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 Veteran
Posts: 125
 
| So my mare that I am currently running is starting to push against her bit and run through it/not respond. I am getting someone out to make sure that nothing is phyiscally wrong with her. I also am trying her in a Jim Warner hack tomorrow(Friday) to see if she will respond to that instead. But do you have any ideas of a different bit to use? She has been ran and worked in this bit for as long as I have known, so aprox 10 years. Its a Western SS Chain Wonder Gag bit. I'll try to attach a pic if i can TIA
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
 
Location: NE Texas | Number one you need to make sure she's not bleeding. I have found that bits that collapse across a horse's toungue like that can be claustrophobic for alot of horses, and will make them suck their toungue back up in their mouth, which then can cause them to displace their soft palate (cut off their air) and they run off out of fear of not being able to breathe. Most people often first assume they're bleeding, which they very well may be, but DDSP is just as serious, and if not corrected can become a mechanical issue over time or even cause a horse to start bleeding. I have found that my horses are much more comfortable and confident in something that doesn't collapse and doesn't have a broken mouthpiece. I use alot of swivel ports, mullen mouthpieces, and solid ports and love how my horses have really settled and respond so much better long term. I literally have a trailer full of nice expensive bits I never use anymore and need to have a cleanout sale. My favorite bit right now is a super inexpensive $30 metalab hinge port bit I bought at my feed store. It's nice and light and doesn't scare a horse and have had several of my friends buy the same bit for the same reasons. I also have an Ed Wright swivel port that is a little stouter than the metalab for a horse that needs a bit more control. |
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Veteran
Posts: 125
| Herbie - 2018-10-18 8:02 AM Number one you need to make sure she's not bleeding. I have found that bits that collapse across a horse's toungue like that can be claustrophobic for alot of horses, and will make them suck their toungue back up in their mouth, which then can cause them to displace their soft palate (cut off their air) and they run off out of fear of not being able to breathe. Most people often first assume they're bleeding, which they very well may be, but DDSP is just as serious, and if not corrected can become a mechanical issue over time or even cause a horse to start bleeding. I have found that my horses are much more comfortable and confident in something that doesn't collapse and doesn't have a broken mouthpiece. I use alot of swivel ports, mullen mouthpieces, and solid ports and love how my horses have really settled and respond so much better long term. I literally have a trailer full of nice expensive bits I never use anymore and need to have a cleanout sale. My favorite bit right now is a super inexpensive $30 metalab hinge port bit I bought at my feed store. It's nice and light and doesn't scare a horse and have had several of my friends buy the same bit for the same reasons. I also have an Ed Wright swivel port that is a little stouter than the metalab for a horse that needs a bit more control.
Thank you! I never though about that. I will have to look into her bleeding and DDSP. The reason I was told she used a chain center was because she is an OTTB and it helped keep her tongue down and steady. I am not an expert in OTTB's but that is what I was told. |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I'd definitely try something with a more solid mouthpiece that doesn't collapse and make them pull their tongue back, esp since she's an OTTB. They are only accustomed to something collapsing, so they have to tie tongues, and do so even on horses who may not necessarily need it. We have an OTTB as well, and he goes nicely in the metalab bit. Best $30 i've spent in a long time. Now I will say that that for green horse, that is a bit of a transition period going to this type of mouthpiece with a little shank, but be patient and in a week or so, they'll learn to understand what you're asking and the difference in feel. Also, play with your curbs on these type bits. I have one mare that is very light and her curb is leather and very, very loose. I have another who I rode with a snugger chain curb as he'd get a little strong running out. To me, curbs make a big difference too as to how a horse will react and in making one feel a bit trapped.
Another thing to check if you haven't already are teeth. Many horses off the track have mouths that are a complete mess. Ours sure did, as have the quarters i've gotten off the track. Eating elevated from a hay net can cause many problems, and every OTT horse i've bought except one still had their wolf teeth. Just soemthing else to be sure and check. :) |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I am not a fan of the wonder bits, I dont like all that gag action and they just are a flimsy bit and I am a fan of the chain mouth pieces and most of my bits are the chain mouth but they are not for all horses, but I would get away from the wonder bits and try something better like a Molly Powel I will try to find a few nice bits to post on here for you. |
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Veteran
Posts: 125
| Now y'all have me looking at bits! Here are some of the ones I was looking at. Herbie, do you think I should go to something that is solid all the way across but has a roller or should I look at some of the dog bone ones I put down below? Thank you for helping me. I haven't had to look for a bit for a horse before and I want to keep her comfy but regain some control. I don't know if it is relevant but she is also 20 years old.
 Metalab Antique Margarita Concho Gag Bit - 5 1/8"
 Metalab Western Bs Dogbone Tear Drop Training Bit
 Hilason Antique Brown Argentine Horse Bit w/Hinged Correction Mouth
 Kelly Silver Star Teardrop Dogbone Snaffle - 25040-0-0
 Metalab Curb Bit Low Swivel Port 5 inch |
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 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
 
Location: Texas | Look at Jim Edwards bits. Worth the $$
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=l%2f644OD7&id=...
Edited by Fun2Run 2018-10-18 12:49 PM
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | I don't like anything with any break in the mouthpiece that will allow it to collapse across the tongue. I don't use any dog bones or snaffles or anything like that much anymore. The bit I have is this one. I like that it has a bit more purchase than the one you posted and less shank. I also have a Tom Balding hinge port, two actually, but I like this little metalab bit just as much as those if not more. https://www.southtexastack.com/metalab/low-port-hinged-futurity-bit-17414?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5bnF_bKQ3gIVCQtpCh2Kzg68EAQYBSABEgJVy_D_BwE?
Edited by Herbie 2018-10-18 11:25 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 125
| I tried a Jim Warner Hack today and she was amazing! I am excited to see how she is after my chiro comes out. But I still want to have bit ideas if the hack eventually does not work. Any ideas? |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | NorwegienPower - 2018-10-19 6:51 PM I tried a Jim Warner Hack today and she was amazing! I am excited to see how she is after my chiro comes out. But I still want to have bit ideas if the hack eventually does not work. Any ideas? Glad to hear the Jim Warner worked good for you, I love the chain and the dog bones mouth pieces for certain horses with a short shank or med.
Heres a few bits that I have.
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2018-10-21 9:33 AM
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