Myler Dressage Legal Bits
The following UK-stocked Myler Bits are legal under FEI (Horse) and British Dressage (Horse & Pony) Rules:
Full Cheek without hooks (stock code 23):
(It is permissible to use bit keepers and this will give the optimum signalling and reward effect on a plain cheek):
- MB02 COMFORT SNAFFLE with WIDE BARREL (Level One)
23025 (5")
23027 (5½") - MB32 MULLEN BARREL (Level Two)
23325 (5")
23327 (5½")
Loose Ring Cheek (stock code 28):
- MB02 COMFORT SNAFFLE with WIDE BARREL (Level One)
28025 (5")
28027 (5½")
28028 (6") - MB10 FRENCH LINK SNAFFLE (Level One)
28105 (5")
28107 (5½")
Eggbutt Cheek without Hooks (stock code 29):
- MB02 COMFORT SNAFFLE with WIDE BARREL (Level One)
29025 (5")
29027 (5½")
29028 (6") - MB32 MULLEN BARREL (Level Two):
29325 (5")
29327 (5½")
29328 (6")
Hanging Cheek (stock code 41 (regular), 42 (small):
- MB02 COMFORT SNAFFLE with WIDE BARREL (Level One)
42023 (4½")
41025 (5")
41027 (5½")
41028 (6") - MB32 MULLEN BARREL (Level Two)
42323 (4½")
41325 (5")
41327 (5½")
41328 (6")
Pony "D" Ring without Hooks (stock code 21):
- MB10 FRENCH LINK (Level One)
21103 (4½")
NB
The Myler mouthpieces 02 and 32 became acceptable when the FEI allowed snaffles with rotating mouthpieces, from January 2003.
They are curved forward for as much tongue room as possible. They have a no-pinch action; and Independent Side Movement through the bushing system within the central sleeve, or barrel. However, the ISM does not work to best effect on a plain cheek, so the Hanging Cheek, or the Full Cheek with a bit keeper are recommended. This will give the rider the optimum signalling ability under the Rules, and will give the horse the clearest reward when the rider relaxes the rein.
The Myler's French Link is again designed with a pronounced forward curve for maximum tongue room, and the joint loops are large to minimise the chance of catching.
Whilst the acceptance of these bits by the dressage authorities is most welcome on welfare grounds, they are unlikely to be the most appropriate bits for horses ready to work under Affiliated Rules, in terms of comfort; clear signalling; and swallowing.
It is strongly recommended, therefore, that the horse is trained at home in the most appropriate bit for his own individual needs, in order to advance him in his training with a comfortable and clear-signalling bit. The horse should then do his test in the most suitable dressage-legal bit.
The horse will be doing a test for a few minutes every few weeks, whilst it will train at home nearly every day. The rider will use various training aids and methods which will help the horse advance in his training although they may not necessarily have a place in the actual arena. Bits are no different.
Most horses adapt well to this practice and their welfare and training will benefit from working for the vast majority of time in the most appropriate bit for them and their rider.