What is a Dogbone bit?
As a multi-jointed mouthpiece, the Western dog bone horse bit allows the bit to lie flat on the horse’s tongue. This is achieved by the small dog bone shaped piece in the middle of the mouthpiece, making it a 3-piece mouthpiece. Unlike a regular jointed snaffle, the dog bone snaffle also applies pressure to the tongue.
What is a combo bit?
As the name suggests, combination bits use elements of both snaffle and curb bits. Using both the direct pressure of a snaffle bit and the indirect pressure of a curb bit, combination bits are often used on horses with a higher level of training.
Is a junior Cowhorse bit harsh?
Everything about this bit is in moderation–the shanks are off a medium length, they are slightly curved, and there is only a little curb action. This means that the Junior Cowhorse isn’t a particularly harsh bit compared with some others on the market.
Is a French link snaffle harsh?
Bell says the French link is “old technology”, but it is not a harsh or severe bit at all, and “it certainly does not create any excess pressure on your horse’s tongue.” “When you take contact in a plate bit, it pushes down in the tongue and creates quite a sharp, forceful tongue pressure, so it is a really severe bit.
What does a Mullen mouth bit do?
Mullen Mouthpiece Since it has no joint, mullen bits are considered milder, as they enact more pressure on the tongue than the sensitive bars of the mouth. They encourage the horse to relax and raise at the poll, however, these bits are not ideal for lateral flexion work or horses that tend to lean on the bit.
Are Myler combination bits harsh?
Contrary to its complex appearance, the Myler combination bit is said to be one of the kindest bits available. It spreads rein pressure over three to five areas, using a combination of the mouthpiece, curb strap and rope noseband.
What bit for a horse that leans?
Traditionally Waterford bits have been used to help prevent leaning and pulling but do need to be used with sympathetic hands. Sometimes swapping the horse into it a thinner version of his bit (if he otherwise goes well in it and it is fairly thick) will be enough to encourage him to give the bit a little more respect.