Myler Bits
About Combination Bits…
Utilizing various pressure points, Combination Bits offer simultaneous interaction of the mouthpiece, curb strap and noseband. When rein pressure is applied or released, the bit automatically disperses or releases pressure to the horse’s mouth, chin, poll.
Because pressure is dispersed, the bits offer succinct and effective, yet very humane communication allowing the rider to use less pressure than needed with a traditional bit. Rewarding the horse for staying light, the sliding mouthpiece offers encouraging “free play” before completely engaging, making the Combination Bit an excellent training tool.
Parts of the Combination Bit…
1. The headstall is attached to the purchase. With rein pressure, the purchase tilts forward applying downward pressure on the poll.
2. The curb strap sits high on the jaw, so to be closer to the rotational point of the second vertebrae or poll. Curb pressure encourages the horse to rotate his nose downward and backward until the pressure is released, hence he relaxes at the poll.
3. The noseband applies downward and backward pressure over points on the nose. In response to the pressure, the horse will drop his nose down and back towards his center. Rawhide nose band in picture.
4. The sliding mouthpiece works lightly in the mouth, applying subtle pressure on the tongue and/or bars, until it hits the “ring stop” when it then applies downward pressure, asking the horse with more of a signal.
5. The rein attachment is on the lower ring. If one chooses to have the option of direct action, a second rein can be used on the center ring, like a Pelham.
How Combination Bits work…
Dispersed pressure for a kinder, softer message – Utilizing various pressure points, Combination Bits offer simultaneous interaction of the mouthpiece, curb strap and noseband. When rein pressure is applied or released, the bit automatically disperses or releases pressure to the horse’s mouth, chin, nose and poll. Because pressure is dispersed between all four areas, the bits offer succinct and effective, yet very humane communication, allowing the rider to use less pressure than needed with traditional bit. Subtle pressure is applied to the mouth as the mouthpiece slides on the ring. Rewarding the horse for staying light, the sliding mouthpiece offers encouraging “free play” before completely engaging and applying downward pressure. Together with the downward pressure of the noseband and the forward pressure on the curb strap, the Combination Bits is very effective at asking a horse to relax at the poll.
Applications for Training and Correction…
Combination Bits are available with all levels of mouthpieces from Comfort Snaffles to Ported Barrels to work with a variety of horses. Because all the pressure areas engage and release at the same time, the horse is offered a pressure-free reward whenever his is light and relaxed at the poll. This makes the Combination Bit an excellent training tool, for horses ranging from youngster to well-schooled campaigners.
Suitable for numerous disciplines, Combination Bits can even be used in some competitions, including Western timed events, showjumping and cross country jumping.
As with any bit, it is important to be mindful of resistance to the Combination Bit. As your horse progresses his training, he will ask for less pressure by resisting. With resistance, go to a softer bit with less pressure. The Combination Bit can be used consistently through a phase of a horse’s training or intermittently to correct certain issues as they arise.