What does the "port" on a Myler bit do?

[Beck]

@Palm Beach

That sounds like a lot of work and money.

It’s horses. That’s a given.

[firefoot]

@LookmaNohands

Actually, the bit has a curb chain too. The main problem with the “D” is the straight up and down part which, when any pressure at all is applied, can press into the side of his face where his teeth are. I have had this problem with other horses too so I want to try an eggbutt because I think the loose ring is too fussy for him.

It sounds like the bit you’re using is a little too small. IIRC, per Myler, their bits should have a 1/4" of exposed bit on each side. It’ll look a hair too big, but that’s how it’s supposed to fit to act the way it’s designed. If you get a loose-ring version of the same size bit, I would worry that it would pinch his lips. It really sounds like a sizing issue, not a cheek issue

And for what it’s worth, I have a fussy, sensitive-mouthed, hot TB who LOVES his MB 33. I use the hooks because we need a little leverage, but the port on this bit acts as a tongue relief so he can keep breathing normally even when he gets excited. It has helped his anxiety a lot, I think partially because snaffles would lay on his tongue and when he’d fight the bit, his tongue would have nowhere to go.

Edited to add that you should make sure it’s not too high in his mouth, also. I have found that these bits can look like they sit lower in the mouth than normal when sitting properly. Not all the time, but sometimes.

[BlueDrifter]

Because of you guys, I just ordered the MB33WL eggbutt from BigDee out of their “bit test program” that allows me to return it for a $15 rental plus shipping. He is already in a 43LP which I thought was nice and mild, but seems to like my KK ultra better, so what the heck…

[firefoot]

I found this link to the Myler brochure: http://195.69.129.26/webshop/documents/b09f9c5b6bf710269d4b3e83eb2bb4b8/myler-brochureLR.pdf

It is very comprehensive! 11 pages! Covers all the mouthpieces and how to fit, etc.

[RedHorses]

@Palm Beach

I find they are happy when they have clear and effective communication from a consistent rider. I do the same thing with every horse, and get the same result, and it has nothing to do with bits, as they all start in a rope halter. I don’t have a multitude of bits since I get correct results from the beginning, and have calm and happy horses as a result. The ones that start out fussy are usually the easiest to get happy since they usually just want someone to be consistent.

I’m curious - what is the one bit you use that has worked on every horse you have/had? What discipline or riding style(s) is this one bit used for?

[Palm_Beach]

@RedHorses

I’m curious - what is the one bit you use that has worked on every horse you have/had? What discipline or riding style(s) is this one bit used for?

I’m sorry, where did I say exactly that I’ve only ever used one bit since I was a toddler? I’m pretty sure I said, “it has nothing to do with bits.” But feel free to correct me if I’m interpreting my post wrong.

[ecpolo]

@Simkie

No one who has been in horses for longer than five minutes believes that the same approach, bit or other equipment is suitable for every single horse. Shocker! Some horses are different than other horses! And that’s normal.

More and more, you just read like a troll. Do you even have horses, or are you here just to rile people up with your ridiculous statements?

Agreed. I chuckled to myself when I saw the poster of the first “I am a special angel who only uses rope halters, loose ring snaffles, and unicorn farts and my horses are in the grand prix” in a thread about bits.

I actually consider it poor horsemanship to try and pigeonhole every horse into the weird obsession of “less bit, better rider/trainer” crap that people love to harp about online. I dare any of the loose ring snaffle folks to try and stop most of my horses at a gallop in a hippie bridle.

Bits should change from rider to rider and activity to activity on every horse, in my opinion.

[RedHorses]

@Palm Beach

I’m sorry, where did I say exactly that I’ve only ever used one bit since I was a toddler? I’m pretty sure I said, “it has nothing to do with bits.” But feel free to correct me if I’m interpreting my post wrong.

Apologies, I didn’t know you were plopped on a horse as a toddler.

I was asking what your choice of bits is since you have done the rope halter training followed by bitting. Your comment about not having a multitude of bits combined with the assertion that it’s not about the bit suggests you have a bit that you use on all horses. I simply wondered what that bit was.

[Palm_Beach]

@RedHorses

Apologies, I didn’t know you were plopped on a horse as a toddler.

I was asking what your choice of bits is since you have done the rope halter training followed by bitting. Your comment about not having a multitude of bits combined with the assertion that it’s not about the bit suggests you have a bit that you use on all horses. I simply wondered what that bit was.

You are reading way too much into my posts.

[ecpolo]

@Palm Beach

You are reading way too much into my posts.

Pardon my curiosity, but what is your main discipline?

[tabula_rashah]

My general go to all-around bit is a loose-ring, French link snaffle but all of my Morgans have preferred ported bits. I have heard this from many other Morgan owners as well and it is generally attributed to their conformation.

[Palm_Beach]

@ecpolo

Pardon my curiosity, but what is your main discipline?

My husband.

[RedHorses]

@Palm Beach

You are reading way too much into my posts.

No, I’m not. I obviously have different experiences with horses than you do and was interested in what worked for a person who said the bit type was irrelevant. Perhaps it is a bit I have never used, or one I found less effective years ago and might be worth revisiting now. Riding discipline (type of contact) is quite relevant to the use and effect of various bits, and my riding disciplines may be the same as yours, or not.

However, as you are indicating that you aren’t interested in an open discussion, I will keep that in mind in future threads.
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[quietann]

@tabula rashah

My general go to all-around bit is a loose-ring, French link snaffle but all of my Morgans have preferred ported bits. I have heard this from many other Morgan owners as well and it is generally attributed to their conformation.

Mine is one of those Morgans who doesn’t like a port at all. Double-joint snaffle with just a little curvature is it for her. When I’m using a bit, it’s either a double-jointed eggbutt from Smith Worthington, or a KK baucher.

[quietann]

@tabula rashah

My general go to all-around bit is a loose-ring, French link snaffle but all of my Morgans have preferred ported bits. I have heard this from many other Morgan owners as well and it is generally attributed to their conformation.

Mine is one of those Morgans who doesn’t like a port at all. Double-joint snaffle with just a little curvature is it for her. When I’m using a bit, it’s either a double-jointed eggbutt from Smith Worthington, or a KK baucher.

[quietann]

@tabula rashah

My general go to all-around bit is a loose-ring, French link snaffle but all of my Morgans have preferred ported bits. I have heard this from many other Morgan owners as well and it is generally attributed to their conformation.

Mine is one of those Morgans who doesn’t like a port at all. Double-joint snaffle with just a little curvature is it for her. When I’m using a bit, it’s either a double-jointed eggbutt from Smith Worthington, or a KK baucher.

[quietann]

@tabula rashah

My general go to all-around bit is a loose-ring, French link snaffle but all of my Morgans have preferred ported bits. I have heard this from many other Morgan owners as well and it is generally attributed to their conformation.

Mine is one of those Morgans who doesn’t like a port at all. Double-joint snaffle with just a little curvature is it for her. When I’m using a bit, it’s either a double-jointed eggbutt from Smith Worthington, or a KK baucher.