An Introduction to the Myler Bitting System

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The Level Best For Your Horse An Introduction to the Myler Bitting System

1 2 2-3 3 Tongue Pressure

When it comes to ending resistance, relieving Tongue Pressure tongue pressure makes the difference. Recognizing the Signs of Resistance

Determining Your Horse’s Myler Level If your horse resists your commands, he’s probably trying to tell you that he’s Choosing the Right Myler Bit uncomfortable with the bit and the pressure it puts on his tongue. 4 How to Measure Bits can only do two things: 5 Myler Levels cause resistance or relaxation.

Myler Bit Features Tongue pressure plays an important role in resistance. When a horse is resisting the bit, he’s really evading tongue pressure because the bit is interfering with his ability to swallow.

Bit Guide Section: Myler: The bitting system that gives your

• Mouthpieces horse the freedom to obey. To understand how your horse feels, push • Cheek Pieces down on your tongue and try to run. You immediately realize that if your tongue • Quick Reference Chart can’t elevate, you can’t swallow, and therefore you can’t run very far. This is how Transitioning to a New Bit your horse feels with the constant pressure

Myler Combination Bits of a bit. Select a Myler Bit that relieves tongue pressure and allows more tongue Other Myler Innovations relief and you may find you’ve removed your horse’s reasons to resist. 17 Where to Buy or Rent Myler Bits

P 1 Signs of Resistance Your Horse’s Myler Level

Recognizing the Signs Determining Your Horse’s of Resistance Myler Level

Horses resist the bit to find more tongue relief. These Signs of The Myler Level of your horse is based on his disposition and Resistance are most often associated with the bit: experience. It’s a graduated system, meaning that as he learns, he earns more tongue relief. As you go up in Myler Level, the

1 2 correlating mouthpiece designs offer more tongue relief and 1 Going behind the bit apply less tongue pressure. When your horse resists the bit, go softer not harsher.

2 Going above the bit

3 Overactive mouth: gaping

3 4 • Young or green, just • Young or green, just 4 Overactive mouth: beginning training, with beginning training, with tongue out of the a challenging disposition a steady disposition mouth, drawing • Riding in a discipline that • Older, just beginning the tongue into the restricts bits to a single- training, training for throat jointed mouthpiece a new discipline, or retraining after a long lapse

5 Overactive mouth: • Riding in a Level 1 tongue over the bit mouthpiece and showing 5 6 resistance

6 Rooting/leaning • Basic training with a on the bit, running good disposition and self- through the bit control, can handle more tongue relief • Advanced training but • Performance horse with a challenging disposition advanced training and —anxious, aggressive, or a solid disposition fearful • Experienced trail horse When your horse is resisting the bit, you need to find a bit that • Riding in a Level 2 with a solid/trustworthy gives him more tongue relief than the bit you are currently mouthpiece and showing disposition resistance using. The Myler Levels match your horse with a mouthpiece • Riding in a Level 2-3 curb bit and showing resistance that can offer him the comfort he deserves while giving you the communication and control that you need.

P 2 P 3 Selecting a Mouthpiece Myler Levels

Selecting a Myler Myler Levels Mouthpiece

Myler mouthpiece designs correspond to the Myler Level of a horse’s behavior and experience. The mouthpiece Levels start at Level 1, which apply maximum tongue pressure, and go up to Level 3, which apply minimum tongue pressure and offer the most tongue relief. Most horses can avoid Level 1 altogether; it’s quite possible that your horse can enter the Myler System at Level 2, 2-3, or even 3. The overview of mouthpiece Levels on p. 5 • Rotates on to the tongue to apply • Offers tongue relief with either a tongue pressure small port or flexible mouthpiece explains how the design and function changes from Level to Level. • Collapses to form a “U” instead • Rotates on to the tongue to apply of a “V,” protecting lips and bars some tongue pressure from being pinched • Collapses to form a “U” instead • Curves to allow more room for of a “V,” protecting lips and bars the tongue, protects the lips and from being pinched bars from being pinched • Curves to allow more room for • ISM* on most mouthpieces the tongue, protects the lips and bars from being pinched How to Measure • ISM* on most mouthpieces

To measure your horse accurately, you will need a wooden dowel or the handle of a wooden spoon.

1. Insert the dowel in your horse’s mouth • Ported, offering more tongue relief than Level 1 or 2 where the bit would normally sit. • Correctional mouthpieces that • Curb bits with wider ports for 2. Wait until the horse relaxes in his mouth apply some tongue pressure or maximum tongue relief, little and stops chewing the dowel. curb mouthpieces that apply to no tongue pressure little tongue pressure • Uses primarily bar, poll, and 3. Mark the dowel on each side of the face, • Uses more bar, poll, chin pressure curb pressure where the lips end. than Level 1 or 2 • Curves to allow more room • Curves to allow more room for for the tongue 4. Remove the dowel and measure between the tongue the two marks. • Options with and without ISM* • Options with and without ISM*

P 4 * ISM: Independent Side Movement P 5 Myler Bit Features Myler Bit Guide

The Myler Bit Guide Myler Bit Features

Mouthpieces p. 8 –9 Cheekpieces p. 10–11 Quick Reference p. 12–13

1. Curved Mouthpiece The following Myler Bit Guide gives you a general overview of mouthpieces and cheekpieces which are available. The distinctive curve creates more room for the tongue to pass under the bit so the horse can swallow more The Quick Reference Chart shows which combinations of mouthpieces freely. Although Level 1 mouthpieces have a more and cheekpieces are offered, but does not indicate sizes pronounced curve, all Myler mouthpieces are curved that are available. to some degree. For more detailed information on Myler mouthpieces 2. Independent Side Movement and cheekpieces and additional tools to help you The barrel in the center acts as a bushing, allowing select the right bit, read The Level Best for Your Horse, each side of the bit to move independently of the other. the new comprehensive guide to the Myler System. When you lift one rein, only one side of the bit moves, giving the horse a very clear signal. Provides excellent shoulder control as well as lateral flexion. Look for this What do I do if the mouthpiece/cheekpiece icon on p. 8 –9 to find mouthpieces with this feature. combination is not offered or I can’t find the size I need? 3. Modified Snaffle Cheeks – “Hooks” If you can’t find the combination The “hooks” are slots (English dee or eggbutt) or rings (Western dee) of mouthpiece/cheekpiece, or it’s not that keep the bridle fixed in place and create two rein positions. Attach available in the size you need, you the reins directly to the ring (a) for standard direct rein action or to can have the bit custom made. the hook (b) to lift the cheek and use the Independent Side Movement, Contact the Mylers directly at adding little to no leverage. The 800-354-3613 or email c English dee and eggbutt also [email protected]. have a hole on the top of each cheek (c) for a curb chain so a you can transition from direct rein to indirect rein without changing the bit or b increasing the leverage.

4. Patented Independent Swivel Cheek The purchase of the cheekpiece moves independently Purchase of the shank so the purchase can flex when the shank moves, preventing it from digging into the horse’s Shank cheek when the reins are engaged. This feature is currently offered on the Parelli shank bits and the Myler Combination Bits.

P 6 P 7 Mouthpieces

MB 01 MB 02 MB 03 MB 09 Comfort Snaffle Comfort Snaffle Comfort Snaffle Traditional Metals Narrow Barrel Wide Barrel Copper Roller Single-jointed Mouthpieces with English cheekpieces are stainless steel with copper inlay. Mouthpieces with Western cheekpieces, combination bits, and Parelli cheekpieces are sweet iron with copper inlay. More comfortable More comfortable 02 with copper roller. Curved for comfort. Note: Sweet iron oxidizes and turns grey when it is exposed to alternative to the alternative to the Alternative to the Consider the 02, 03 moisture, releasing a sweet taste in the horse’s mouth. single-jointed mouthpiece. three-piece mouthpiece. three-piece mouthpiece. or 01 with ISM.

MB 10 MB 11 MB 40 MB 04 MB 32-3 MB 32 Traditional Traditional French Hinged Bristol Comfort Snaffle Triple Barrel Traditional French Link Link Copper Roller Barrel Low Port Mullen Mullen

Traditional three-piece. Traditional three-piece. Minimizes interference with Slight (1/4") port allows Flexible and forgiving when Curved solid bar restricts the Consider the 02, 03 Consider the 02, 03 the horse’s tongue compared for more tongue relief than relaxed, solid with tongue tongue. Consider the 32-3 or 01 with ISM. or 01 with ISM. to a traditional Bristol. Level 1 mouthpieces. pressure when engaged. for more tongue relief.

MB 06 MB 36 MB 27PB MB 27LP MB 27PB HP MB 27 Mullen Low Mullen Low Port Correctional Correctional Correctional Traditional Port Barrel with Forward Tilt Low Ported Barrel Low Port High Ported Barrel Correctional

Slight (1/4") port offers Slight (1/4") port offers tongue Allows room for tongue; Allows room for tongue; 27PB with higher port for 27PB HP without ISM. tongue relief; does not rotate relief; forward tilt applies rotates on to tongue to apply rotates on to tongue to apply more tongue relief, possible Possible palate pressure. on to the tongue. some tongue pressure. two points of pressure. two points of pressure. palate pressure.

MB 29 MB 41PB MB 43LP MB 43HP MB 47PB MB 47 Traditional Correctional Correctional Narrow Narrow Correctional Traditional Cathedral Port Ported Barrel Low Ported Barrel High Ported Barrel Ported Barrel Correctional

Applies palate pressure. Offers same tongue relief as Mildest 2-3, does not rotate Correctional version 47PB without ISM. Similar 43LP with higher port for Rotates on to tongue to apply Level 3, but applies tongue on to the tongue. Offers of the 43HP, rotates to 27 but applies milder some palate pressure. two points of pressure. pressure for control. significant tongue relief. on to the tongue. tongue pressure.

MB 33 MB 05 MB 12 MB 15 MB 16 Low Medium Wide Correctional Low Low Narrow Port Low Wide Port Medium Wide Port Ported Barrel Medium Wide Ported Barrel Thickness Myler mouthpieces are 7/16" in diameter.

Offers maximum tongue Similar to the 33, but Level 3 version of 43LP, Lower port than 12, slightly Similar to the 33, relief, mildest mouthpiece collapses slightly for more slightly wider for more wider than the 33 for more but lacks ISM. with ISM. give and less solid feel. tongue relief. tongue relief.

P 8 KEY This Mouthpiece Features Independent Side Movement Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 - 3 Level 3 P 9 Quick Reference Chart

A B C AA BB CC Eggbutt 3-ring 2-ring Long shank English dee English dee Note: Cheekpieces with hooks with hooks combination combination combination All cheekpieces are stainless AA, BB, CC: steel, with the exception of Leather noseband is P and T, which are black steel standard. Rawhide noseband can be with stainless steel dots. special ordered. KK, LL: Rawhide noseband English Snaffle English Snaffle English Snaffle is standard. Leather noseband can be D E F G H Shown with 04 mouthpiece. Shown with 04 mouthpiece. Shown with 43LP mouthpiece. special ordered. Other mouthpieces available. Other mouthpieces available. Also available in 02. Full cheek Loose Ring Eggbutt with hook Full cheek Baucher DD EE FF GG Neil Merrill Parelli Cradle short shank gag MMB, 5" MMB, 6.5"

English Snaffle English Snaffle English Snaffle English Snaffle English Snaffle

I J K L M Loose Ring with Sleeve Kimberwick Pelham Half Cheek Liverpool Shown with 04 mouthpiece. Comes with leather Has Neil Merrill purchase to Has Neil Merrill purchase to Other mouthpieces available. noseband and curb strap. disperse pressure on cheek. disperse pressure on cheek.

HH JJ KK LL 3-Ring combo Long shank combo MMB, 7.5" HBG, 6.5" GAG with tie down with tie down

English Snaffle English Curb English Curb Driving Driving

N O P Q R Western dee Western dee Black HBT Shank Flat Shank with hooks Western dee

Has Neil Merrill purchase to disperse Has slight gag action Shown with 32-3 mouth- Shown with 43LP mouthpiece. pressure on cheek. with sliding mouthpiece. piece. Also available in 04. Also available in 32-3.

Western Snaffle Western Snaffle Western Snaffle Western Curb Western Curb Other Myler Innovations

T U V W S-Shank 7-Shank Cavalry Shank EZ Trainer Black Mechanical Hackamore Mechanical Hackamore Mechanical Hackamore Bosal Hackamore Seven Shank Seven Shank Parelli Shank Cavalry Shank

Rubber-covered Leather-covered Rubber-covered Leather-covered bicycle chain noseband. stainless steel noseband Western Curb Western Curb Western Curb Western Curb bicycle chain noseband. bicycle chain noseband. Available without snaffle ring. and chin cup.

P 10 English English Curb Driving Western Snaffle Western Curb Combination Bits Gags Lynn McKenzie P 11 Quick Reference Chart

English Western English Snaffle Driving Western Curb Combination Gags Lynn Mckenzie Curb Snaffle A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R T U V W AA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH JJ KK LL MB 01 • • • • • • • • • • MB 02 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MB 03 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 MB 09 • • • • • • • • • • • MB 10 • • • MB 11 • MB 40 • • • MB 04 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 MB 32-3 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MB 32 • • • • • MB 06 • • • • • • • • • MB 36 • • • • • • • MB 27PB • • • • • MB 27 LP • • • • MB 27PB HP • MB 27 • • 2-3 MB 29 • • MB 41PB • • • • • • MB43LP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MB 43HP • MB 47PB • • MB 47 • • MB 33 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MB 05 • • • • 3 MB 12 • MB 15 • MB 16 •

P 12 P 13 Transitioning Combination Bit

Transitioning to a New Bit The Myler Combination Bit Once you’ve selected a bit, it’s time to introduce your horse to it. The Myler Combination Bit uses features of a ring bit, shank bit and We recommend that you introduce any new bit in a safe, closed hackamore to create an innovative and sophisticated tool for training environment, such as a round pen or arena. and every day riding.

The noseband and chin strap connect e through the purchase (a), synchronizing pressure to the nose, chin and poll before the a mouthpiece engages. If the c horse does not respond to the pressure b on the nose, chin and poll, the mouthpiece d a b slides (b), giving him another warning. If he ignores the moving mouthpiece, it will hit There are two exercises we recommend as a stop (c), causing it to engage. The horse transition exercises: vertical flexion (a) and has three opportunities to respond to the rider’s rein pressure before the lateral flexion (b). mouthpiece is engaged. If the horse respects the chin, nose, poll pressure,

To practice vertical flexion, stand next to he can stay on the bit without any tongue pressure or interference with your horse’s head and lift the reins at the swallowing. withers until you make light contact. The support string (e) keeps the noseband Hold the contact until your horse in place when you bridle the horse. gives to the bit, even slightly, When first introducing the Combination Bit, then immediately release. Do this adjust the chin strap so that you can just get on both sides until your horse is a pinky under the noseband. relaxed and flexing at the poll. The Combination Bit is offered in four To practice lateral flexion, stand cheekpiece styles: three-ring, two-ring, long next to your horse and lift the shank and Parelli cradle bit. The three-ring offers three rein positions (d); rein, but ask him to bend his the other cheekpieces offer only two rein positions (see p. 11). neck and turn towards you. When he does, release him The Combination Bit can be used for a wide variety of horses and disciplines, immediately. Perform this as a training tool for starting young or green horses, rehabilitating problem exercise on both sides until he horses, or retraining experienced horses in a new sport. is relaxed and flexing laterally. For a more detailed look at the Combination Bit, see the new Then repeat both exercises comprehensive guide to the Myler System, The Level Best for Your Horse, from the saddle. available now.

P 14 P 15 Parelli/Lynn McKenzie Series

Parelli Myler Bits Series Complementing Parelli Natural Horsemanship

Getting to the heart and head of your horse is the Parelli Natural Horsemanship way. Like the Mylers, the Parellis believe in teaching horses to be willing participants. By building confidence and fostering a friendship with your horse, you will find more freedom in your riding.

Collaborating with lifelong horseman, Where to Buy and How to Try a Myler Bit trainer and clinician Pat Parelli, the Mylers This brochure offers a brief overview of the Myler approach now offer a collection of custom designed to bitting. For more detailed information, the new book, Myler bits that complement the Parelli Natural The Level Best for Your Horse, is now available from Myler Horsemanship program. retailers and www.toklat.com. This 226-page book provides improved definitions of the Myler The Lynn McKenzie mouthpieces and cheekpieces, an entire chapter Signature Series devoted to the Myler Combination Bit and Winning Combination for Barrel Racers a comprehensive guide to using the Myler

Collaborating with two-time World Champion Barrel System to select a bit for your horse. Each book Racer and clinician Lynn McKenzie, Myler has created a includes the 85-minute DVD A Whole Bit Better, collection of bits for barrel racers and speed event horses. a visual guide to the Myler System.

This series offers unique cheekpieces with Myler Myler Bits are available from authorized Myler retailers across mouthpieces to achieve the optimum balance, speed North America and around the world. Go to www.toklat.com to and control without interfering with the horse’s search by state or zip code for a Myler retailer near you or shop athletic ability. for a Myler bit. The Myler EZ Trainer The EZ Trainer is a bosal hackamore designed for starting and training horses in Western disciplines. The contoured chin cup gives a quick Myler Rental Program pressure warning before the noseband engages We recommend you try a Myler Bit before you buy it, and you by tilting forward and upward into the chin. By may need several sessions with your horse before you know engaging one rein or both reins, the rider can ask that you have the right bit. Many Myler retailers offer a rental the horse to flex at the poll, shift his weight to his program. Search the retailer locator at www.toklat.com by state hindquarters, or balance himself. or zip code to find a Myler rental retailer near you or ask your The EZ Trainer is not recommended favorite tack shop to consider renting Myler Bits. for English disciplines.

P 16 Ron, Dale and Bob Myler started designing bits over 20 years ago. They developed their approach to bitting from riding their own horses, helping other riders with their horses, working with equine dentists and chiropractors and studying how the bit works in the horse’s mouth. They continue to make custom bits at their shop in Marshfield, MO, in addition to working with Toklat Originals, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Myler Bits.