[CLaPorte432]

I've seen a lot of people posting about the Junior Cowhorse Bit and them really really liking the bit. So I googled it, and I came up with "twisted sweetmouth dogbone"..."large twisted sweet iron snaffle"..."smooth iron snaffle" etc...

I'm interested in trying this bit on my horse. Can anyone give me more information on each type of mouthpiece and what they are used for.

For anyone that uses a Junior Cowhorse bit, which one do you use, why, and what made you choose that particular bit?

Thanks for your information.

 

[bubba13]

I'm not a giant fan of them, but they are pretty useful bits, particularly for transitioning from a snaffle to a curb. I'd always go with a smooth moutpiece--there's really no need for the twisted wire. Personally, given that it's a gag bit, I'd prefer to use a three-piece (dogbone) mouth.

 

[CLaPorte432]

Bubba, You seem extremely knowledgeable about bits. Do you think you could recommend a couple of bits for me to try with my mare? I'm really on the fence about what to try. I've read about so many bits and what seems like a nice soft bit to me, I read it's actually rather harsh.

 

[bubba13]

What are you using on her now, and why is it not working?

 

[CLaPorte432]

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/251074.JPG

I think this bit is just too much for her. She's well patterned on barrels, poles, etc. She works well in a snaffle for trails and riding at home but in competition, the snaffle doesn't have enough stop/control to it. We've almost ran out of the gate before.

I think I need something that's a step up from a snaffle but not as strong as I'm using on her now. She also occasionally will drop her shoulder going into the first barrel.

 

[bubba13]

Does she need the noseband? Really not a fan of combo bits if you can avoid them.

I like a Myler Pelham like this:

You can really turn them and hold them, but you're not really going to hurt them. No pinch, no snag, but still plenty of turn and stop without being overly harsh. You can find knockoff styles with slightly different shank and mouthpiece styles. Might want to try one of those first to be sure your horse likes that style, but for quality and balance you can't beat the name brand Myler.

 

[CLaPorte432]

I think she would do okay without the noseband. I'm definitely willing to give it a shot. I ride with my body and will only use the reins if needed, and if it comes to that, I have very soft hands. (Like a rider should)

The port on the bit you recommend won't hurt her when I put pressure on her mouth for turning? I honestly haven't ever used a ported bit so I don't know what to expect. I could direct rein in this bit and not hurt her mouth like a curb would do?

 

[jumanji321]

The port doesn't look too high, and due to the locations of the swiveling, you could direct rein as each side can move independently.

 

[bubba13]

It's jointed at the port.

That's why it's good for direct reining. If there was no break/hinge, it wouldn't be.

If you pull back equally and firmly with both reins and have your curb adjusted loose enough, it's quite possible that the port would contact the palate, but this is a rather modest and flat port, so I wouldn't be overly concerned.

 

[CLaPorte432]

Awesome. This bit sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. Now to find one... *goes off to search the world.wide.web......and ebay.* LoL