More on Bits~

Mikmar Loose Ring Ergöm Lozenge Snaffle

Here's the bit I tried yesterday, what a difference it made.  Using different bits on Farah has really been an interesting experience.  I've also learned the difference between "mouthing" the bit & "chomping" on the bit  - which is something that Farah had done up to now.  With the Mikmar bit in, her mouth was much quieter.   She settled in, paid attention & seemed to understand more of what we were asking of her. 


This bit offers the popular 70mm size cheek made of high quality stainless steel and Mikmars Cupreon Ergöm Lozenge Mouthpiece. The versatile loose ring style cheek combined with the double- jointed mouthpiece allows movement along the rings and invites the horse to mouth the bit. It is excellent for softening in the jaw and aids in connection and consistent contact with the rider resulting in proper carriage and balance and equilibrium. This is an ideal choice for all levels of training and competition and is Dressage legal.  (Approved for USEF/USDF dressage competitions.)

New headstall for showing~

 Besides all of it's other attributes, it should look really nice with the new headstall I found at one of my favorite local stores; Beth West - in Snohomish, complete with amber colored Swarovski rhinestones :-)  We've got to look the part - right?  :-)

First of Feburary!

Overlooking the Stillaquamish River

Finally, I made it back over to the farm to ride Farah!  From pouring rain last night - to sleet pellets this morning - I still managed a good hour of riding without getting wet.  Farah seemed happy to see me & collected up nicely when I asked.  I'd been using Khari's headstall on Farah - with her slightly larger head, had everything to re-adjust each time. 

I sold the nice Beta Endurance halter/bridal that had been for Jas - to a friend, so had been looking for a while.  Sat. on our way home from Cassidy's basketball game, we stopped at Beth West in Snohomish to look around.  Butch found a rain cover for his new hat - my attention went to the wall of headstalls, where this one caught my eye!

Farah's new headstall

I'd planned to use my set of silver conch's, but the slide was too short.  Took my good ones off Khari's & they fit!  BTW - the amazing silversmith responsible for making these can be found at; JL Smith Silver.  Now Khari will have the silver, which should look good with her gray coloring! 

I brought it with me this morning, anxious to see how it would look, work & fit.  I'd already figured out that it wouldn't work with the Mylar Short Shank bit that I like to use.  I'd had to have Khari's headstall shortened to make it work for her.  There's no way to shorten this one - without loosing some of the bling - so decided to try a snaffle bit that I had hanging in the tack room.  I think it's a little narrow for Farah.  When I went to take it off, she raised her head & seemed to "hold" the bit in her mouth...  That reminded me that her teeth probably need to be done, since I have no idea how long it's been.  Will be scheduling that...

Might drive up to the Bony Pony over the weekend to look at bits.  In the meantime, put the Mylar bit on another older shortened headstall - so that if I decide I might need it - can have it handy to use.  I've not heard other riders complain - but to me that's the draw-back of the Mylar Combination bits - with the length of the shanks, you really have to shorten up any headstall that you use for it.

Funder... where are you & those new clippers when I need you?  :-)  As you can see, Farah could use a trim!  :-)