The Combination Bit- Many Bits In One

It's not a contraption.

I get asked this question a lot.  "Do you sell Myler bits?"    And my usual answer is "No, I don't. Not as a retailer. I do occasionally sell my own bits to people". 

 "I'm a techincal rep." So, that being said, I educate people on the philosophy of more tongue relief and how it's changed 1,000s of horses for the good.  And made many a happy, changed rider!

    The philosophy of more tongue relief in bit design has been duplicated by many bit manufacturers so that's helpful for me as I can recommend many different bits available to suit everyone. Myler's being the top of the line of course.

 

Anyway, back to the idea of this article. I wanted to help you with some information on a great all around, multi-purpose bit: the combination bit. An old idea made new again.  I have a few pictures here of combinations bits.



Combination bits have been around a long time.

The combination bit will usually allow for 2 sets of reins to be used if needed.  Usually 1 set is for use as a snaffle (direct rein action) and the other set of reins is for use as a curb bit (indirect rein action). A perfect combination! Riders use the bit to transition a horse from the snaffle to the curb bit. Or use the snaffle sometimes or the curb sometimes. I'm sure most of you are familiar with how a combination bit works. 

 


I wanted to specifically focus on the unique design of Myler's version of the combination bit as shown above. (http://mylerbitsusa.com/bit_combo2.shtml bits. I really encourage you to read this.)  Why?  Because of the unique design of how the nose band and chin strap are 1 continuous piece of material. It acts together to apply the pressure exerted by the rider via the reins onto the nose and chin and poll at the same time therefore being more humane than some of the other designs of combinations bits.  This also acts similiar to the rope halter used in effective horsemanship.

Here Rolex veteran Jennifer Wooten talks about the intimidating looking, but in reality quite mild, Myler Combination bit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYEf2zwobRM 

One of the other features is the Myler design of mouthpiece that will give whatever amount of tongue relief that you need.

The Myler combination bit is also a gag bit.  I don't like that word - it sounds bad. I think it should be called a 'pulley' bit.  In this case, if the bit is adjusted right, the poll, chin and noseband will engage first and then the mouthpiece will slide up the ring cheekpiece 2.5" before engaging. That gives the horse LOTS of presignal before the bit exerts pressure on the tongue.

 
  Lastly, the Myler 3ring combination bit has 3 rings for attachment of the reins. The ring at the mouthpiece which will act like a snaffle. The middle ring will give a bit of leverage and curb action. And finally the 3rd ring will give some leverage and curb action. This is what I was referring to earlier.

 
What I want to say to you was that this bit can be used in so many different ways. That is the intent of combination bits.  Riders don't have to have several snaffles and curb bits. Riders who are not showing like trail or recreational riders can use this bit all the time and riders who are showing can use it for training or schooling purposes. 

It's a great multi-purpose bit! 

You just need to choose whatever mouthpiece is needed for the horse. I've seen it being used in all disciplines. It's getting quite popular in dressage, natural horsemanship and western training.

 If you want more information, please see me, my website, or call. I'd be happy to help you with it. It's my passion.

Putting my spin on the combination bit!

Reinersue

@KISS Reiners