Thanks everyone.  You all have been so helpfull.

Update:  This morning I used this bit on my walker.  Seems he really likes it.  He was "chewing" and "drewling" like you wouldn't believe. The husband was laughing because he couldn't believe the saliva that was coming out of my horses mouth.  But it did stop him from putting his nose to his chest. Tomorrow I'm going to add the curb chain.  We'll see how that goes. 

Also, it took me forever to get him to stop. I was actually surprised at that because this bit is so different from the Tom Thumb. One would think with the port that he would just want to "stop" on a dime with just a slight pull on the reins.  I really had to pull back on the reins to get him to stop.    After about a half hour or so of starting and stopping he FINALLY started stopping without me having to pull back so hard on the reins.  Now was that because he got tired of starting and stopping or did he get tired of the bit causing him a little discomfort?  Who knows..... Geesh.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks

The "english" hackamore can be very useful on gaited horses, as well as the "hacka-bit"  which has a mouthpiece along with the fleece noseband.  Having said that, imo the walking horse bits work because they work with the head shake and head set.  Each horse is different which is why we have all those mouthpieces available for the interchangeable shanks.  Also, I prefer the 8" shank because on the action on the poll and chain rather than on the mouth.  With its short straight shanks, the Tom Thumb can be harsher than the more traditional walking horse bits.

Windwalker, if you haven't already, you might try the single rein stop combined with the weight shift in the saddle.  It does sound like you and your horse are making very nice progress.  Please keep us posted.

Okay, let me see if I can answer all these questions.  By the way, I REALLY APPRECIATE all this help from you people.  Its tough when you don't have any friends that own walkers.  I'm truly alone on this. So your help is valued.

Houndog:  When I used the Tom Thumb I always had a curb chain.  I was going to use the curb chain on the new port bit today, but.....it's raining cat's & dogs here.  I promise I will attach that curb chain  a.s.a.p.  Too bad you live so far from me.  I'd send him to you and YOU could work with him.  It would be worth the money.

Hackamores:  I've never used one before but the husband and I were talking about trying one out.  We have a 2 y/o qtrhrse that we were thinking about using a hackamore rather than a bit.  If I can't get my boy to adjust to this port bit, I'm going to try the hackamore. 

The saga continues....................

Windwalker:  You might also consider looking at Diane Gueck's video on training lite shod horses;  the first tape has a lot about the various bits, how they work etc   These are available at www.nationalbridle.com

Also www.countrysupply.com has the english hack and the hack-a-bit that I mentioned above.  The hack-a-bit has a cable noseband not the fleece like I said before.  We wrapped the noseband with electrical tape and the mouthpiece with latex.

We have an extensive bit collection which actually comes in handy from time to time.  So Windwalker, my very best advice is get out the old credit card and add to your bit collection.  Best wishes and happy trails.

It's funny,,,,,we own 7 horses.  Five we purchased and of which  were all ready trained.  Our Arab we have owned since birth.  We trained her as a trail horse.  Her "bit", just a D snaffle.  No curb chain required.  She's a great horse. Responds by voice, leg and seat. Stops on a dime.  Our 2 y/o we are going to use a hackamore.   The rest of the herd,,,,,,,,,,"curb chains".   And it's just my walker that is giving me the bit problem. The other 4 curb chainers are fine.  And I PROMISE, I will not use that port bit without a chain again.....

(I did purchase a hackamore.  I might try that too.  I'm going to need one anyway for the 2 y/o)

Thanks everyone

Thanks Houndog:  I'm going to use the port bit with a CURB chain this week.  Like everyone says here, it's finding the right thing that works.  Like I've said before, I value everyones opinions. 

Thanks

One horse I rope on I use a Tom Thumb, but outside the arena I use a hack, bosel, or a halter and lead rope. The other horse I rope on uses a chain bit w/medium shank. He also chews on the bit, if your not careful when you bridle he will take the curb instead of the actual bit and not let go. Any other bit he will spit out!!

It sounds like patiences, or lack of...  My horse will pull the reins in and through his mouth, same with ropes, lead ropes, it doesn't matter. If I stand in the box to long, in goes the side of the bit and reins.. it soesn't matter if it's the 1st steer or the last of the day, while standing in goes the bit and reins..

cowby