Posted 2011-07-20 1:13 PM (#135884 - in reply to #135868) Subject: RE: Bit
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI.
I want to change bits on my 5 year old. I use Mylers and my 5 year was broke with a tom thumb which even though she does fine with it I want to change it. My Mylers are made in China (not wanting to start any issues) and I was looking for a bit made and assembled in the USA. Are they made in the USA? Are they truely pinchless? Are they made well?
And it is sooo sad about Mylers. The ones I saw at Horsefest in Springfield, MO were from Vietnam. The rep was there for Myler and I let him know how dissastisfied I was about the bit being made overseas and being charged more for them. I have a whole slew of USA Mylers and have been impressed with the quality and functionality. But I will no longer purchase them. Too bad because I have one mare that only likes a level two, short shank bit with tongue relief. Instead of constanly changing out headstalls, it is easier to just keep the bit on the headstall, but at $110 now for the bit, I can take five minutes and change it out.
I bought a Mik-Mar combination bit cheap on e-Bay, while I can't say the bit is a wonder bit and will solve all issues, it is a well made bit and it is made right here in the US of A! So I'd pay the extra dough if you see one of these bits to help with your training or for every day use. The company answers all questions and even sent me the string for free since it was missing on the used bit that I purchased. Now that is customer service! :)
Let me know what you end up with and how you like it.
Posted 2011-07-20 9:58 PM (#135895 - in reply to #135868) Subject: RE: Bit
Location: KY
Do not know where the Robarts bits are made but the ones I have are well made and have held up well. In fact, if cleaned they would all still look new. I use the spinner mouthpiece on a mature (18 y o TWH) gelding; the Waterford mouth on a 5 yo TWH mare; have the very high port for horses who have been hurt in the mouth; use the medium port as an all round bit. I have the broken mouthpiece bit and it does not seem to have the nutcracker effect of a standard snaffle. I have been very pleased with the bits.
Posted 2011-07-20 11:10 PM (#135898 - in reply to #135868) Subject: RE: Bit
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690
Location: missouri
Ya know what??? Its all in the hands... (light) I can ride at least two of our horses with a halter and lead rope.. Sweet iron broken snaffles w/ 5-6 inch shanks are fine if used properly. And I'm not braggin... I have a wall of shame in my tackroom that has every bit from a full cheek snaffle to a "stop n go", reining bits, walkin bits, etc... I finally figured out that time and wet blankets worked wonders. I haven't had a horse you could hop on like a lawnmower and turn a key yet. Hope you find your dream bit that works for you, thats all that matters.