I’m looking for an alternative to a rubber mullen D (the mouthpiece is a bit too thick and hard for Lucky)–what kind of action does this bit have? (Show legality isn’t an issue, and he raced in a Dexter ring bit. Galloping he lugs/drifts right.) He liked the rubber mullen, but especially after his last dentist’s visit, it just hasn’t fit comfortably.
Remember, it is first and foremost a driving bit, so borrow one before you buy as some horses resent the rein attachement. I would see if I could find just a plain mullen mouth full cheek or half cheek before trying that.
As to action, it is SUPPOSED to give more control over a puller or a horse that bears in and out on different parts of the track but if you look at it closely, it is a straight back pull. James bit is better for the bear in/bear out thing, and a multi-jointed bit better for pullers.
I haven’t been able to find a thin mullen that’s not metal or a happy mouth is the problem, and he dislikes joints. (I think a Waterford would break his brain.)
PITA isn’t it when you have a fussy horse. Like I said, see if you can find one to borrow OR get some latex tape and wrap a steel mullen mouth
I think he just has a smallish mouth, and doesn’t like getting poked. (Can’t blame him.)
I’ll just buy one, it’s only 22.00 (I’d never spend more on a bit anyway). I don’t want the hassle of having to wrap things (and the only mullen mouths I’ve seen that aren’t pelhams are eggbutts, which take up half his face. I swear he has an Arab muzzle–teacup. Stuff that fit the old OTTB, who was two inches SHORTER, are huge on him.)
I hope it works. Just remember, the pull is going to be way different as it really is set for lines going through the terret rings on a horse with its head checked up.
I used it on a horse that lugged out a little . It worked OK .It had a little screw thing on the right side. That seemed to be enough to keep him in. Never used it again.
Not for $60 US+ shipping.
Not exactly the same bit, but it’s close.
See, I don’t like Happy Mouths, especially as I’ve heard the plastic tends to crack. If they made a rubber mullen exactly like the ones they make now (the black rubber) only much, much smaller, I’d be set, but they all seem to come in one size. I’m sure there’s a reason for that, but it makes finding something that fits and he likes and that works a hassle.
If he likes how a Braden fits, I might try wrapping a metal mullen pelham in leather. (Or throwing driving lines on him. I was debating whether he might be sensible enough to learn to drive anyway as I’ve always wanted a horse who could ride and drive…could see if the BO’s friends who race ponies would have time. I’d borrow a bit from them but these are PONIES–very small heads/mouths. He’s not THAT little.)
