[QUOTE=goodhors;4710236]
An option for those half-cheek bits that many folks never use, is to put bit on bridle with cheek upward. Then you get a “bit keeper” loop, put one side on the cheek, other side on the bridle cheek that goes thru the bit ring. Not much to see in a catalog, leather sewn into a figure 8.
http://equestrian.doversaddlery.com/search?dmi_offer_code=SITE&w=bit+keeper+loop&idc=[[SLI_IDC]]&ids=897275671&x=30&y=11
Using the bit keeper on the cheek piece will make the bit work entirely differently in the mouth. Keeper loop forces the bit to stay upright, keeping the mouthpiece across the tongue ALL the time, not swinging down to the bottom of the bit ring. I think of bits without the keeper loops as making an oval on the horse head, 0. Because of gravity, an “unkept” bit will always hang down to make the bottom of the oval, not across the tongue as shaped. Hold up a bridle with a loose ring bit, bridle and bit make the oval, moouthpiece not forced to stay in place.
I have to say that putting the cheek half, in the upward position is not going to allow bit to “pull thru” the animal’s mouth. The cheek spoons don’t really prevent that, but having a bit with cheeks is part of folk lore, that you can’t pull the bit into or thru the horse mouth.
I have found that with the cheek up in the bit keeper, my animals are crisper in response, no delay in getting the signals. Cheek up in keeper almost removes ALL chance of snagging that piece or getting stuck with it, if animal tries to rub or sling their head as you work around them.
So an idea for your half-cheek bit, if cheek down is not doing much for him and you as you progress. I have always liked that bit as a step along the training way. More usable with the bit keeper loops.
I don’t do copper mouthpieces, they give the equine tiny little shocks thru chemical reaction. I felt very bad when I learned this, since my old horse had always been used with copper roller on her stainless bit. That bit went to be a wall decoration! A wrap of fruit rollup, a dab of salt on the tongue when bridling up, will get the saliva flowing.
I don’t use rusty iron bits because I don’t want rust in their mouth or gums. I can find no benefit for rust going into their systems. Iron bits kept clean, non rusty, can work fine. Rust is not designed as part of the nutrients a horse needs. Yes, horses will slobber in rusty iron trying to wash away the nasty flavor, but that is because they are forced to wear dirty, rusty bits that no one ever kept clean. Now rusty bits, sweet iron, are also part of “horse lore” as a good tool. Would YOU put a piece of rusty iron in YOUR MOUTH and wear it there for several hours? I would not, can’t see why horse should either. My bits are stainless, nickle, CLEAN iron without rust.
We have found that animals not using themselves well, often do have dry mouths, no spit showing. We might see a dry side, in resistant, EXPERIENCED horse. Lots of “lipstick” on the right, not ANY on the left. Horse doesn’t want to play or work today! This visible lipstick is the sign to us, to be a better rider or driver, get horse working correctly. We want their mouth lightly white from corner to corner. Not big drooly slobbers flying around, soap suds enough for a load of laundry. Just white LIPSTICK showing on their lips.[/QUOTE]
I’ve never heard that about copper bits…where did you hear that? I wouldn’t think that copper could hold an electric charge without a source. I’ve always used sweet iron bits…(I’ve never put a rusty bit in any horses mouth) copper being my second choice. I have yet to see a mini bit made of sweet iron. That bit about putting the half cheeks upright is interesting though. My little guy isn’t having any issues with his bit so i’m not going to change anything…however good to know for the future just in case…
before we started him. He was suprisingly easy to train and learned very quickly. Just remember that you are not going to school a donkey like you would a horse. They are fast learners and, right or wrong, once they learn something they remember it so be sure you are teaching the right lessons 