Driving Bit question

[shorthorsemom]

On copper mouth piece bits... they do chew and scratch them easier, that is right, this is another advantage of wrapping the bit in the latex wrap until they are accepting the bit, the latex will protect your bit too. Once trained you can skip the latex, the copper encourages saliva I was told and my trainer likes it better, but she didn't say it was a must. I wouldn't hesitate to use stainless either. Just need good quality well fitted bit.

 

[carlenehorse]

All I can say is WOW I bought my Half Cheek French Link Smooth Mouth Cooper bit and drove with it today and what a difference. My mare was more responsive and very senistive to the reins. Thanks Marsha for the information on this bit. I bought two for each if my harnesses.

Carlene

 

[Kathy2m]

Iowa Valley Carriage has a good selection of well-made miniature horse bits. One choice that many(not necessarily ALL)horses may accept and 'go' well in is the French link mouthpiece--I believe Sandee at Iowa Valley(who is VERY nice to work with!) offers those is both a half cheek and a butterfly; many miniature drivers are able to use a half cheek style on their single driving horses.The bits are reasonably priced for the quality...in the $30-50 range, as I recall.
Margo

(training and driving my own miniatures since '85--and my own riding and competition horses for a good many years before that...and successfully competitive...so I*think* I speak from experience!

)!

Margos right

I just bought one from her at the National Drive it was a french link half cheek 27.50 very nice bit. Kathy

 

[MiLo Minis]

Oh that's good to know Lori! What was the price on them--same as the copper ones? Mary Ann wasn't sure they would be what I wanted, I guess because the mouthpiece looked thicker--she did mention that and she didn't want to spend my money on the wrong bits. I had specified the copper one--I didn't even know the SS ones were available. Maybe I'll order one, or put them on the list for next year

The copper ones do get chewed up so easily if a horse gnaws on them.

They were approximately the same price. They aren't up on their website as yet and they had several other selections I hadn't seen on their site. I wish I had known Mary Ann was shopping for you - I would have said go for it!

 

[Reble]

After advice on this group a few years ago, I purged the bit that came with my harness. I got a french link bit and I could tell the difference immediately in my horses' response!

I got mine from Mini Express Mini Tack www.miniexpress.com

I think their bits run a little narrow, so I got the 3 3/4" for my A size horses.

Great bit, I was having problem with our stallion about 3 years ago, at a show at the CNE where he would toss his head and kept chewing and grunchy the bit, had just ordered the french link from Mini Express, wish I had it there, he was so noisy with his old bit, I thought he was going to break a tooth, when we got home, it was in the mail, and the next show we went to, he was a different horse.

I guess I should add he did have his teeth checked and floated because of this problem we where having.

Imediately putting this bit in his mouth no more swaying of the head or biting down.

Hubby and I looked at each other and good not believe our eyes.

Would not buy any other bit, excellent.

 

[Jessica_06]

These are great examples and I'm also going to add that the Myler bits are also very nice high quality bits and are very versatile they come with copper inlays that help your horse salivate(sp) . Once my driving horses are ready I usually go with this choice. Other companies tried to "copy" this bit and they are not as good i.e. they are thicker and the rings are much bigger, the mylers are very nice and fit beautifully in a horses mouth.

http://www.minitack.com/bits/sl04_5b.jpg

For those that have "head problems " while driving i.e. head tossing, chewing, etc... be sure that your horse has its teeth checked by a licensed equine dentist. (usually annually) I do not rely on a vet because some don't quite understand the logistics of your horses functions with a bit. My equine dentist does everything without sedation and he even puts ''bit seats'' which help your horse collect its head in a bridle.

Very nice thread glad to see that it has helped some people.

Jessica

 

[mayville sonny night]

This reminds me, I still need to get a bit...maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

There is so much to learn about bits. I enjoyed looking at all the bits at Iowa Valley Carriage, I used to have that site saved and it went away for some reason. http://www.iowavalleycarriage.com/bits.php.

The ideal would be to have all the bits designed for driving in one place with several sizes of each and a pro to be there and help fit my horses in person!

Of course, that ideal would include every brand of bit, too. In a perfect world...

 

[Iowa Valley]

I have not logged on in a long time as it has been an extremely busy season and I don't typicvally like to "advertise" on the various lists. I did want to publicly thank Margo and Leia as I have sold many mini and pony bits as a result of their recomendations. My inventory is bigger than ever because so many of you have purchased bits and other mini equipment. If you haven't been to the Iowa Valley Carriage website in awhile you may want to take a look at some of the newer driving bits. I also have the mini SMV's that look so much nicer on the small carts.

Sandee McKee

www.iowavalleycarriage.com