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  Discussion on MIKMAR BITS
Author Message
New Member:
Nena

Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 5:06 pm:

I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE MIKMAR BITS AND AM CURIOUS IF ANYONE HAS USED THEM, SPECIFICALLY ON TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES. IF SO, WHAT WERE THE RESULTS AND YOUR THOUGHTS ON THEM.
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 5:43 pm:

Hi , I have one. I dont use it very often. I have the combination bit. . I use it for hunter paces sometimes. only because he gets carried away and I dont want to hurt his mouth by pulling when he is trying to outrun every horse in site.I feel better with more stopping power My horses mouth is extremly soft and sensative and he actually loves this bit. Even though it looks horrible. He is very relaxed and calm in it. It is extremliy light . even though it is wide its very thin and lays nicely in his mouth. I was very suprised how much he liked it. I dont ride in it as an everyday bit because I dont need that much control. They say its a training bit, but I would rather train in a plain old snaffle because I think they should give because they want to not because the bit or any devise forces them too. If you want it to develop headset this bit will do it but I recomend teaching giving and being soft in a snaffle first, even though they recomend it the other way round
hope that helps, I would never let a novice ride in it though. What is the reason you are looking at these bits if its not to rude a question?
Katrina
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 9:40 am:

And if you are looking for a bit for a walking horse, please look into the Brenda Imus Comfort Bit. Ours love it - they actually reach FOR the bit when you bring the bridle toward their heads.
New Member:
Nena

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 10:05 am:

Thanks Katrina and Shari for you thoughts. The reason I inquired about the Mikmar is that I am always looking for products that provide results in a natural, non abusive way and the Mikmar seemed to be a bit that would help with one of my TWH that does need a little more control. He stays very stiff in the neck and anxious for quite a while before I can get him collected, calm and shaking his head. This may be too much of a bit, so I was thinking about their snaffle to use first, as I still use a snaffle on him.

Shari, I actually use the Imus bit and saddle on several of my walkers and they do just fine. One however started keeping his mouth open all the time and I went to a straight walking horse mild curb bit which he does just fine with. I am a big fan of hers and her tack, I just don't think that bit would be as beneficial on the higher anxiety horse at this time.

Thanks again for your info. Nena
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 12:34 pm:

Nena,
When I use the combination I use it with 2 reins like a double bridle. thats the extra control.
I normaly ride in a 3 piece snaffle with the lozenge like a KK bit. My horse doesnt like the 2 piece snaffle. He prefers the feel of the mikmar than the 2 piece snaffle. The mikmar is very thin and light and they accept it very well. I think a thin snaffle is harsher. It might very well be the bit that works for your horse. They sell very fast on e-bay if you decide your horse doesnt like it. I dont have the Mikmar snaffle but I imagine or I am pretty sure my horse would like it, The first time I tried mine on the snaffle setting (lots of combinations) alone he was extremly relaxed.
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