Place to start bit wise for dressage rider?

Dressage rider looking to have a bit handy to be able to enter a few western/ranch classes at small local open shows. Preferred bit mouthpiece for dressage is an oval link/ lozenge. Single broken is not something I would entertain in any form. What would be a good bit to start with? Horse has never had any sort of shanked bit and is learning to neck rein so the ideal bit will be the most mild option for a good horse that isn’t strong against a bit at all. Some of the Myler options are high on my list.

Try something like this… inexpensive and similar to Myler.

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Are you looking at original Myler bits that you can customize or Toklat-Myler that are imported and sold in stores? Either way, you could email one of the Mylers and ask their advice (email addresses are on the Myler website).

I have two Myler bits, a Western snaffle and a curb. The snaffle has the MB04 mouthpiece and the shanked bit has the MB33 mouthpiece. My horse seems to really like the shanked bit with the MB33 mouthpiece. It has a lot of tongue relief and he seems very comfortable in it. The MB04 mouthpiece is very similar but doesn’t have as much tongue relief. Both mouthpieces are made of sweet iron, which many horses like. From your description of your horse, I would go with the MB33 mouthpiece and the shorter shank (it comes in 2 shank lengths).

That looks like a decent option!

I was looking at both. Used bit groups first then was going to expand to paying for new if needed. If I can get 3 or 4 options to see what my horse says even better. Local used tack shop doesn’t usually have many good options as the good bits are sold almost as soon as they come in.

Highly recommend an argentine curb for transitioning a horse to a shank bit. It is similar to a pelham in that reins can be attached to the snaffle and/or curb ring, so you could ride with two reins while transitioning. Cavalon, linked above, has great options for argentines but unfortunately many bit sizes are out of stock. It is a great resource for identifying bits with good mouthpieces. Also check out the facebook group No Bit Shit for recommendations on ethical bits for western and english. :slight_smile: Also I have had luck finding used bits on FB marketplace!