Hi stephen.

Definelly not for starters: too thin (more pressure) and the "all around" movement inside horse's mouth will make it take longer for the horse being completely comfortable with it - remember: "horse's need come first...". So, I would (and will) not anything else but a thicker (less pressure in the mouth) and soft (rubber) for starters.

Why do you want to use Myler while advancing in training? What's the purpose? What's the discipline?

Pedro.

Stephen,

Please read at www.horsebitbank.com the articles:

a)The Bits and their Action: Cheeks, Mouthpieces, Doubles
b)How to Assess the Feel of a Bit
c)Starting a Horse in a Myler Bit

Despite the recommendations from the last article (clearly commercial oriented), the firt one says "'The Neue Schule training lozenge bit' is not too rotund or long so it will not cause excessive pressure in the centre of the tongue or break too near the tongues sensitive outer edges", which sustain, in my opinion the main argument I presented before.

Using the some webpage, I use in my 10years old dressage:
B34j - Cherry Roller Eggbutt

And my suggestions for starting are the bits coded as:
HR5080 - Flexible Rubber Mouth Loose Ring Bit
HR5440 - Rubber Mouth Jointed D-Ring Bit
HR5140 - Rubber Loose Ring, Hard Mouth
HR5250 - Rubber Mouth Jointed Eggbutt Bit
HB2917 - Happy Mouth, Jointed, Dressage Bradoon

Most of all, good reading and riding.

Hi Brandon
.
There is some great information to go through here. Thank you :-)
.
Kind regards,
.
Gen

I disagree. Myler bits come in various levels. I use a mild level 1 #89-22035 MYLER ENGLISH DEE snaffle with a copper roller. It has hooks to thread the reins through. It is the only bit than my young gelding will wear without tossing his head. I have it in a headstall where the nose band attaches to the sides of the bridle securing the the bit even more so.

I also tried Monty's thick snaffle bit with copper and sweet iron, but he didn't like it. I'm hoping he'll like it when he's older.

Regardless of "any" bit used, and the myriad of studies are scientifically incontrovertible, ALL bits are extremely painful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-aV0Rsxmg
http://www.bitlessbridle.co.uk/fear-of-the-bit.php

However, due to the archaic absurdity of extremely outdated "competition rules" no one is allowed to compete without a bit.
So, Stephen, if this is indeed the case then most assuredly, for your horse's sake, please follow Pedro's advice and recommendations.
However, for the sake of the well being and love of your horse, why not incorporate both methods into your training, with a bit and without a bit.
And for the naysayers out there, of which there are thousands who will disagree with me, that a horse will not be able to be trained to an International Competition Level without the use of a bit, then please watch this video in its entirety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkK29D6NHQQ
All it takes is a sincere desire and love of your horse and for his/her welfare.
This is going to sound idealistic and really corny and stupid, to apply the following to a horse, to the majority out there, but, who cares eh?
The most perfect explanation that I have ever heard for the definition of "love" is this:
"To truly Love, is to have the absolute welfare, safety and concern of another being in mind without ever expecting, needing or demanding anything in return." EVER, regardless of the situation or the circumstance. And in any relationship, what is required is not the common 50/50 that we all hear about, but rather, 100/100 from both sides. Because if both consistently give 100% all of the time, where is the down side? There isn't any!!!
Horses will give you this, if you don't cause them any pain...hello?.... : )
Anyway, you have absolutely nothing to lose, and oh so very much to gain, so why not try both, if you indeed need to do so based on "competitive" goals......and your horse will love you for it.

The incontrovertible indictment and a clear indicator of poor horsemanship, plain and simple is when any rider is unable to handle a horse unless they are using a bit. Any horse properly trained will never need a bit.

I am not an advocate in the use of bits. They are products meant to induce pain in a horse's mouth; sometimes even causing behavior problems that would not otherwise exist. I much prefer a bitless bridle or a plain old rope halter. The problem lies in what is accepted if you plan to show, compete or the horse is used for therapy. In most cases where rules prevail horses are required to wear bits. So, it is a good idea for your horse to be accustomed to a bit. I would suggest that you do as much research as you can about the different kinds of bits, their uses and their effects. Watch videos on youtube and study horses who are being manhandled through their mouths and learn from the mistakes that you see. Soft hands and knowledge are paramount no matter what kind of bit you use. Good luck.

Oh. You can also use the dually halter as a direct pull bridle.

Control is born from a relationship with your horse. No relationship, no control.

Hi Stephen, why not give the bitless riding a go - my horses are bitless and there are no issues. If the training is done and the communication is good there is no need for a bit unless as others have mentioned you want to show and rules require a bitted horse. No better feeling to have a level of communication where you don't need to ride with a bit and if done correctly there are no issues with stopping the horse as I see so many people say. Have faith in yourself, your training and most of all your horse. Cheers, Jan

All I have to say is check out the MUST SEE thread, and watch the video posted there.