The Myler HBT Shank with Forward Tilt Ported Barrel bit has been designed for horses in basic training with a good disposition and self control who can handle more tongue relief or those in advanced training with a challenging disposition whether it be anxious, aggressive or fearful.
- Mouthpiece: Stainless Steel 5" HBT Shank with Sweet Iron Forward Tilt Ported Barrel (MB 36, Level 2-3) with Copper Inlay.
- This mouthpiece is made of polished Sweet Iron which naturally oxidizes or rusts. Harmless to horses, it has a sweet taste and promotes salivation.
- Not Dressage Legal
Level 2-3 bits are ported to offer more tongue relief than level 1 or 2 bits . Instead, the level 2-3 uses more bar, poll and chin pressure with a curve to the mouthpiece that allows more room for the tongue 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
- 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.
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.
Independent Swivel cheek: The independent swivel cheek is a patented Myler feature offered on a limited number of cheekpieces. Myler shanks are independent of the mouthpiece and the independent swivel cheek means that the purchase is also independent of the shank when the rider engages one rein, the shank moves but the purchase has a slight swivel to is so it can give a little against the horse's face as the bit moves below it. The independent swivel cheek is offered on the HBT and the flat shank.
Please Note: If you compete, check with your sport's governing body to confirm which bits are legal for particular event.
