Quick Bit question.

I'm looking into getting a new bit for Keerah, as the hackamore isn't going to work. She hates the pressure on her nose (But does wonderful in just a halter and lead), but when I go on the trail, I'd love a bit more control/stop.

I'm looking at the Curb bit with a roller.
Keerah is mouthy and loves to lick and chew, so I thought maybe a roller would be alright.

What my question is,
I'm looking at two bits. One has a 6.5" Shank/Cheek, and the other is a 5.75" Shank/Cheek

Now, my hands aren't as soft as I like, and I'm still working on my balance, but, I know I don't yank on her mouth. In fact I make sure there is a bit of slack so that I DON'T find myself snagging her in the mouth because she's a very sensitive horse. Great on cues.

I guess my question is,

Longer, or Shorter shanks/cheeks

This is the one with longer: http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchan...001/253410.JPG

And here is the shorter:
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchan...001/238317.JPG

Thanks in advance. (:

Honestly, I can't see a whole lot of difference between those two. They are both solid, roller and sweptback shanks. I guess the sweet iron mouth might be a bit better.

Do you neck rein? These bits are meant to be used with neck reining, not one handed direct reining.
What sort of bit has this horse used before, if any?

Yes. I neck rein. She looks back at me like I'm stupid if I try and do it the other way. But I don't use much rein up until I have to stop. Normally I'll look and she'll head that way (Unless she wants to go back home. Lol)

I have used;

Myler Bit (The one with the Ds), Don't remember the level, but it was pretty gentle.
O-ring French Link
Low port Kimberwick
Grazing/curb (Worked, but the shanks were bent)
Tom Thumb
O ring Single Joint
Full cheek french link
Hackamore (I know it's not a bit, per se, but I've tried those, too)

I don't really know ALL the bits that I've tried on her, but I figured it was worth a shot.

Wouldn't any one of those work now? I mean, you can neck rein in any bit, you just have more finesse perhaps, in a solid bit and more brakes with shanks and a curb.

This bit is by far my favorite So much so that all other bits are just laying in my tackroom. All my horses are in this bit.. Everything moves and it is gentle.

I have had issues with the bits. So I've been on a bit search that she'll be quiet in, but still give me an e-brake in case anything happens.

Appyt, I'll have to look into that. Thank you! (:

I second that, I just got one of those recently but I love it (and so does my horse). The shanks are very short so it is about as mild a curb as you'll find, plus the swivel shanks do give you the option to pick up one rein if you need to in an emergency.

Then I will look into purchasing one of these. It seems to be everything that I need. Mild, but also able to give me an e-break.

She is normally a very good girl. But when we're away from home, she has her moments. Going to be going on a long trail ride with a friend, and don't need her running off, or turning back and me not able to do much.

She's great in her halter and lead, but when she is determined, she is DETERMINED! Lol.

Thanks again! (:

Smrobs, I swear I'm like a Bit Bunny.. LOL

Kerah, I hope you love it too. Let us know!

Just checking--have you had her teeth floated?