people on soft bits!! some people have no idea how bits work and don't even think about rubber or myler ones. this is great to get the word out and help horses and riders!
Well, actually a good number of people don't wear underwear, especially with certain types of clothing. So I suppose the metaphor extends even better to bits! Many horses are cool with them, and then some horses prefer not to have a bit, or not to have one for certain types of riding etc
I’d been using my KK loose ring on the TB I have right now but he fidgets a little more than ideal. This video inspired me to go out in the garage and find my locking Stubben snaffle and a wonder snaffle to try this evening. Thanks ;).
I love this video. I am trying to find a bit for my horse and this video gave me more ideas and options to think about. Also, you don't use the super harsh pelhams, shanks, chains, and all that harsh jazz. You know what you're doing and why its the best option for your horses. I love it!
Rainbowofcolor88 If they fuss with it or move their heads or foam, they don't like it. They don't like either bit. Just go bitless. So many people already have. Your horse will love you for it.
carolineleiden my horse hated me for going bitless, the softest touch of the reins makes him freak out, toss his head and buck. because he hates nose pressure. everything was fitted correctly and I had a fleece cover over it. (I was using a fitted leather halter, not some stupid hackamore or bitless bridle) he’s very relaxed in a rubber snaffle. Also... foam is usually a very good sign when you have a bit in, it usually means they’re relaxing their jaw. ;)
Lily Hudgins A flexible rubber bit is one of the least invasive and if you're careful, your horse could be fine. You seem to be looking out for his interest, so he is lucky. Many horses are not so fortunate. Somebody needs to invent a noseband system that doesn't put pressure on the nose. A system that won't narrow or tighten on top but instead only reacts on the sides or maybe higher up on the head. For the sensy nosed horsies. It's a whole new language both rider and horse need to learn.
I used the Myler comfort snaffle on my horse for years and the center barrel definitely keeps the two sides of the mouthpiece from collapsing in on each other but my experience was that the center barrel doesn't spin freely; my horse never played with it. You can turn it with your fingers, but it's basically just something to plug the two sides of the mouthpiece in to. By contrast I now have a solid mouthpiece snaffle with a cricket/roller in the center and my horse does play with that. Not neurotically, non-stop, but off and on. It's supposed to get them to relax the jaw. I think they also like the clicky sound.
Thanks for the explanation. I used a Pelham on my first horse, then once I got my current horse yofj, I switched to a copper is eggbutt snaffle. This video helped me make my decision on what bit to buy.😊
You really nailed the thing: bits really are just like underwear. Everyone told me my green OTTB would like a thicker rubber type bit, but he hated it, and after five bit changes, he was instantly happy when I figured out that a double-cheek four-and-three-quarter inch French mouth snaffle, which kept the bit from moving too much in his mouth, is what he wanted. To even get to that point, he required some fairly extreme dental work, including shortening his front teeth, to make his bite match up. I tried egg butts, loose rings, and D-rings, but he preferred the full cheek. He had a very busy mouth fresh off the track, but it quieted down almost entirely once I got the right bit on him. In retrospect, I am pretty sure that he suffered from TMJ disease. I wish I had figured it out sooner.
Very informative and well filmed, this explains a lot and will be checking out a Dee ring mylar bit soon, currently bittless but if my horse is comfortable with a bit our dressage moves might improve. . . I know my boy will certainly let me know one way or another.
Ivy Popejoy Neither bitted or bitless is better overall. It depends on the horse itself and what he/she prefers. Some horses like bits, others don't. Some horses like bitless, others don't.
That’s such great info about the bit wrap! My greenie is a bit chewer so nothing rubber or plastic is an option for him unfortunately but I’ll definitely have to try the latex wrap!
I absolutely adore all of your videos. Thank you for anyways providing down to earth and educational entertainment. You are marvelous. My bits in rotation are very similar and I'm a firm believer in Myler and Nathe bits as they seem to work for the largest majority of horses.
This is a really great video! I use a Myler Comfort snaffle with my gelding as well as a double jointed snaffle with a copper roller (he's a fusser and loves rollers!). My pony goes in a double jointed Happy Mouth snaffle really well. I love the Micklem bridles and it really has made a difference in my pony as well as my gelding.
Scott Wrobel well Eliza actually trains horses successfully unlike Rick that only has experience with his own very quiet trail horses. He doesn't know how to ride at all and balances off his horses face's most of the time. Why should anyone take his advice over Elizas advice? Elizas horses look very happy and healthy around her. Rick's horses are extremely unfit and have no top-line at all. I'd never take advice from someone that can't even condition their own horses properly. Also the lack of paying students is also a clue, if no one wants to pay for your advice you probably have nothing to offer.
I use the latex warp too. I use three and two-piece snaffles for all my horses. I have recently tried a loose ring happy mouth snaffle. I really want to try some of these bits though too. My xc horse right now is in a half check happy mouth bit.
This is the benefit of being a professional rider and having a "wardrobe" of bits you can try on new horses, and I guess you know that you'll always find a horse that suits the different options to justify the purchases. Its hard when you're just a pleasure rider and going through all these different bits for just one, two or a few horses 😭
carolineleiden Not all horses will tolerate pressure on their face, either. It depends on the horse, and it’s up to the rider to determine what is best for their own horse.
LightWave I am not talking about a mechanical hackamore, especially with long shanks, that squeezes the horses face, and can break his nosebone, which is not much better, but rather the oldfashioned bosal or a loosefitting halter. Keep it simple, no pressure. Nothing tight. It's not the pressure that makes him learn, but the release. Give him a bit of pressure, and when he does the right thing, let go. I was just told a few days ago by a horsebreeder that you can control a horse with your two pinkies on loose reigns. At least try it bitless. Give him that chance. You owe him that much.
Thank you for this review, it's my first time working with a green horse and she tends to blow through my french link snaffle & her pallet is too shallow for most bits I have tried. I think I'll try a Myler with her and see if she likes it.
The latex bit wrap is really interesting to me! I use a myler loose ring level 2 comfort snaffle on my lusitano/mustang who has a low palate and a thick tongue. Two questions: Do you think the latex wrap would work on the loose ring version of the myler comfort snaffle? I noticed you had some of the wrap going where the mouthpiece joins the D-ring. I imagine that would impede the movement of a loose ring but maybe not if you wrap it really carefully? Have you tried the latex wrap on the level 2 mouthpiece? Or would the slight port cause issues with the wrapping? Awesome video! Definitely going to play around with some of this new information! My boy has always been very funny with bits.
My Sugarbush loves her Stubben EZ control, but my mustang has started getting fussy with the Neue schule bit..so going to have to switch her over to something else..
I greatly respect your choices of both gentle bits and really customizing a bit to your horse’s current needs.Also, I’ve never ridden in a double bridle and would be curious to hear your thoughts on why you don’t. I so much enjoy your videos, please keep them coming!
I recently wrapped a happy mouth eggbutt snaffle with Sealtex, and wrapped right over the center joint. I think it gives a little bit of a similar effect. If you did it with a double jointed bit (like the ones at the end of the video) I think you may be getting close. At least it'd give you a chance to see how your horse likes it!
that is great goal I would recrommened just going bitless which you can use a hackamore side pull ,crossunder (presure points preatty confusiing to my mare),or a normal halter with reins great priced option! again my mares opinion, she perfers a halter more than a genntal bit with a normal snaffle she stops rightway with the softest pull makes sharp turns and backs up like a dreat my mare always hated the bit i always why she hated it som much than i notesed a very large scar on her tung i'm assuming is from her former owners the only thing i know is that the is a former polo horse so yeah umm im sorry for wasteing your time
How can you tell if a horse likes a bit or not when they’re green and just not really used to a bit in general? He mouths everything, so it’s hard to tell.
I have different horses, and not one off them are simpel with bites :P Flobsi my littel speedy Gonzarles horse in jumping i ride him with at soft rubber pelham and two reins on, so i can adjust my help. Clems my gigant horse loves the tre piece eggbut bit. My warmblood mare has been difficult! She loves doing dressage i and Stübben easy Control with D-ring. But when it comes to Showjumping i could not keep her together and keep her round or calm. But after a tip i paired up my Stübben bit with a technical Hackamore on to. Suddenly she was relaxed and moved so much more calm and relaxed and her jumping skills was so much bette! It looks like a lot! But the fact that she is relaxed, calm and easy to ride while jumping and is jumping much better in all off her body indicates that its the right thing for her.
Late reply: what type of snaffle? It could just be too much play for that horse. You could try him in a mullen or a myler (maybe avoid loose rings) which will be a lot for stable in his mouth. I've also seen horses prefer something with a roller so they have something to play with when bored or excited. Again, a myler might help with that
This video was very useful! But I just need a tad bit of help.. So around a year ago I bought a Green 7 yr old cob mare. She came with a rubber straight bar Pelham, she was very ‘sharp’ in the bit, as in she would listen to me but kinda just wanted to get the riding over and done with. If that makes sense? I then put her in a plain snaffle but she doesn’t listen to me at all! I’m not competing with her yet so we’re just riding at home, but I want something where I still have control of her as she can be very forward going. Do I go back to the Pelham or look for a new bit if so, any recommendations? Thanks :)
I would try something in between! First thing that came to my mind - what about a straight rubber full cheek, with keepers (those little leather pieces that attach on either side). It would be the same mouth-piece feeling, plus a little help steering and a little leverage/extra effect from the keepers.
keira riseborough Try a fulmer/full cheek snaffle. Or you could try a junior cowhorse (although that’s more of a western type of bit) Otherwise I’d try some kind if curb bit, or maybe an FES correction bit. First thing I’d try would be the fulmer/full cheek snaffle though. If that doesn’t improve things, work your way up from there.
Do you think that they Myler would work for a super sensitive mouthed horse that has no breaks? My horse does NOT enjoy the normal single joint snaffle... 😊
Lmao I just have to say the spook at the donkey made me laugh so hard. When I brought my thoroughbred home, we had a mini donkey. She was absolutely terrified of him for months! She did come around but she thought he was the most terrifying thing to ever exist😂
Hi, Elisa. Okay, I'm going to ask a question that may seem ignorant but, why do you need to use bits at all? I've always thought that bits can be a little uncomfortable for the horses. Obviously I'm not a horse rider although I've been in love with horses as long as I can remember. I'm retired now and I'm itching to learn to ride, but not sure if I can do it at my age.
@@WallaceEventing Thank you! I've learned a lot, but still have quite a bit to learn. Love your channel and have been watching just about every video you post. God bless!
What bit do you recommend to use for a mustang that has never had a bit ? I have a straight bar bit ( western) and a nutcracker bit ...Im going to start out with no bit and eventually get to the bit and was just wondering what a comfortable bit would be for the first time ...what was the first bit you tried on your mustangs?...thanks ...great video as always !
The horse I currently ride has been a schoolhorse for quite a few years now so her mouth is very hard. I find I have to ride her in a rubber pelham while jumping or there is no control whatsoever. Is there any way to possibly train her to go in a softer bit?
Hey I love you’re channel and was wondering if you had any advice for biting my ex racehorse. I just recently purchased an ex racer a couple months ago and am finding in the school especially (perfect to hack) she can get very strong. I was wondering if you had any advice I have tried her in a regular snaffle and a happy mouth straight bar but it just seems I have no breaks. I know that schooling will help this but I can’t school her when she tanks of with me. Any advice you could give I’d be really grateful. Thanks (ps she hates metal bits)
as avid horseman i get bits are only as hard as hands using...but i saw a bit used by a so called english endurance trainer.....and winner of bla bla bla... at any rate he showed me his perrfed bit. a spoon flat spade type,w a steel large ring attached that circle the lower jaw... my response was, why dont yiu boys train your horses.....i got on our stud and rode a reining patten bridless....then told him thats my perferred....if theres mares around ive been known to move up to a argintine snaffle!!!!! but never a get up like that.....even as a standing 11 yr old appendix.....thats been bred multible times
To me, that sounds rather selfish. Simply because bitless riding isn't FEI approved, people won't give it a chance. Most of the high ranking riders in the equine sports industry find a way to pass riding with a bit as humane. Bits were never designed to be humane. It was a control source for the times when there were only horses around to ride, no vehicles, so that everybody could ride one. Tradition doesn't make it right. :/
i understand how you think this, but please look up scholarly research to support your claim and i'll consider it truthful. however, i have taken equine classes and have gone through university academic resources that deny your claim, that bits are abusive, so if you could disprove those i'd love to learn more info!! i just haven't read up on anyone saying bits are abusive in these articles. the only time someone has said bits are abusive is if they're trying to sell me a bitless bridle or have never ridden in a properly fitted bit. while some horses prefer bitless, for many it is the opposite. it's all about the horse in the end!
Hi Elisa! This is an older video, so I'm not sure you'll reply to this, but I figure you're the gal to go to for this kind of question. So I have a training horse who's an abuse case. She's very skittish (though far less than before) and kinda grabby. She likes to grab her ass and dart out from underneath you a lot. She's very very sensitive, and I have her in a nutcracker smooth O-ring snaffle. I can tell she doesn't like it too much, but I don't have any softer options. I'm not too keen on buying several bits, as I'm a broke college student and she's a project horse who's going to be sold. If she's hot, grabby, and sensitive, what would you recommend more? A Mylar, a three piece/French link/double jointed snaffle, or a Happy Mouth rubber bit? I know it's difficult w/o knowing the horse personally, but with that description, what would you recommend? People in the comments, feel free to pipe in with what you would do!
Omg is that a f***ing DONKEY!! HOLY SHIT ITS GANNA EAT ME ALIVE!!!! ...... One minute later.... Oh hello.. Two minutes later... Ahhhh Byyy I'm out u scary AF
Holy moly. I've seen two comments by you on this video that are a year apart. This obsession of yours is unhealthy, noone's learning anything from your biased stance 😉
@@gerrycoleman7290 Are you really telling me to listen to my own damn horse 😂 I don't spend thousands of dollars on well-fitted tack and bodywork for some random who thinks they're the saviour of all problem horses to tell me what my horse does and doesn't ride comfortably in. I can't take you seriously if you're just gonna act like every horse is exactly the same, which just screams "I don't have any horses but I feel entitled to tell others what their horse wants". You're not the one that gets bucked off in the process of finding tack that my horse does and doesn't like so shut the fuck up 💖
some horses can't switch to bitless easily, especially fresh ottb's. My ottb prefers bits over bitless. I've tried a hackamore on her and a side pull, and she prefers a bit. It's all about the horses preference and what works best for them.
Never knew why people raved over Mylers, but your explanation made so much sense. Neat to know!
Taylor Eyo my horse loves myler bits.. I use an mb04 going into an mb06.
I love how kind your bits are! Many people put thoroughbreds in gags, and other severe devices to control them. I never used anything stronger than a full cheek snaffle on my thoroughbreds.
Leons Lioness gags are generally only meant to be used in the stables at race tracks for saftey. Its not a normal tool people are meant to use and youll find the gags are onky used when they are being worked with on the ground. Most racers are ridden in a snaffle
@@TheNonMakeupGuru Race horses are never ridden in gags. Gags are used mostly in eventing.
Racehorses are ridden in snaffle and ring bits mostly along with tie downs. Gags aren’t very popular lol
Me to, I just transferred my thoroughbred into a 3 piece happy mouth. It's way softer in their mouth then a normal metal belt and he seems to like ot better 😄
I have always ridden my OTTBs (yup, some have been racing for 10 years!) in a eggbut snaffle and after abt a 10 month training I ride them bitless! I see no reason why people put them in gags etc.
Sorry in advance for the long post but I thought I would tell our story in case it helps someone else with a horse with similar bitting challenges:- We have an OTTB with the smallest mouth I have ever seen. She also has a very low port and unfortunately splits the inside corners of her mouth just carrying the bit (ie..no contact). After lots and lots of trial and error, we settled for a sweet iron, loose ring, oval link with generous amount of original bit butter in the smallest size they make, for dressage. The sweet iron with the bit butter seems to eliminate the splits in mouth, and the tiny light weight of the oval link accommodates her 0 space in mouth problem. Only bit she will take contact with willingly. However it doesn't work for jumping, rider makes the smallest movement with hands over jump and she would flip her nose up in the air over the jump...all the rubber, seal wrapped, duo, happy mouth (she absolutely hated the plastic) just take up too much room. So we tried leather bits. We started with a Meroth which she loved and jumped great in, but even with bit butter would still split corners(due to square edges). We found a place called Winterpast Farm that make leather bits only 13mm thick with rounded/beveled edges...finally took care of the problems! Hope this helps...
Jayde McConnell Oh my gosh! I've been looking for a leather bit with rounded edges! Thank you!!!!!!
why not just use a bitless bridle?
@@abbylol8844 I agree with you in that I don't EVER see a need to use a bit, but stupidly enough a lot of competitions require that participants use a bit :(
Just don’t use a bit! You don’t need one, no horse does it just causes pain and control
peachy75019 I know it’s so stupid 😖 now you can jump in them but you can’t do dressage in a bitless...
Lol at the donkey encounter!
this is the best video on youtube. i am so happy you're educating people on soft bits!! some people have no idea how bits work and don't even think about rubber or myler ones. this is great to get the word out and help horses and riders!
That is hands down the best way to describe a bit. "Like underwear" that brilliant 😂😂
Kayleigh Bray except underwear is a something you can't go without
Well, actually a good number of people don't wear underwear, especially with certain types of clothing. So I suppose the metaphor extends even better to bits! Many horses are cool with them, and then some horses prefer not to have a bit, or not to have one for certain types of riding etc
@@TuberoseKisser thats not true at all - that still comes down to person preference
Bits are archaic pain control devices.
Gerry Coleman they aren’t if used correctly 😂
Personally, I'm not entirely fond of bits, but yours are very kind, and I absolutely love how attentive you are to which bits your horses react to
Can you make a video about how you choose a mustang?
Let the Mustang choose you.
I’d been using my KK loose ring on the TB I have right now but he fidgets a little more than ideal. This video inspired me to go out in the garage and find my locking Stubben snaffle and a wonder snaffle to try this evening. Thanks ;).
Love the killer donkey 😂
Oh my goodness, that intro was hilarious 😂😂
I love this video. I am trying to find a bit for my horse and this video gave me more ideas and options to think about. Also, you don't use the super harsh pelhams, shanks, chains, and all that harsh jazz. You know what you're doing and why its the best option for your horses. I love it!
Thank you for explaining. I've heard a lot of people say their horses prefer a bit but never how to tell they prefer it
Rainbowofcolor88 If they fuss with it or move their heads or foam, they don't like it. They don't like either bit. Just go bitless. So many people already have. Your horse will love you for it.
carolineleiden my horse hated me for going bitless, the softest touch of the reins makes him freak out, toss his head and buck. because he hates nose pressure. everything was fitted correctly and I had a fleece cover over it. (I was using a fitted leather halter, not some stupid hackamore or bitless bridle) he’s very relaxed in a rubber snaffle. Also... foam is usually a very good sign when you have a bit in, it usually means they’re relaxing their jaw. ;)
Lily Hudgins A flexible rubber bit is one of the least invasive and if you're careful, your horse could be fine. You seem to be looking out for his interest, so he is lucky. Many horses are not so fortunate. Somebody needs to invent a noseband system that doesn't put pressure on the nose. A system that won't narrow or tighten on top but instead only reacts on the sides or maybe higher up on the head. For the sensy nosed horsies. It's a whole new language both rider and horse need to learn.
I used the Myler comfort snaffle on my horse for years and the center barrel definitely keeps the two sides of the mouthpiece from collapsing in on each other but my experience was that the center barrel doesn't spin freely; my horse never played with it. You can turn it with your fingers, but it's basically just something to plug the two sides of the mouthpiece in to. By contrast I now have a solid mouthpiece snaffle with a cricket/roller in the center and my horse does play with that. Not neurotically, non-stop, but off and on. It's supposed to get them to relax the jaw. I think they also like the clicky sound.
That tape looks super interesting, might have to invest in that for my fussy thoroughbred and see if he likes it. Great explanations, thanks!!!
I am in England, we LOVE Myler bits. All my horses ( 6 ) have them in varying forms. Thank you for you the detailed review.
Thanks for the explanation. I used a Pelham on my first horse, then once I got my current horse yofj, I switched to a copper is eggbutt snaffle. This video helped me make my decision on what bit to buy.😊
You really nailed the thing: bits really are just like underwear. Everyone told me my green OTTB would like a thicker rubber type bit, but he hated it, and after five bit changes, he was instantly happy when I figured out that a double-cheek four-and-three-quarter inch French mouth snaffle, which kept the bit from moving too much in his mouth, is what he wanted. To even get to that point, he required some fairly extreme dental work, including shortening his front teeth, to make his bite match up. I tried egg butts, loose rings, and D-rings, but he preferred the full cheek. He had a very busy mouth fresh off the track, but it quieted down almost entirely once I got the right bit on him. In retrospect, I am pretty sure that he suffered from TMJ disease. I wish I had figured it out sooner.
Very informative and well filmed, this explains a lot and will be checking out a Dee ring mylar bit soon, currently bittless but if my horse is comfortable with a bit our dressage moves might improve. . . I know my boy will certainly let me know one way or another.
coco-russell art don’t but a bit on him please bitless is better
Ivy Popejoy Neither bitted or bitless is better overall. It depends on the horse itself and what he/she prefers. Some horses like bits, others don't. Some horses like bitless, others don't.
I love that you show real horses lol no one shows the spooks etc. Love your videos!
Fascinating. I love how much bits have changed since I was a kid in Pony Club!
That’s such great info about the bit wrap! My greenie is a bit chewer so nothing rubber or plastic is an option for him unfortunately but I’ll definitely have to try the latex wrap!
I absolutely adore all of your videos. Thank you for anyways providing down to earth and educational entertainment. You are marvelous. My bits in rotation are very similar and I'm a firm believer in Myler and Nathe bits as they seem to work for the largest majority of horses.
This is a really great video! I use a Myler Comfort snaffle with my gelding as well as a double jointed snaffle with a copper roller (he's a fusser and loves rollers!). My pony goes in a double jointed Happy Mouth snaffle really well. I love the Micklem bridles and it really has made a difference in my pony as well as my gelding.
Scott Wrobel well Eliza actually trains horses successfully unlike Rick that only has experience with his own very quiet trail horses. He doesn't know how to ride at all and balances off his horses face's most of the time. Why should anyone take his advice over Elizas advice? Elizas horses look very happy and healthy around her. Rick's horses are extremely unfit and have no top-line at all. I'd never take advice from someone that can't even condition their own horses properly. Also the lack of paying students is also a clue, if no one wants to pay for your advice you probably have nothing to offer.
We use Mylar Dee bits on our Reining horses and they absolutely love them!
I use a bitless bridle!!! I love it!!
I use the latex warp too. I use three and two-piece snaffles for all my horses. I have recently tried a loose ring happy mouth snaffle. I really want to try some of these bits though too. My xc horse right now is in a half check happy mouth bit.
This is the benefit of being a professional rider and having a "wardrobe" of bits you can try on new horses, and I guess you know that you'll always find a horse that suits the different options to justify the purchases. Its hard when you're just a pleasure rider and going through all these different bits for just one, two or a few horses 😭
I love watching your videos. I use a loose ring snaffle on my pony. But I'm currently trying to get a few different bits to try with her.
I always wanted to try out a Myler with my horse! Unfortunately they're to expensive to just buy and then maybe never use again if he doesn't like it.
a lot of places do a trial service. you still have to pay but you can loan a bit for a short period to try it out. Much cheaper than just buying.
You can get cheaper nock offs which do the exact same thing, I have my horse in a nock off myler because i cant afford the proper one :)
You can buy used! Just make sure you deep sanitize for biosecurity!
carolineleiden Not all horses will tolerate pressure on their face, either. It depends on the horse, and it’s up to the rider to determine what is best for their own horse.
LightWave I am not talking about a mechanical hackamore, especially with long shanks, that squeezes the horses face, and can break his nosebone, which is not much better, but rather the oldfashioned bosal or a loosefitting halter. Keep it simple, no pressure. Nothing tight. It's not the pressure that makes him learn, but the release. Give him a bit of pressure, and when he does the right thing, let go. I was just told a few days ago by a horsebreeder that you can control a horse with your two pinkies on loose reigns. At least try it bitless. Give him that chance. You owe him that much.
Super video. Thank you so much
Thank you for this review, it's my first time working with a green horse and she tends to blow through my french link snaffle & her pallet is too shallow for most bits I have tried. I think I'll try a Myler with her and see if she likes it.
Very helpful, thank you! I have a ottb that hates the snaffle bit and I was looking for different solutions.
No bit. Listen to your horse.
Gerry Coleman that’s exactly what she’s trying to do by “looking for different solutions”. It’s literally isn’t there word for word🤦♀️
The latex bit wrap is really interesting to me! I use a myler loose ring level 2 comfort snaffle on my lusitano/mustang who has a low palate and a thick tongue. Two questions:
Do you think the latex wrap would work on the loose ring version of the myler comfort snaffle? I noticed you had some of the wrap going where the mouthpiece joins the D-ring. I imagine that would impede the movement of a loose ring but maybe not if you wrap it really carefully?
Have you tried the latex wrap on the level 2 mouthpiece? Or would the slight port cause issues with the wrapping?
Awesome video! Definitely going to play around with some of this new information! My boy has always been very funny with bits.
Thank you so much for explianinf the bits
Scary donkey 😂😂
My Sugarbush loves her Stubben EZ control, but my mustang has started getting fussy with the Neue schule bit..so going to have to switch her over to something else..
you didn't mention french link bits... do you think the middle attachment is too harsh compared to the football-type attachment?
Noelle Ursel some horses prefer it. But none of mine currently like them. I have several.
I greatly respect your choices of both gentle bits and really customizing a bit to your horse’s current needs.Also, I’ve never ridden in a double bridle and would be curious to hear your thoughts on why you don’t. I so much enjoy your videos, please keep them coming!
I agree! Just goes to show OTTBs arent “insane” they just need good training.
I wish I could afford a myler bit
I recently wrapped a happy mouth eggbutt snaffle with Sealtex, and wrapped right over the center joint. I think it gives a little bit of a similar effect. If you did it with a double jointed bit (like the ones at the end of the video) I think you may be getting close. At least it'd give you a chance to see how your horse likes it!
that is great goal I would recrommened just going bitless which you can use a hackamore side pull ,crossunder (presure points preatty confusiing to my mare),or a normal halter with reins great priced option! again my mares opinion, she perfers a halter more than a genntal bit with a normal snaffle she stops rightway with the softest pull makes sharp turns and backs up like a dreat my mare always hated the bit i always why she hated it som much than i notesed a very large scar on her tung i'm assuming is from her former owners the only thing i know is that the is a former polo horse so yeah umm im sorry for wasteing your time
Ha ha ha! My OTTB was petrified of donkeys at first too.
Great vid, very informative ❤️
How can you tell if a horse likes a bit or not when they’re green and just not really used to a bit in general? He mouths everything, so it’s hard to tell.
I have different horses, and not one off them are simpel with bites :P Flobsi my littel speedy Gonzarles horse in jumping i ride him with at soft rubber pelham and two reins on, so i can adjust my help. Clems my gigant horse loves the tre piece eggbut bit. My warmblood mare has been difficult! She loves doing dressage i and Stübben easy Control with D-ring. But when it comes to Showjumping i could not keep her together and keep her round or calm. But after a tip i paired up my Stübben bit with a technical Hackamore on to. Suddenly she was relaxed and moved so much more calm and relaxed and her jumping skills was so much bette! It looks like a lot! But the fact that she is relaxed, calm and easy to ride while jumping and is jumping much better in all off her body indicates that its the right thing for her.
Camilla Wilde I have the same as flobsi with my pony (profile picture)
great video!!
My Rocky Mountain constantly chews on his snaffle. Whether we’re just standing there or out on the trail. Any ideas ?
Late reply: what type of snaffle? It could just be too much play for that horse. You could try him in a mullen or a myler (maybe avoid loose rings) which will be a lot for stable in his mouth. I've also seen horses prefer something with a roller so they have something to play with when bored or excited. Again, a myler might help with that
Can you do a whole bit collection video? And you could like say a sentence or two about how the bit works 😊
I'd love to know your tips on developing a good, balanced seat bareback!
Practice, practice and practice.
Can you go over what you use for XC? Like at Rolex, Johnny appeared to be in something else, but I could be wrong
Johnny goes in the loose ring Myler for xc
Kick ass!
My pony likes to throw her head up and just generally hates most bits but she loooooovves leather bits they are the best in my opinion
Well all horses are different of course. The leather bits are super cool though, they mold to the horses mouth :)
This video was very useful! But I just need a tad bit of help.. So around a year ago I bought a Green 7 yr old cob mare. She came with a rubber straight bar Pelham, she was very ‘sharp’ in the bit, as in she would listen to me but kinda just wanted to get the riding over and done with. If that makes sense? I then put her in a plain snaffle but she doesn’t listen to me at all! I’m not competing with her yet so we’re just riding at home, but I want something where I still have control of her as she can be very forward going. Do I go back to the Pelham or look for a new bit if so, any recommendations? Thanks :)
I would try something in between! First thing that came to my mind - what about a straight rubber full cheek, with keepers (those little leather pieces that attach on either side). It would be the same mouth-piece feeling, plus a little help steering and a little leverage/extra effect from the keepers.
keira riseborough Try a fulmer/full cheek snaffle. Or you could try a junior cowhorse (although that’s more of a western type of bit) Otherwise I’d try some kind if curb bit, or maybe an FES correction bit. First thing I’d try would be the fulmer/full cheek snaffle though. If that doesn’t improve things, work your way up from there.
Do you think that they Myler would work for a super sensitive mouthed horse that has no breaks? My horse does NOT enjoy the normal single joint snaffle... 😊
CountingStrides try it or try wrapping one in seal Tex.
Okay, thank you so much!
Lmao I just have to say the spook at the donkey made me laugh so hard. When I brought my thoroughbred home, we had a mini donkey. She was absolutely terrified of him for months! She did come around but she thought he was the most terrifying thing to ever exist😂
Are you going to the 2018 RRP? I'm hoping to go for my first time with my new OTTB even if I don't get accepted I'm going just to watch and learn.
Hi, Elisa. Okay, I'm going to ask a question that may seem ignorant but, why do you need to use bits at all? I've always thought that bits can be a little uncomfortable for the horses. Obviously I'm not a horse rider although I've been in love with horses as long as I can remember. I'm retired now and I'm itching to learn to ride, but not sure if I can do it at my age.
It is required for competition(dressage)
@@WallaceEventing Thank you! I've learned a lot, but still have quite a bit to learn. Love your channel and have been watching just about every video you post. God bless!
What bit do you recommend to use for a mustang that has never had a bit ? I have a straight bar bit ( western) and a nutcracker bit ...Im going to start out with no bit and eventually get to the bit and was just wondering what a comfortable bit would be for the first time ...what was the first bit you tried on your mustangs?...thanks ...great video as always !
Why not keep going without a bit?
Lol that first clip 😂 my horse does the same thing with a mini that is at our agistment 😂😂
I've heard the term "Warhorse" a lot recently, and am wondering what it means. Is it a coloring or a build maybe?
generally war horses are also known as bomb proofs. they are tough, sturdy and reliable horses
@@bee-qy7hf Thank you for replying!
What kind of noseband is that with the double jointed oval eggbutt? Great video though!
It's a drop noseband. Sometimes called a Hanoverian bridle.
Elisa, would you consider the Myler a good option for a low-palated, but sensitive-mouthed OTTB?
The horse I currently ride has been a schoolhorse for quite a few years now so her mouth is very hard. I find I have to ride her in a rubber pelham while jumping or there is no control whatsoever. Is there any way to possibly train her to go in a softer bit?
there definitely is a way but i suggest having a chat to a trainer who can see the horse in person
where were you guys at? Serenbe?
jasper
7:57 this is the bit I use
Do you usually start off with the softest bit when you get a new horse in? Or does it depend?
No bit.
Hey I love you’re channel and was wondering if you had any advice for biting my ex racehorse. I just recently purchased an ex racer a couple months ago and am finding in the school especially (perfect to hack) she can get very strong. I was wondering if you had any advice I have tried her in a regular snaffle and a happy mouth straight bar but it just seems I have no breaks. I know that schooling will help this but I can’t school her when she tanks of with me. Any advice you could give I’d be really grateful. Thanks (ps she hates metal bits)
Any updates?
Obviously this is a pretty late reply, but if she hates metal bits you can always wrap bits in sealtex.
Elisa, can you tell me what kind of helmet you use to ride in and why?
Kathryn Snow one k. It’s comfortable and I sometimes forget that I have it on!
Hey I was googling around about Myler bits and saw they used to not be legal. Is the bit you linked on amazon legal for all 3 eventing phases? Thanks!
Emily Good all of the bits I use are legal but I always have my bit checked by a steward before I compete. I would recommend others doing so as well.
Hi Elisa, is the myler loose ring FEI legal?
Mallory Stiver yes.
as avid horseman i get bits are only as hard as hands using...but i saw a bit used by a so called english endurance trainer.....and winner of bla bla bla... at any rate he showed me his perrfed bit. a spoon flat spade type,w a steel large ring attached that circle the lower jaw... my response was, why dont yiu boys train your horses.....i got on our stud and rode a reining patten bridless....then told him thats my perferred....if theres mares around ive been known to move up to a argintine snaffle!!!!! but never a get up like that.....even as a standing 11 yr old appendix.....thats been bred multible times
When you try a new bit on a horse, how long do you try, like only one riding session or maybe a week?
i'd generally suggest trying it for a few sessions, but if you're listening your horse will tell you if they dont like it
I find that bitless works best :P
Blue Jay not FEI approved though
To me, that sounds rather selfish. Simply because bitless riding isn't FEI approved, people won't give it a chance. Most of the high ranking riders in the equine sports industry find a way to pass riding with a bit as humane.
Bits were never designed to be humane. It was a control source for the times when there were only horses around to ride, no vehicles, so that everybody could ride one. Tradition doesn't make it right. :/
rachel At olympia horse show a few of the showjumpers went in hackamores?
it is not allowed in dressage friend
i understand how you think this, but please look up scholarly research to support your claim and i'll consider it truthful. however, i have taken equine classes and have gone through university academic resources that deny your claim, that bits are abusive, so if you could disprove those i'd love to learn more info!! i just haven't read up on anyone saying bits are abusive in these articles. the only time someone has said bits are abusive is if they're trying to sell me a bitless bridle or have never ridden in a properly fitted bit. while some horses prefer bitless, for many it is the opposite. it's all about the horse in the end!
Hi Elisa! This is an older video, so I'm not sure you'll reply to this, but I figure you're the gal to go to for this kind of question. So I have a training horse who's an abuse case. She's very skittish (though far less than before) and kinda grabby. She likes to grab her ass and dart out from underneath you a lot. She's very very sensitive, and I have her in a nutcracker smooth O-ring snaffle. I can tell she doesn't like it too much, but I don't have any softer options. I'm not too keen on buying several bits, as I'm a broke college student and she's a project horse who's going to be sold. If she's hot, grabby, and sensitive, what would you recommend more? A Mylar, a three piece/French link/double jointed snaffle, or a Happy Mouth rubber bit? I know it's difficult w/o knowing the horse personally, but with that description, what would you recommend? People in the comments, feel free to pipe in with what you would do!
Emily Faith I would probably use a Mylar wrappped in sealtex.
Elisa Wallace Eventing Okay! Thank you! I'll try that out!
Killer donkey!!
donkeys are the devillllllll X'D
!
Omg is that a f***ing DONKEY!! HOLY SHIT ITS GANNA EAT ME ALIVE!!!! ...... One minute later.... Oh hello.. Two minutes later... Ahhhh Byyy I'm out u scary AF
Myler isn't a type of bit, it's a brand
And it's My-ler, not My-lar 😊
Can u just ride bitless?🙄
Nope. Not in our discipline.
Ok
There are no essential horse bits. Horses can be ridden very effectively without a bit.
Yeah. Most definitely not all horses lol
Certain disciplines require a bit. And not all horses do well bitless.
Holy moly. I've seen two comments by you on this video that are a year apart. This obsession of yours is unhealthy, noone's learning anything from your biased stance 😉
@@amberboston3154 If you 'listen' to the horse, you will get the same message.
@@gerrycoleman7290 Are you really telling me to listen to my own damn horse 😂 I don't spend thousands of dollars on well-fitted tack and bodywork for some random who thinks they're the saviour of all problem horses to tell me what my horse does and doesn't ride comfortably in. I can't take you seriously if you're just gonna act like every horse is exactly the same, which just screams "I don't have any horses but I feel entitled to tell others what their horse wants". You're not the one that gets bucked off in the process of finding tack that my horse does and doesn't like so shut the fuck up 💖
No bits is the best way to go.
@@b.wild_and_free8206 I will express my opinion any damn time I feel like it. Are you afraid to learn a better way?
Why use a BIT at ALL?
some horses can't switch to bitless easily, especially fresh ottb's. My ottb prefers bits over bitless. I've tried a hackamore on her and a side pull, and she prefers a bit. It's all about the horses preference and what works best for them.
Thunder Ice Nothing wrong with using one, as long as it is FITTED properly and you don't yank/pull at the reins.
firstly its actually required at most comps to ride with a bit. a lot of horses dont like the pressure from bitless