Tim McQuay is supporting a new type of mouthpiece called the Whisper bit.
HorseTackReview.com has a review from Tim and Colleen on this new plastic mouthpiece. It comes in 2 lengths of shanks and a D-ring snaffle.
Here's a brief description:
“It definitely looks different,” says National Reining Horse Association All-Time Leading Rider, Tim McQuay, when asked about the new Whisper Bit. He adds, “But it works!”
"The revolutionary design of the Whisper Bit features a mouthpiece made of firm but pliable plastic. It comes in long and short aluminum shanks, as well as a D-Ring snaffle. Not only does this bit look different, the feel is unusual, as well. The plastic does not pick up cold like traditional mouthpieces and horses seem to prefer the less intimidating surface". I will be curious to know how a plastic mouthpiece will do in the western world; especially reining. I do not have a Whisper bit. I will be watching this one to see how well it works. Does anyone have one?
I tend to find those rubber or plastic mouthpieces are too thick for the small horses that I ride. I would like to know what that plastic must taste like to the horse. And will it create barbs like other plastic bits.
Questions and comments are always welcome.
I tend to find those rubber or plastic mouthpieces are too thick for the small horses that I ride. I would like to know what that plastic must taste like to the horse. And will it create barbs like other plastic bits.
Stay tuned.
Putting my spin on bits - 1 new idea at a time!Questions and comments are always welcome.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners
I saw this advertised on the RFD channel. The way they show it there it's made to look like a reining horse bit.
ReplyDeleteThere's really nothing I like about it. It has no lateral control, works on almost all tongue pressure.
I suppose it would work somewhat on fully finished horse. But then again so will a whole lot of other things and a lot better in my opinion.
I sure can't argue with Tim's show record but I think he really blew it on this one. Looks like he's trying to create a market for something that is more marketing than function.
If you ever want to see one just don't look in my barn cause it won't be there.
It definitely works on the tongue mostly like you mentioned.
ReplyDelete"Tim McQuay added, “Transferring that to reining, fencing maneuvers are difficult. Even the best riders and trainers may have heavy or quick hands. In the early stages of teaching a horse to fence, this bit helps keep a trainer’s hands safe.”
He continued, “Doing quick maneuvers may startle a horse. This bit allows us as trainers, to manipulate a horse without offending him or making the horse’s mouth sore. It helps the horse focus on the maneuver instead of the bit.” (taken from HorseTackReview.com)
So it sounds to me that it's meant as a super mild bit (one that a rider can be really quick with their hands) and not scare the horse.
I can see that.
I'm still not a big fan of plastic.
I will keep open minded though and see what happens.
Jared LeClair is coming to Ontario this summer to do a clinic. I will ask him what he thinks.
I don't have a Whisper Bit but liked the whole idea behind it. I am a horse trainer and always want to focus on elimating pain, fear, anxiety,in a horse. And find that soft plastic mullen mouth bits are great for starting and/or dealing with a horse that has suffered damage from hard hands or bits, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have had great success with these types of bits and do recommend them. I ended up buying Happy Mouth which I found on horse loverz. It was about 30.00 - 40.00 cheaper and I liked the style of the shank as oposed to the Whisper Bit.
However the thing that i found with the bit is they have big diamenter mouth pieces and will only fit so many horses and they will slip out of a horses mough so you will need to but and put on mouth guards!
Thanks Anonymous for that comment. Perhaps soft, plastic mouthpieced bits like this one will have the main function of helping horses with severely damaged mouths be able to use a bit until they have recovered.
ReplyDeleteIt's a straight bit no room for the tongue... Should have some kind of a port to give room for the tongue... The D-ring would be alright but bits with shanks I think would be more harsh for the horse. I don't see any difference from the black rubber one I owned 40 years ago..
ReplyDeleteYes. A bit with a port in it is more mild then a mullen mouth. Though a mullen mouth is milder than a single jointed or 3-piece mouthpiece.
ReplyDeleteShanks bits are not necessarily harsher than a D-ring as it depends always on the hands that use it. The longer the shanks, the gentler or quieter the hands movements can be.
Thanks for the 40yr. comment from experience.
That about sums it up!!!