I was recently viewing the Myler DVD A Whole Bit Better (which for now is $9.99 and includes a copy of the book from www.toklat.com). This is an AWESOME video for anyone who wants to learn more about bits and how they work. The purpose of this video is to sell you Myler bits (which I personally like and use), but even more than that, it has great information.
There are six points of pressure that can be caused by a bit.
1. Tounge pressure. Either the bit pinches or restricts the tounge
2. Bar pressure. This is the area of the horses mouth between the teeth.
3. Curb pressure. The 'chin' of the horse, underneath their mouth.
4. Poll pressure. The pole is where the head pivots from the neck
5. Palate pressure. This is when the bit touches the roof of the mouth.
6. Nose pressure. Pressure on the nose, usually from a bit that combines nose pressure with some type of bit action or can be without a bit.
Different types of pressure can create different results. Don't forget, the bit you use is not just for your discipline and definately not a substitue for good training.
I can ride all my horses in a rope halter, but the bit is about refinement and communication. And as my friend Gina Gardner says 'The horse chooses the bit'. So true, so true.
3 comments:
I am working with a hackamore right now. Everyone tells me go to the snaffle next and finally when I need to refine my skills, choose a more demanding bit. Some trainers suggest when you move past the snaffle, to come back to the snaffle once or twice a week and note the differences. Choosing bits is a long way down the road for me:-)
I would suggest watching that video! Mouthpiece for the horse, the other part is for the rider.
But keep in mind, some horses don't like nose pressure. Watch for evasion techniques. Remember how much Precious used to toss her head? We got her in the right bit and viola all done. She HATES nose pressure and would rather be ridden in a bit. Every horse is different.
Hi, I am starting a physics assignment right now, and was thinking of doing the pressures (in the different points of the mouth) of different types of bits (gags, curbs, etc... compared to snaffles, I was also thinking maybe throw a hackamore in for comparison) As I have not seen the video, and don't really want to go out and buy it unless it would help, would you say it would be helpful for my assignent? I am particularly after the strengh of pressure, the sensative points on the mouth, what each bit aims to do, etc... Thanks,
Jessica (sparkly_jessie@hotmail.com)
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