Myler bits again

[Cathy Reynolds]

Tammy asked on another thread whether I'd found anyone who had used a Myler bit when I posted a message recently. Answer, no. So this is a second try to see if anyone knows about them. I have read their book and visited the website and it all looks interesting but they are not cheap!

[Kozalyn]

My friend uses a Myler bit in her horses and they really respond to them well they are expensive but they are worth it. what did you want to know about them?

[Tammy]

Thanks for replying Kozalyn. Which bit does your friend use and does it differ from a "regular" bit? I am particulartly curious as to the independent side motion. Does he/she think it is a mild bit? Thanks again!

[Kozalyn]

She uses a D ring snaffle it is the same as most bits except the independent side movement like you said. In my opinion it is less harsh than most bits because it doesn't pinch like most bits and it is more flexible. I don't know if that helps my friend knows more about them than I do I'll ask her about them tomorrow and get back to you.

[Tammy]

Thank You!

[Cathy Reynolds]

Great, Kozalyn. It's the independent side action I was interested in. I can see in principle how they might work and I had a D-ring snaffle in mind. Since going on the board again I've found a stockist in the UK who has more than 50 in stock (all far too big but at least I can handle them and see how they work a bit better than just reading the book). Benny seems to me to be a pony that might well benefit. I'm off up North in a week's time, driving near to the stockist in Yorkshire, so will let you know more when I get back!

[Cathy Reynolds]

I bought a Myler bit today in Yorkshire. Over £50 (yikes) but I can return it if it doesn't fit. It's a snaffle with a copper centre ring for Benny to play with, with American D-rings (the English D-rings were enormous), which have independent side-action.

They are weird to handle and I have no idea what the pony will think!

The young woman who served me said they are becoming very popular. They aren't permitted for dressage but a lot of showjumpers are using them because 'you get a good response from the mouth without loads of metal'.

[Dizzy]

Let us know what you and your horse thought of it. I'd never heard of them until I saw your posts. I've now seen pictures and they look quite interesting.

Lesley

[Cathy Reynolds]

Yes, I've tried it and it's too wide. Pony seemd to like it in his mouth. I have a full list of bits in front of me and they only seem to make a few that are pony-sized, so I am going to e-mail them for advice. They are beautiful bits - well-made (says my husband who runs a specialist engineering facility in a science research institute, and he should know - he didn't think the price was at all outrageous for the amount of work in the bit).

I'll keep trying!

[Dizzy]

I hope you can get one to fit, will you be able to return the one you have? Once again let us know how you come on.

Lesley

[Maci]

I just got the February edition of Practical Horseman magazine, and saw an add for Myler bits. There's an web address for them, and I checked it out, and on the main page, there's a link for Myler Bits. The add also said that there's a book for Mylers Bits, "A Whole Bit Better"; you can view it on the main page of the website.

http://www.toklat.com

I'm not sure if this will help, but I saw the add, and thought it might be of some interest to you!

Maci :)

PS- There's also an address you can write to if you have any problems specifically dealing with the Myler bit. Just post me, and tell me if you want it.

[Cathy Reynolds]

I actually have the book and it's fascinating, thanks Maci. And I am in touch with Toklat (such a helpful sales person in the US who gave me the address in UK where I went to look at bits - I am waiting for a response to my e-mail - and have alerted him that this discussion thread is going on!).

Lesley, yes they will take the bit back and givce me the money back - it's a 'bit library' where you can order a bit and try it and see how you get one, so buying by post etc isn't a problem.

[Dizzy]

There are places up here that don't do that and you end up stuck with a bit that's no good to you, which is a little unfair as the fit seems to vary from make to make.

Hope you get fitted up soon.

Lesley

[Henry Alan Butler]

I recently purchased numerous Myler Bits from a store going out of business, both English and Western, interesting bits but difficult to figure the headstall,reins,curbstrap attachment. D-Ring Snaffle, no problem, but many had slots and holes. Not shown or mentioned in Myler's Bit Book or Tack Store literature about Myler or Toklat.

[Edited by Henry Alan Butler on 26th Apr 2001 at 07:45 PM]

[Cathy Reynolds]

Henry - what size are they? - are they all more than 5"? Not all are mentioned in the book. I had a stock list with about 200 different versions on it.

A few were displayed at Equus in London last week but still the same problem - all for full-sized horses!

[Rose]

I tried one of these bits yesterday for the first time. At first my mare seemed to object, but after a bit of gentle work and time for her to play with it and explore it she seemed to take to it very well. The one I am using at the moment is borrowed from a friend and I will try it for a couple of weeks to make sure I am not just throwing money away on first impressions, but on first impression I am very impressed, and more importantly, she seemed to be impressed too.

[Yvonne M]

Hi cathy

Did you manage to find a myler bit to fit & if so did you get on ok with it?
Has anyone else tried one?

Yvonne

[fionahogg]

Why are they not permitted for dressage? Is it another one of BD's stupid rules like not being able to use a seatbone saver? Makes me mad :mad:!!!

Fiona

[Liz M]

There is an article about Myler bits in the latest 'Your Horse' magazine. It's really interesting and shows how they work and how they allow horses to swallow.
You might not need this info now but it's there just in case!
Liz :D

[Cathy Reynolds]

Thanks. Yes, I had seen it. But virtually all the Myler bits are 5" and bigger (and they are very 'big'). This is no good for anyone who rides ponies. Yuk.

[Jus]

Hi

I have seen some smaller Myler bits for ponies on a web site about bits and bitting for the Icelandic horse http://bits.iceryder.net it doesn't tell you on this page were to buy them from but I have seen Myler pony bits for sale somewhere while I was doing a search on myler.

By the way I am trying a mullen barrel mouth eggbut snaffle on my horse. My horse had a copper french link and kept chopping on the bit and rubbing his face all the time
( dentist is coming out on Thursday ) but I tried this bit and he seemd to like it straight away , stopped rubbing and is allot wetter in the mouth than he was with the copper french link the only problem is I really need full cheeks on his bit to help with steering.

My dentist is also going to help me with his bit and is interestd to see the new bit I have but he said the only reservatons he has about them are they are quite thin.

Jus

[Jus]

The web site with smaller Myler bits for sale is http://www.ponyonly.com/myler_english.htm

[Tammy]

Hi Jus

My mare has a similiar bit to the french link (only the link is a roller) and she rubs her face a lot, too. She also chews her bit but she has done this with every bit I have tried...that is why she has the roller bit now. She "plays" with it and seems to like it but I am concerned about the face rubbing. Never thought to connect it to her bit. She had her teeth floated in March.

[katyptaty]

Just a few points - Cathy, where is this bit bank? do they deal with clients by post? is it the one in Wetherby?

Also, I have been looking at all the Myler information (it's also in Horse and Rider June Edition) and really want to try it on my horse. He is currently in a 3 jointed ring with a flash. Am a bit worried about jumping straight into a snaffle type due to our problem with stopping..... does anyone have any opinions? Looked at all the different kinds of bits on the Myler site and am confused to say the least. At least i have pinpointed that I need a 'combination bit with leverage pressure and mouthpieces'. Can anyone 'Demystify'?

Also, what's a shank???

Ignorance is not bliss in this matter so would love any advice you may have!

Cheers! Kate

[katyptaty]

oops! just realised what the shank is... ignore!

[floppy]

there is an article in the june 2001 issue of Horse & Rider about myler bits

[fionahogg]

Hi Katypaty if you go to I think it's http://www.bitbank.co.uk or it might be .com I can't remember but its something like that - that's Bit Bank's web site.

[katyptaty]

Thanks for the info. Am contacting the Bit Bank today. Frogpool Manor in Essex also offer a trial so this will also be an option... Cheers again! kate

[KarlR]

I can wholeheartedly agree with Fiona's suggestion of the bit bank (http://www.bitbank.co.uk).

I called them just now and they spent 20 minutes on the phone discussing my requirements, from the basics: "tell me about your horse" to a discussion of his abilities, what bits I had tried, how he had responded etc.

They seemed experienced, friendly, and the advice sounded good. They are perfectly happy to send the bits back and forth by mail until I'm happy so I'll definitely give it a go.

Apparently BD don't automatically approve new designs of bit - the manufacturer has to make a presentation to BD and Myler "have no plans to do so at present".

[Jus]

Hi Tammy,

The dentist checked Kappa's teeth today and said that the last dentist had done a really bad job, he had done bit seats on the lower jaw but not upper so he had hooks and wolf teeth that would have been there last time he was checked.

He is having his wolf teeth taken out next week and hopefully that will stop most of his problems but he said the face rubbing might be because his tushes are coming through and he is teething, the position of the bit doesn't effect the tushes at all but untill they break through the skin he might continue to rub. Guess that won't be your problem though if you have a mare.

I still can't make up my mind about the myler bits though as they all seem so thin but I do like the curved shape and the independant cheeks action.

Jus

[katyptaty]

Hi Jus

the best thing to do would be to trial one of the Myler bits before making up your mind. They do look a bit thin but a lot of study has been done into the horses mouth and due to where the pressure is placed on the bars and the tongue, the thinness shoudl not be a problem - this is what i am hoping anyway!

just got lots of fantastic information from Lisa at Toklat in the US about which Myler bit would be best for my boy. in theory they sound fantastic so i am all into giving it a go and seeing if he's happier.

Hope everythign goes well with the dentist!

[Jus]

Thanks Katyptaty,

I have decided to try him in a happy mouth with cheeks after he has had his teeth done. I have tried a mullen mouth barrel myler type snaffle which he was allot better in than the french link which is why I think he would be better with a mullen mouth intsead of a jointed bit. A happy mouth will also be kinder on him than a metal bit as no doubt he will be abit sore for a while after taking his teeth out.

I am going to keep the barrel mouth I have got and think it will be good when he is abit further along in his education. I definitly think Myler are good and will be looking at them in the not to distant future.

Jus

[katyptaty]

Hi

Bought a Myler bit yesterday - MB04 in a kimblewick with rubber casing for the curb (as spoken about before in other mails!). we rode out yesterday with it and he was a lot happier in his mouth and actually relaxed his poll a good many times! I actually felt his back rise in walk on occasions and felt like I had a horse in my hands! very nice indeed! time will tell though as to whether this will be a longer lasting result - our attempt at canter wasn't too brilliant with the normal grabbing of the bit. This should just take re-education - hopefully!

It wasn't cheap though at £70 or so.......

I would definately advise trialing one from the bit bank or the saddlery though first. I am rather nervous about having bought mine!!!

[pennyr]

I've had a look at the Bitbank site and it's connected to the Magnolife website which lots of people were up in arms about for stocking cruel bits.
See thread - http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=3334

Just thought I'd point this out.

[KarlR]

That said, the thread did report in the end that following complaints the severe bits seemed to have been withdrawn.

I also noticed that one bit which looked severe (the tongue went through a spiked slot) had an explanatory note saying that it wasn't as bad as it looked and that it was only for the experienced and only available by phone (at which point I got the impression Heather would have talked people out of buying it!).

I guess that anywhere that tries to keep a wide range of bits will overstep the line occasionally, but at least they seem to have taken notice of the complaint that some of our people made.

[Apache Brave]

I just recently got a myler bit for my horse.

Heavy cob, can get a bit heavy in hands when tired, used to ride in Eggbut snaffle.

Got a Comfort Barrel Snaffle for him with the dual action - works wonderfully!

Easier to bend him, particularly on his bad rein, less resistence when halting, managed shoulder-in for first time, can keep outline when coming down from trot to walk (he used to hollow a bit).

Would certainly recommend them - paid £47 for it, but well worth it!

[Cathy Reynolds]

You are a brilliant bunch. Thanks for the recent ideas. Found the site (US) doing smaller Myler bits, then spoke to bitbank - they really are good, aren't they. Have downloaded their bit sizer and will go and investigate Benny's mouth next. They do stock some of the smaller Myler bits and are expecting another big delivery iun a few weeks.

Any purchasers of Myler's by mail order - remember they size out at least 1/2" bigger than ordinary bits eg if your animal normally wears a 6" you would need a 51/2" Myler max.

[KarlR]

I hope that you used the calibration mark on the bit-sizer - my original version only measured about 75% of the real size when I printed it! Then I read the part about taking off "fit-to-page" and it was fine.

[Cathy Reynolds]

Yes, spotted that one, ta. Had trouble stopping Benny eating the cardboard shape, though. Looked in his mouth - huge fat tongue, no space above it. Will ring bitbank and talk to them. Interestingly we had him out driving with long reins Sunday - no trouble and no pulling (but the bit to rein contact was almost horizontal with long reins, so I think it must be the bit going 'nutcracker-shaped' when ridden).

[Tammy]

KarlR

Which Myler bit do you have and why? I guess I am asking what specifically the bit does that "regular" bits don't do. My mare does not bend to the left....I notice the Myler bits specify easier bending. She also does not relax at the poll without 30 minutes of work (Quarter Horse syndrome). What do you think?

[fionahogg]

Well I'm not sure but I've deduced from what I've read that there are many, many different myler bits and the best way to find one that is right for you is to speak to someone who knows all about the horse's mouth and how these bits work on it. What works for one horse may not work for another.

[Ponymom]

Hi- I ride and show Quarter horses. I use the forward ported barrel with calvary shanks on my reining horse, same with straight shanks on my western pleasure horse, and a same bit with d-ring and chain (considered a shanked bit by AQHA) when I ride English. My horses love them. My pleasure horse used to play with his tongue a lot but stopped it almost immediately with the Myler bit. The reiner had a scared tongue when I got him so I used the Myler to get the pressure off his tongue. It works great. Some trainers don't like the Myler bit for reining - since all the riding is with one hand, they prefer that the bit doesn't move around so much. I may try the mullen mouth or solid bit with moveable shanks later. I can't see skimping on tack and then wondering why the horse can't perform. Bits are an investment that can go from horse to horse. Each one is different and as time goes on, you need to change bits to correct different problems. You just have to do without something else. I've seen the 4 3/4" bits on ebay. Check the internet to find a distributer.

[Jello Pudding]

I have been wanting to try one out on my gelding as well. A friend of mine bought one yesterday (just an egg but snaffle) and I LOVED it!!!! My horse has NEVER been so responsive.....I am going today to buy one, and I don't care how much its costs!:D

[lamprellsarah]

they are lovely made i have got a 5 and a half inch low port comfort snaffle it's a d- ring and yes they huge. it has hooks so it has poll action, it has a few lines off copper going downs to help her accept it and salvate.
It cost me £51 from the bit bank the lady there is very helpful. mine has independant side ways movement but i have to say i haven't really need it as i mainly hack and jump, i do school but i am not a dressage person.
i have had it for 2 weeks, and she is responding to it well i no longer have a horse that invades the bit throws her head in the air, and she no longer changes transitions after about 20 paces of you asking her to. she responds stright away and is showing signs of accepting it and coming into my hands.
so i have to say i feel it is worth it, it will last a long time, and even if i do sell her and it don't fit my next horse i am sure i could easily sell it on and get some of my money back.

[Garnett]

Myler bits are great! I used one on a throughbred I was bringing along, he would toss his head and play with his tounge alot, There was nmothing wrong with his teeth so I tried a bit switch. He loved the new bit and he was soo soft and responsive! No thier not cheap but the are well worth the price. Defenitly worth trying!-Chrissy

[fizz21]

Can I please you all what is a Myler?

[Maci]

A Myler Bit is a bit that was invented by the Myler family, that works kinder in the horses mouth. It doesn't have the nutcracker action (which some horses hate) like a snaffle does.

www.toklat.com

Hope This Helps!
Maci :)

[Zingy]

I got a Myler about 4 months ago, measured it against my other bits and assumed it would fit as it was the same size (5 1/2"). Having finally tried it it looks massive - do people find you usually need a size smaller with the Mylers? If so, does anyone want to do a swap as I can't see the shop changing it now even though it's only been used for 10 mins!:(

[lamprellsarah]

urr no i measured my bit sent off for the same size in myler and it's no diferent!!!
except the d-rings are huge!!! :)
but then it stops them sliding though and once i got used to it, it looked ok!!

what is your one??? i have a high ported barrel one with independant sie movement and hooks!! :)

[Zingy]

It's an E3 mouthpiece (think that's a high port) with eggbut cheeks, hooks and independant side movement. I'll have another look at it but it did seem big when I tried it. Can't vouch for its effectiveness yet - it had better be worth £70!

[lamprellsarah]

well ine was £55 and worth it!!! i think i tried to put her back into a snaffle and she hated it habits returned and she started knocking down and refusing jumps!!! what size is your mine 5 and a half!