6/ MARCH/APRIL 2011 THE RIDER
Natural Horsemanship & Body Control Foundation Reining Training Bitting Levels Based on Tongue Pressure (MTP, FTP, LTP & NTP)
training, the event, the rider’s skill level and the disposition of the horse. As I describe each level, please read the photo’s text for a description of each level & their application.
Bitting Level: MTP – Maximum Tongue Pressure, No Tongue Relief By Susan Dahl.
To complete the series of arti- cles on bits and bitting systems, I wanted to explain the bitting levels and how they can help trainers, rid- ers & drivers understand which bit to use when. In my previous arti- cles, I mentioned the concept of bit- ting levels developed by some bit manufacturers, pointing out in par- ticular Myler Bits of Missouri. Les Vogt also has bitting levels. I’m sure there are more.
Tongue Pressure vs. Tongue Relief
Last month’s article highlight- ed the most important fact to be realized in the horse industry about bits and their proper use, namely tongue pressure vs. tongue relief. How a horse’s most sensitive pres- sure point is their tongue and their inability to swallow if the bit is pressing on their tongue too much, for too long. Where a horse is will- ing to resort to all sorts of bit eva- sion and resistance in order to swal- low. The bitting levels help to elim- inate this.
The Myler bitting levels are designated as levels 1, 2, 2-3, & 3. The bitting levels I discuss are named based on their amount of tongue pressure since this is so criti- cal to understanding how the levels work best. I start with the most tongue pressure to start horses under saddle to the least amount of tongue pressure for finished horses. Anoth- er way of saying this is to start with the least amount of tongue relief to the most amount of tongue relief to reward a finished horse. The amount of tongue pressure/tongue relief also takes into consideration the age of the horse, the level of
I use the Myler loose ring MB04 snaffle (see last bit in MTP photo) right now to start horses under saddle. I used to use a single- jointed D- ring with a copper mouthpiece (2nd last bit in MTP photo).
It gives a bit of curb action. It’s a great step up after the loose ring. With my opinion and belief expressed in my articles on bit evasion and resistance & tongue pressure vs. tongue relief, I do not use any bits with the sin- gle jointed or 3-piece mouthpieces anymore unless it has a port like a correction- al. Myler and other companies do make those mouthpieces because people still ask for them. But not me. I’ve now started to carry some of the Myler bits for resale to my clients and students as I can’t get them in this area right now.
Bitting Level: FTP – Far Bit of Tongue Pressure, Little Tongue Relief It is my long time famil- iarity with the Billy Allen bit (with the barrel in the middle) that made the bits in the Myler Bit- ting Sys- tem@ (trademark of Myler) and it’s assortment of mouth- pieces with the centre bushing or barrel, very
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the design of the Billy Allen, each cheek piece or shank moves inde- pendently which is great for lateral work. I really like the Billy Allen bit as a good transition bit & mouthpiece to the curb bit. I’ve had one a long time. I recommend it as a staple for everyone.
Just like
I also use the 2-ring combo bit from Myler.
for all disciplines including driving.
If you need more information, see my bit articles on my website. Bitting Level: LTP – Little Tongue Pressure, Good Tongue Relief
I have the Bob Avila Correctional pictured in the LTP photo. I use that for com- peting on my reining horses. I really like the correc- tional mouthpiece. I use it with different shanks. I would also recommend it for stu- dents on fin- ished horses
A correctional is a great bit. There is a port for tongue relief yet there is still some tongue pressure when you still need some measure of control. This is a commonly used level of bit for good reason. A lot of horses end up at this level. All horses except the most finished ones usually can stay in this level of bit a long time.
Bitting Level: NTP – No/Very Little Tongue Pressure, Lots Tongue Relief I have a
student who is using the Robart Pinch- less Spin Ball medium port mouthpiece (see last bit’s mouthpiece only in NTP photo).
I have the high port with a barrel mouthpiece in a long shanked bit made by Greg Dutton; Myler’s ver- sion of the MB33. I use
that on my finished reining horses.
So you can see by reading the text in the photos that depending on the stage of training or age or temperament or skill level of rider, you can determine which bit you need to use by the level. I had thought of adding another level called OWH – Old War Horse for those horses who’s old bad habits are SO ingrained that no amount of retraining seems to work. But that’s for another article! Do you need help with this? Confused about bits? No question is dumb. There is a lot of misinformation out there or just plain wrong. Bring your bit to my next bit evaluation clinic Apr. 9th. See my website for more details. Please come and see me at Can-Am booth 2100-7 or feel free to contact me at anytime. ‘Putting my spin on bitting levels and their use.’ Reinersue
@Copyright KISS Reiners
About the Author: Susan Dahl is a certified professional horse trainer, NCCP coaching theory certified, writer, competitor, clinician and owner/operator of Foun- dation Reining Training Centre, where she specializes in natural horsemanship & body control foundation reining training/Western Dressage for horse & rider. She has trained & won numerous ORHA, NRHA, & Reining Canada Top 10 awards. For more information on her very innovative & fun approach to training, clinics, lessons, or coaching, please visit her website
www.reinersuehorsemanship.com.
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