Is there a difference in severity between the “seven shank” and the "flat shank "? I can’t seem to find measurements or the purpose of each shank.
Seven: http://www.toklat.com/Products/BP/89-13045
I would call and ask them. They have awesome customer service, as in, one of the Myler brothers will be happy to answer any questions you have. I do love their bits.
Seven shank has less leverage and less sweep back (making the action quicker, less rein to engage the curb strap).
The first aspect would make it “less severe”, and the second would go the other direction.
[QUOTE=aktill;7980868]
Seven shank has less leverage and less sweep back (making the action quicker, less rein to engage the curb strap).
The first aspect would make it “less severe”, and the second would go the other direction.[/QUOTE]
So the seven is less severe than the flat shank? Ok. I did find that it’s 1/4" longer than the flat shank. Does that make a difference.
Nope, didn’t say that. There’s one aspect that is “less severe” on both bits…net result is probably a wash. Wouldn’t use either personally, don’t like broken mouth leverage bits.
Atkill, they are not broken mouth leverage bits. There is a tiny bit of play in the mouthpiece, but the movement is rotational. These bits do not collapse like a snaffle. I would never use a shanked snaffle on any horse - that is not what a Myler bit is.
Broken mouth implies that it isn’t one solid piece…which it isn’t. I have a proper snaffle with that mouthpiece, and while it won’t collapse, it sure isn’t solid.
Regardless, I’ll refine my response to say I wouldn’t use any leverage bit that doesn’t have a solid cannon (with no tongue relief if you want to get VERY specific).
[QUOTE=aktill;7982971]
Broken mouth implies that it isn’t one solid piece…which it isn’t. I have a proper snaffle with that mouthpiece, and while it won’t collapse, it sure isn’t solid.
Regardless, I’ll refine my response to say I wouldn’t use any leverage bit that doesn’t have a solid cannon (with no tongue relief if you want to get VERY specific).[/QUOTE]
Totally curious here, and maybe a bit off-topic, but when you want to transition a horse from a snaffle to a curb, do you use a transition bit of some sort or just put them straight into the curb you want?
The “7” or s shaped shank is less severe generally, it has more release than a straight shank provided the mouth pieces are the same.
As far as transitioning a horse into a curb, I really like this mouth piece on a short shank. http://www.mylerbitsusa.com/images/correctional_mouth/47LP_Front_and_Top.jpg
They don’t get offended by it. I also like a billy Allen mouth piece with short shanks.
