Bit advice

[appendix100]

trasitioning young horse from snaffle to curb. She REALLY likes a Argentine snaffle that I have with a roller port & breaks like a correction, very low square port & very swept back shanks. Problem is the 5" version, works more like a 4 3/4 since it is so collapsable & so is too small for her & will rub if I use it regularly. Other problem is I can’t find this exact bit with a larger mouth size.

So, do I get the same mouthpiece with much longer, less swept back shanks, or do I look for a different mouthpiece with the same shanks that she likes (she has definite opinions on some things). I did try a myler futurity type bit with the roller port - hates it.

[goodhors]

Bowman Bits will make anything you want, in any width, shank style. Do note that they produce VERY good bits, high quality, well finished and pricy. Both IVC (Iowa Valley Carriage)

Pony and Miniature Horse Bits | IVC Carriage

and Chimacum Tack are reputable dealers, though mostly Driving oriented. They could take a bit order for a custom bit for Bowman to make up for you…

Bowman Bits Archives | Chimacum Tack

Maybe you could find a local metalworker that could make up the bit you want if you show them the one you have. However, good Blacksmiths (Iron workers) or maybe a Farrier (Horse Shoer with metal working skills) with a forge do not come cheaply either.

[appendix100]

Thank you, but I am not looking for custom, this is a first step up, so unless we start feeling like she will be in it a long time, I can’t spend that kind of money. Balding is happy to make the bit I want, but by the time it is done, even aside from the expense, she may be out of it.

I am trying to figure out the best option for an alternative, looking at the mouthpiece, or the shanks as the base & seeing what else might be available

[beau159]

@appendix100

trasitioning young horse from snaffle to curb. She REALLY likes a Argentine snaffle that I have with a roller port & breaks like a correction, very low square port & very swept back shanks. Problem is the 5" version, works more like a 4 3/4 since it is so collapsable & so is too small for her & will rub if I use it regularly. Other problem is I can’t find this exact bit with a larger mouth size.

So, do I get the same mouthpiece with much longer, less swept back shanks, or do I look for a different mouthpiece with the same shanks that she likes (she has definite opinions on some things). I did try a myler futurity type bit with the roller port - hates it.

Well, I would say if that is your current choice, go ahead and try the one with longer less swept back shanks. The only thing that is changing with your bit is that it is making your rein signal FASTER and “HARDER”. Straightening the shank (as I understand it) will “quicken” your rein cue as it engages the bit quicker. Also, making the shank longer gives it more leverage so that it magnifies your rein pressure more which is what makes it a “harsher” cue.

So as long as you are good with your hands and careful with them, there should not be a problem. The bit is only the tool. It just depends how you use the tool! If you keep your hands soft and always pre-cue your horse with your seat and legs, before softly picking up rein contact, you should be just fine.