Bits come in many different shapes and sizes. The choice is endless. The bit is a very important part of the communication between you and your horse. Are you not a bit specialist but you would like to find the right bit for your horse? Then read on in this blog about Myler bits!
Myler bits are designed according to a specific system, in which the horse is central and the anatomical shape of the horse's mouth is the basis for finding the right bit. Research has shown that almost all forms of resistance in a horse are due to the fact that we want to avoid all pressure on the tongue. But it is precisely this pressure that is needed when training a horse. The Myler System speaks of a "comfort zone". This means that your horse's head is in the correct position where it is loose in the neck joint.
Characteristics of the Myler bit
You can recognise Myler bits by the different characteristics of the bit. The most important features are:
- Forward curved mouthpiece: this allows the horse to swallow unhindered and will make the horse supple more quickly. The curved mouthpiece also helps to spread the pressure on the horse's tongue.
- Copper inlays: many Myler bits are fitted with copper inlays and made of stainless steel. The copper inlay strips make it easier for your horse to salivate.
- Limited pressure: with rein pressure, pressure is put on the horse's cheeks and tongue, but as soon as the horse gives in, this pressure is relieved immediately. As a result the horse learns to respond in a pressure-free position and will be in his comfort zone for longer and quicker.
- Slits: Some Myler bits have one or more slits in the bit rings for a slight leverage effect.
- Independent movement: it is possible to move only one side of the mouthpiece due to the independent lateral movement. Does your horse easily fall over his shoulder? Then bits with an independent movement promote longitudinal bending.
Myler bit levels
It's often the case that once a well-fitting bit has been found for a horse, this bit is used on the horse for a long time or even a lifetime. Myler recommends changing the bit as the level of training progresses.
When looking for the right bit for your horse, it is important to consider a number of factors, such as the horse's mouth, the level of training, the rider's level and of course the discipline. For this reason Myler has designed 3 different categories of bits, also called levels.
Myler Bits: Level 1
Level 1 bits are for young or geen horses that have just been backed or are lightly trained. The horse is learning the basic gaits, transitions and obedience, and is also already starting to be on the bit. In this level it's important to use a comfortable bit so that the horse will quickly understand the instructions given. This is why it's even more important to use a well-fitting bit in the first level than in the second level. The bit must fit well enough to cause the least amount of damage to the horse's tongue. The horse's tongue is a tough muscle and can take cues and bear pressure well. On the other hand, a horse's tongue can be damaged quickly as it's only covered by a thin layer of gum over the bone. A bit that acts largely on the barsis therefore not good for your horse.
Design level 1 bits
Level 1 bits from Myler have a forward-curved mouthpiece. In addition, these bits use most of the pressure on the tongue and only a little on the bars. The pressure on the tongue through the bit is generally distributed more evenly through Myler bits than traditional bits. In addition, Level-1 bits work by squeezing and resisting with release. This means that the bit squeezes on the bars, offers resistance on the tongue, but can also be released when the horse is reined in. Depending on the type of bit, with bit ring or shank, the bits can exert pressure on the horse's chin and/or neck. Some mouthpieces also have an independent lateral action.
Myler Level 2 Bits
Level 2 Bits are for horses who have completed basic training. The horse can hold the outline and stay on the bit with light contact on the rein. Horses in this level can do more complex exercises such as bending, lateral movements and a simple canter change. The mouthpieces of bits in level 2 are suitable for horses that walk on their own legs. The horse has already built up more muscle and can handle longer and heavier training sessions.
Design of Level 2 bits
Myler Level 2 bits have a forward-curved mouthpiece and use pressure on the tongue and slightly more pressure on the bars than Level 1 bits, where the mouthpiece rotates over the bars. This allows the bit to spread the pressure over the horse's entire tongue, rather than just the middle part of the tongue. Level 2 bits have the characteristic that they can tilt on the bars. These bits can also, depending on the type of bit - bit ring or shank - exert pressure on the horse's chin and/or neck. Many of the Level 2 bits have an independent lateral action.Myler Level 2-3 bits
Level 2-3: Basic training is achieved and well confirmed as are more complex skills such as collection and canter changes. Bits in this level provide some freedom of tongue, give more pressure to the bars and can exert pressure on the horse's palate.
Design level 2-3 bits
Myler level 2-3 bits have a forward-curved mouthpiece with tongue port for tongue relief. These bits use different pressure points. For example, the bits apply pressure to the tongue, but mostly to the layers. The mouthpiece thereby rolls over the bars. The mouthpieces can also tilt on the bars. In addition, these bits can exert pressure on the horse's palate, depending on the height of the tongue port. Finally, these bits can also exert pressure on the horse's chin and/or neck, depending on the type of bit.
Myler bits level 3
Bits in this level are for horses that are totally on the aids and whose training has been fully confirmed. The horse is and remains constantly in line with the aids and can master exercises to an advanced level. The choice of the right bit depends on the horse's temperament and character. The mouthpieces at this level are designed to give the horse as much tongue relief as possible while still allowing the rider to control the horse.
Design level 3 bits
Myler level 3 bits provide the greatest amount of tongue relief. These bits have a forward and upward curved mouthpiece with space for the tongue. These bits work largely by applying more pressure on the bars with the mouthpiece rotating downwards on the layers. Depending on the height of the tongue port, these bits can also exert pressure on the horse's palate. Finally, these bits offer a wide range of action in order to be as gentle as the horse permits.
Myler dressage bits
Are you a dressage rider and looking for the perfect combination of Weymouth bit and bridoon? Myler has developed the Myler Weymouth bits specially for dressage. The mouthpieces of these Weymouths give the horse more freedom of tongue than traditional Weymouths would. The Myler Weymouth bits have independent lateral action, which has a positive effect on the horse's mouth.
The Myler bridoons are specially developed for use in combination with the Myler Weymouth bits. The combination of these two bits gives the horse optimum tongue relief and provides independent lateral action.
Sizes of Myler Bits
The original sizes of Myler bits are stated in inches, but you can find both the inch and the centimeter sizes in our product descriptions. In the table below you will find an overview of all Myler bit sizes, both in inches and in cm. The most common sizes are 3, 5 and 7. See our complete range of Myler Bits
here.