This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
6/ MARCH/APRIL 2012 THE RIDER Natural Horsemanship & Body Control Foundation Reining Training


made new again. I have a few pictures here of combinations bits.


Developing a Rounded


Topline for Dressage & Western


Performance Horses


By Susan Dahl


The Combination Bit: Many Bits in One


I get asked this question a


lot. “Do you sell Myler bits?” And my usual answer is “No, I don’t”. “I’m a technical rep.” I explain that I am an educator. I educate people on the philoso- phy of more tongue relief and how it’s changed 1,000s of hors- es 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 is one of the better ones.


Anyway, back to the idea of this article. I wanted to give you some information on a great all around, multi-purpose bit: the combination bit. An old idea


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 depending on what you need. I’m sure most of you are familiar with how a combi- nation bit works. It’s similar to how a double bridle works in dressage.


I wanted to specifically focus on the unique design of


Myler’s version of the combina- tion bit as shown above. Why? Because of the unique design of how the nose band and chin strap are 1 continuous piece of material. (Note the unusual shape of the purchase of the bit.) 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 there- fore being more humane than some of the other designs of combinations bits. This also acts similar to the rope halter used in natural horsemanship. Here Rolex veteran Jen- nifer Wooten talks about the intimidating looking, but in reality quite mild, Myler Com- bination bit. http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=GYEf2zwobRM


think it should be called a ‘pul- ley’ 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 pre-signal before the bit exerts some pres- sure on the tongue. Horses learn to be really light and responsive.


Lastly, the Myler 3ring combination bit has 3 rings for attachment of the reins. The ring at the mouthpiece acts 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. It’s good for all stages of training and rid-


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 good for all levels of a horse’s training and use. 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 train- ing.


If you want more informa- tion, please see me at Can-Am, my website, or call. I’d be happy to help you with it. It’s my passion.


Putting my spin on the combi- nation bit! Reinersue


@KISS Reiners


One of the other features is the unique curved mouthpiece design 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 barbaric. I


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 sever- al snaffles and curb bits. Riders who are not showing like trail


ing.


Susan Dahl, celebrating 20 years in reining, 10 years in nat- ural horsemanship & 5 year writing for TheRider. Proudly a member of Toklat’s Myler (Bit) Ride Team and now Myler tech- nical bit certified. She is a certi- fied professional horse trainer, NCCP coaching theory certi- fied, competitor, clinician and owner/operator of Foundation Reining Training Centre in Durham. She specializes in modern horsemanship, western performance horse development & reining training 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 on facebook, her website www.reinersuehorsemanship.co m or Reinersue@hotmail.com.


Islandview Farm Equipment • 633520 Hwy 10, Orangeville, ON 519-941-9098 or 1-866-892-8452 www.islandviewfarmequipment.com


We can't be there - but will offer a "Can Am Cash Back" from Feb 15th to March 31st 2012. Mention this ad and receive $500.00 cash back on purchase of any in stock unit.


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2012 Team Ranch Sorting Points & Jack Pot Series Compete for Year end Trophies


Practice Ranch Sorting and Roping Indoor Arena • Runs year round


Visit our website or call Kevin or Steffany (905) 774-1373 • www.foxlairstables.com


Foundation Reining Training Centre


Western performance horse development, true horsemanship, Bitting, Body Control foundation, safety training, colt starting, reining, lessons, ‘train thetrainer’, clinics


Susan Dahl


Myler Bitting System Certified, Toklat’s Myler (Bit) Ride Team, Certified Professional Horse Trainer


For up to the minute detailed inventory, pics, prices & payments visit www.hepburnsales.com • Hwy 9 Schomberg, ON • 905-939-2279


Durham, On • 519-369-4631 • reinersue@hotmail.com www.reinersuehorsemanship.com


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