Thursday 21st July 2005
The Myler Bitting System was invented by 3 American brothers, who were looking for a gentler, more effective way of communicating with horses.
Comfort and Welfare
The Myler Bitting Philosophy is based on making the horse as comfortable as possible in its mouth, so it can be relaxed and concentrate on what its
rider is asking it. As all horses are different in their anatomy, disposition and behaviour, and as their needs change throughout their training, there are 30 different Myler Bit mouthpieces and a wide choice of cheek styles, to make sure that there is a suitable choice of bit for each
individual horse and its rider.
Part of the Puzzle
No bit will hurt a horse on its own without someone hauling on the reins. Equally, no bit will train a horse, or make up for impatience or poor riding. Effective bitting is only part of the whole approach to good horsemanship, but just like every other part, it needs careful and informed attention. The Myler Bit range enables the rider to choose the most comfortable bit with the clearest signalling action for each individual horse, so the communication between horse and rider is as smooth, effective and efficient as possible.
Resistance 
Not being able to talk, horses are able to communicate with us only by resistance or relaxation. The main reason horses resist bits, in whatever way, is to escape the pressure on their tongues, which prevents swallowing, (try pressing your finger onto the centre of your tongue and trying to swallow).
Bit Action
Generally, bit pressure works on the tongue and the bars (and the head in some cases), to control and train the horse. Most bits, and definitely all snaffles, roll down into the tongue to a certain extent (depending on the cheek style used), when the rider exerts rein pressure. The main differences with the Myler system are:
- that the pressure is as comfortable as possible and non-damaging and there is more tongue room to allow swallowing. (All mouthpieces are curved, some have ports, and they have barrels, or sleeves, covering the joints, to prevent pinching and to produce more of a “wrap” feel rather than the nutcracker action on the bars given by most snaffle-type bits);
- that the horse is rewarded by the pressure being released more effectively when he does what is asked (eg. brings his head into the desired position);
- that the independent side action (see below) allows a much clearer signal to the horse;
- that the most appropriate bit is used for each individual horse at that specific period of his training.
Myler Bits are on sale at the Acorn Saddlery.
DISCOUNTED ONYX VENTED RIDING HATS
Saturday 16th July 2005
20% discount on Onyx vented riding hats
(Whilst stocks last)
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