Whats your opinion on these bits?

Question

http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-Steel-Medium-Port-Curb-Bit-Horse-Tack_W0QQitemZ360060585519QQihZ023QQcategoryZ16253QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 1

Out of those the 1st. But I agree go with a curb if riding in western pleasure. This is a nice bit. Good luck.

http://www.smithbrothers.com/reinsman-c-...

Answer 2

These are all adaptations of the Tom Thumb, with jointed mouthpieces in a curb style bit.  I wouldn't use any of them.  Since you didn't like the Tom Thumb, I would recommend passing on these.

I like a small to medium port curb with moveable shanks.  It does a much better job communicating with your horse.

Remember, it's all in the hands.  The bit is just an accessory.

Edit:  The last 3 bits are better.  I like the plain sweet mouth stainless curb.  The Milepost bit looks intriguing, though I've never used one.  The shanks swivel, and you could use it as a transition bit - attach the reins to the ring by the mouthpiece at first, till the horse gets used to the feel and action, then move them to the proper spot on the shank.  It's still in the hands, but these'll be easier.  IMO.

Answer 3

This size and strength  of a bit can depend on many things the horses size, age, , and amount of contact on the horses mouth and many more. so you really should decide on the bit you are using if your not sure you should ask your trainer or someone you trust. Good luck at show this summer!!!!!!

Answer 4

I would actually go for a very low ported curb bit for western pleasure, possiably if he is ok with that a low/medium port.

The twisted bit and the gag you can cross of your list, the twisted is to harsh, the gag asks the horse to raise his head while in western pleasure the current fad seems to be having your horses nose trail on the ground (nothing against the WP people, but really I do not agree with the headset they use, or much about western pleasure training for that matter!). The other two are ok, but you really don't see them in the ring.

Answer 5

NO NO NO and NO the only acceptable bits are a D-ring, a loose ring(with bit guards) and a full cheek bit every other bit is too harsh and will cause your horse pain which in turn will make him act up. Many people make the mistake of buying harsher bits for hotter horses thinking it will controll them better but if your horse is hot then feed him(gradually) less grain and increase his exersize and using friendly bits will make him comfterable and not prone to "act up" so i personally would NEVER use those bits...

Answer 6

I like the 4th one. I personaly think that you cant go wrong with sweet iron. It helps to keep the horses mouth supple. Luck

Answer 7

It sounds like you need a "transition bit"--something to help your horse transition from a snaffle to a curb.  The Argentine snaffle would do the trick but I also really like the Billy Allen transition bits.  Have a look at this website, they have some good bit ideas.  Good luck!

http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/tack/...

Answer 8

I like the first one, the rings are helpful for a nervous horse. I have one similiar only it is a argentine snaffle.

I like the second bit aswell, the looks of it. I havent ever used one so i cant say much.

I dont like the third one, its harsh. Its twisted and it just doesnt seem like a great bit.

The jr. cowhorse bit is mostly used in games etc.

I just use a plain low port curb in pleasure and i dont use any rein contact whatsoever. None of these bits screams pleasure unless your just doing 4H

Answer 9

1. What are you talking about? Just because your horse is over age 5 doesn't mean that you have to quit using a snaffle! Keep using it, especially if he's doing well with it. There are age 20+ horses at my barn using snaffles!

2. All of the bits seem VERY harsh to me. It works like this: if you pull one rein (using a snaffle), the rein pulls on the bit, encouraging the horse to turn. In the bits you showed us, you pull the rein, it pulls the shank, and swivels the bit, so the horse may stop, turn the wrong way, or rear up in confusion...it has happened!