[farmpony84]

Engraved Shank Roller Bar Correction Bit by Partrade

Aluminum Smooth Correction Bit, 5" Sweet Iron mouth w/ copper barrels, 8" Engraved aluminum cheeks. 5½" shank. 2" port. Imported.


I'm assuming the 8" is from top to botton so where is the 5 1/2?

Also - comments from western pleasure folks on this bit please?

Pro's, con's... better bit suggestions?

 

[Ink]

The shank is measured from where the mouthpiece connects to the side of the bit, down to where the rein connects at the bottom.

 

[farmpony84]

Is 5 1/2 severe? I would be going from something more like this to that:

FES Bit Western Correction Mouth in Correction at Schneider Saddlery

Also what about the aluminum? Is it "better" or not so much?

 

[Ink]

Generally speaking the longer the shank the more leverage you are going to get out of the bit. So a longer shanked bit is going to be stronger than a bit with short shanks.

5 1/2 inches isn't terrible, but I would only use it on a well broke horse.

The aluminum is really just to make the bit look fancier, but it's a lot cheaper and lighter than silver. I've never owned one so I don't know how well they hold up. I actually like the first bit you posted better. Those copper rollers will give the horse something to play with and encourage salivation, plus I think it looks nicer for showing. Actually it's pretty similar to the one my friend uses on his pleasure horse. I don't think it will be a huge leap to go from one to the other though. The aluminum bit doesn't have as much curve to the shanks, but I think you'll be ok.

I hope that helps. If anyone else wants to jump in here feel free!

 

[farmpony84]

It does help. Thanks.

Just so I understand:

Less curve is more
Longer shank is more

What about those S shaped ones? Are they more or less?

 

[farmpony84]

and you are talking 5 1/2 inches from like the mouth down. Nothing above right? So if I take a ruler, that's the length I'm looking at, right?

 

[Ink]

Yep yep, you're looking from the mouthpiece down when measuring the length of the shank. There's some good info about bits on this thread http://www.horseforum.com/horse-training/tom-thumb-bit-113033/page6/

Just have to wade through the bickering lol. But there's some good stuff especially on the last couple pages.

I honestly have no idea about those S curve ones.

 

[GotaDunQH]

To the OP, I LOVE that bit you posted....I school my horse quite often in that very same bit. Those shanks are a good length too. I've ridden in 8" shanks but I prefer them a little shorter.

 

[farmpony84]

K. I ordered it. Thanks for the help guys.

If I need more then I think my next step is a "roller"? He apparently pulls too much on the bit which is probably from the fact that I kept way too much contact on him. We're getting better though...

 

[GotaDunQH]

^you want a roller in the bit, is that what you mean? Or just rollers like the one in that bit. All of my correction bits have rollers on the bars on the mouthpiece. They also make a spoon bit with an actual roller in the center of the port.

 

[farmpony84]

I think I might want a roller in the port? I'm really not sure. I only found one bit online that had a roller in the port though.....

 

[trailhorserider]

If you don't mind me asking, what are the advantages of a correction bit? I've only ever tried one with one horse and he hated it. To me, the squareness of the port looks severe. But I am not really familiar enough with them to know.

Why would you choose that over a regular high or medium port curb bit?

Why would you want the abrupt corners on the port?

I ride in curb bits frequently, but use something more like this:

http://www.smartpetz.net/training-p...80247/reinsman-medium-port-solid-shank-c-bit/

So I guess I am just curious what circumstances a person would choose a correction bit over another curb?

 

[Ink]

What abrupt corners? I like the corrections bits because the parts swivel independently of each other which allows for more subtlety in your cues and occasional direct reining without engaging the entire bit.

 

[farmpony84]

Riley actually doesn't like a solid bit as much. I'm thinking, to him, it may be more harsh. He seems happier in the correction bit. My new trainer mentioned that I may need a roller. I was going to wait two weeks before I take another lesson which was why I was kind of asking for the advice here. But I think I may try to sneak one this weekend. (I have the vet coming on Monday for shots and chiro so the RESPONSIBLE thing would be to wait two weeks for a lesson)...

Anyway... I am pretty ignorant on bits. My horse Pistol used the same copper roller D ring his entire show career and I still have that bit on his bridle. He had a western bit that was probably a tom thumb now that I think of it. It's collecting dust somewhere since he only gets ridden about once every 6 months anymore. He's 28 this year....