I’m looking for a liverpool bit for my minis. Most sources
have larger sizes. Any suggestions?
Thanks to all who have already given me input. If this requires
a PM, that’s fine.
I use this gal: http://www.iowavalleycarriage.com/bits.php Super nice, the items are in stock and fast shipping.
A second for Iowa Valley Carriage. I’ve bought driving bits and other items from them and they’re great to work with. I don’t drive a mini but I’ve noticed that they have a good selection of bits in the tiny sizes.
Thanks
Someone else also referred me to that site.
I have been using a 3 1/2 " full cheek snaffle. Seems a decent fit. The smallest liverpool I’m finding is 4" so will have to go with that. I’m driving a 36" mule and training a 36" gelding so should 4" work?
Also, which mouthpiece does everyone prefer? The mule was severely frightened a few days ago (air compressor let off right by him) and that is the first time he has run away. I’m very apprehensive now–have knowlegeable friends advising me, but want to feel like I have the best bit, especially 'cause
they aren’t cheap, and although not young, I’m too young to die! :winkgrin:
Thanks for that site. If I were to try a different bit with more leverage, I would try the Butterfyl shank French Link mouthpiece. Their prices are very reasonable from what I’ve been seeing.
And I have a general question about Liverpools and butterflys. Does anyone ever use the bottom (third loop) loop with the greatest leverage? That looks like a LOT of leverage!
Yip
Yep, YIP!
I was looking at those butterfly bits.
I’m doing alot of research. I ran across some Youtube
information on bits. There is one “re: bits aren’t horse abuse”
or something to that effect. What an eye opener–makes you
want to quit using bits altogether, but there were some pretty heavy handed riders used as examples.Paired with unprepared
horses, it was pretty nasty.
4" sounds big for a 36" pony
Our 41" pony takes a 3.75" bit. She has a small mouth/muzzle (she’s half Mini/half Shetland)
So for a 36"er…4" sounds big. You should measure to be sure.
We are using a copper mullen mouth (narrow diameter - due to small mouth/low pallet) simple half cheek.
http://www.freedomrider.com/drvbits3.html#10-0811
Our pony doesn’t have alot of room in there, so we didn’t want to go with a jointed mouth-piece.
The half cheeks prevent the bit from sliding through. I guess the Liverpool or Butterfly has more “leverage” if you need something with some more control…
Well, who do we find here? Welcome!!!
Glad to see you are getting some good responses
See ya tomorrow on the trail!!!
Yep, it’s me and my new friends
Thanks to Cartfall and all who are helping me in my quest
for the right bit.
My mini mule does need some more ground work for “whoa” and
“stand”, and I admit he wasn’t real responsive to the bit before
he actually ran away. Sooo, I’m going to get to work on that.
Cartfall, you can give me your opinion on the bit size. If we can’t ride tomorrow because of the weather, we can play
“measure the mule” at my house instead.
Fancy That—very helpful, Thanks
Anyone else driving a mini is welcome to add what they are
using.
Just For Ponies
Smuckers Mullen Mouth Liverpool 3.5", 3.75", 4’’, 4.5’’, 4.75’’
Our Price: $34.95
I recommend Janie at Chimacum Tack or Celine of Carriage Driving Essentials- both have Liverpools available in mini sizes and will help you find the right bit for your equine. Sandy at Iowa Valley is great too but I didn’t see many Liverpools in her stock at the National Drive.
French Link Mouthpieces are generally chosen for their gentleness so Butterfly or not I wouldn’t try to use that as a bit with better “brakes.” Most of the brakes on a leverage bit come from a properly fitting curb chain or strap and a jointed bit will fold around the tongue and bars, leaving the curb strap ineffectively loose when the reins are pulled tight as in a bolt situation. I like French Links, don’t get me wrong, but they are not a particularly strong bit.
If you do want to use a Liverpool so you can change settings during a drive, you can have the third slot of a regular Liverpool shank ground off so there are only two. This makes it both safer and more proportional for a smaller head. Be aware however that since you can’t suddenly move the reins to a harsher setting at the moment a horse bolts, your best defense is to train him to a solid “whoa” and instill a whole lot of trust in his driver. The best horse in the world would still probably spook in the situation you’ve described so the best way to allay your anxiety is to KNOW, without a doubt, that you’ve prepared for it and that both you and the horse know exactly what to do. The more obedience and trust are habits, the quicker the equine will fall back on those when he’s scared.
Leia
Wonderful info
Just to let you know, I found a bit so that problem is solved.
I am soaking up all your good info. Thanks hobbyhorse for
your great input. I have always considered a bit with leverage and a curb chain my preference for riding horses.
I use as little pull as necessary. Driving is a whole other ballgame,and a mule ads to the degree of difficulty! :lol:
Thanks–jump in there and keep the info coming
