The Myler Black Western Dee Low Port Comfort Snaffle has been designed for the young, green horse with a steady disposition or the older horse beginning training or switching disciplines. It is also helpful for horses working in a level one mouthpiece who are showing resistance.
Mouthpiece: Black Steel Western Dee with Stainless Steel dots, Sweet Iron Low Port Comfort Snaffle (MB 04, Level 2) Copper Inlay.
Not Dressage Legal
Level 2 bits provide tongue relief with a small port or flexible mouthpiece which rotates on the tongue to apply some pressure and collapses to form a U instead of a V, protecting the lips and bars from being pinched. The bit also curves to allow more room for the tongue which can help to prevent resistance.
Resistance is the horse's way of communicating discomfort. A horse may demonstrate resistance through one or more behaviors that are consistently repeated in relation to the bit. Recognizing the signs of resistance is critical to knowing when there is a problem. Some of these signs include:
Going behind or above the bit
Chewing, overactive mouth, tongue out of the mouth
Running through the bit, pulling or not stopping
Heavy on the forehand, leaning on the bit
Putting the tongue over the bit
Sucking the tongue into the back of the throat
Myler bits have many unique features which allow your horse to work without resistance:
Independent side movement: Many Myler bits have a barrel in the center of the mouthpiece that acts as a bushing, allowing each side of the bit to move independently of the other. When the rider engages one fixed rein using a Myler bit with Independent Side Movement, the rider lifts only one side of the bit, giving a very clear, precise signal to the horse.
Curved Mouthpiece: Myler mouthpieces have a distinctive curve. The curve creates more room for the tongue to pass under the bit so the horse can swallow more freely as opposed to a bit that goes straight across the mouth.
Mouthpiece Thickness: Most Myler mouthpieces are 7/16" thick (11.11mm), a thickness that allows the bit to fit comfortably in the horse's mouth.
Mouthpiece Metals: Myler Western bits, combination bits and cradle bits are made of sweet iron with copper inlay. Sweet Iron oxidizes when exposed to moisture, releasing sweet taste. The sweet iron mouthpiece will turn grey after a few uses.
Please Note: If you compete, check with your sport's governing body to confirm which bits are legal for your particular event.