Hi Linda
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Thanks for posting that link. I just had a look at the bit and I have never seen anything like it, but I think I can see how it works...
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By looking at the diagram, I think that how it works on the poll is that when you pull straight back on the rein, the curved bar in the mouth looks like it would tilt down placing pressure on the toung and at the same time pulling down on the poll. This is similar to the action of a shank bit from my understanding. Some shank bits have a Port (a hump) in the middle and when the reins are pulled back, the bar tilts down, making the Port poke up into the roof of the horse's mouth. So, I think it would be good to see this bit in use to see exactly where its presure points are.
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Christina placed a couple of good links on the forum a little while ago that showed videos of how and where the shank bits work on the horse's mouth. Certainly an eye opener and after watching those I can see why the shank bits need such a small amount of pressure to get a response. I don't use a shank bit with a Port in it by the way. The ones I use have a "broken" mouth piece that forms to the shape of the horse's mouth thus placing most of the pressure on the poll.
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I am new to Shank type bits, but what I have found that you use far less pressure with them to get a response and they are great for head position. I still train, start and do most of my general riding in a medium thickness snaffle, because I don't want to desensitise to the shank bits.
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I love Bosals!! Not sure what these are called elsewhere, but here is a link so you know what I am on about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosal
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They work on the nose, under the chin and the poll I think. I find I can get the same fine tuned movements in a bosal as I can in a shank bit and would ride everywhere in a bosal if it were allowed (certain events don't allow them). I also love the way they look, some of them are so pretty!
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I have also heard of a "Side Pull" but have never used one. The person who was telling me about that said they are great for teaching children how to ride because they can guide the horse without hurting the horse's mouth.
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And then you have the good old Dually Halter. I ride in mine sometimes as well. I think I have heard Monty Roberts say that the Dually functions similar to a side pull.
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Sorry for writing a novel in response to your post.
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This is a great topic and I really love researching how the different pieces of equipment work. You should have a look for Christina's post with the links to the videos. They were really good. I am MORE concious of the type of bit and the way I use my hands now after watching them.
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See you later,
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Gen

Thank you so much Gen!
No worries for writing such a long response, I enjoy reading long interesting things!
I've recently become very interested in all sorts of bits because I've realized how little I know about them, and how much I'd like to know! If you'd like to know more about the PeeWee bit then here is a great website I found that explains more about how it works!
http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/peewee_bit_pee_wee_bit_new_horse_bit_bit_to_stop_horses-(663).aspx

Thanks again for all the information and I will have a look for those videos :)

Linda

I'm having some trouble finding the videos.. could you maybe help me out in finding them? Maybe you remember where the post is or what it's called?
Thanks so much :)

Hi Linda
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Thanks for the link, I will have a look at it. I will also see if I can find Christina's post and let you know where it is. I can't remember what it was called... Will get back to you soon.
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Kind regards,
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Gen

Hi guys,
An really interesting scientific study I read about recently comparing a few types of common bits http://cvm.msu.edu/research/research-centers/mcphail-equine-performance-center/publications-1/usdf-connection/USDF_Dec05.pdf
I use a French snaffle (double-jointed snaffle), and also used this on my previous thoroughbred. Most horses prior to that I used a single jointed snaffle, but I guess you need to try and see what your horse appears most comfortable and happy in.
I have seen articles which show the single jointed snaffle to be very harsh, but I do not believe this to be the case, especially after reading the above study results.
Interesting and important topic though!
Kind regards,
Ruth

Hi Ruth and Linda
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Thanks for that link Ruth :-) excellent article
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The link to the videos is posted in the listening lounge under the topic help fight the violence. All the videos are interesting, but do your research in all avenues :-)
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Let us know what you think :-)
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See you later,
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Gen

This is all really interesting! I am yet to introduce a bit to my 2 year old brumby so now this has me thinking about what bit i am going to use...if any!! Aghh so many choices! Just a little trivia...the guy who designed the pee wee bit is from little old tassie where i live and i actually met him once at an agricultural fair. He also designed the Old Mac boots for horses. I have heard that the pee wee bit is fantastic and a neighbour of mine used one on one of her horses. It doesn't really seem to have taken off though.
Janelle

Hi janelle
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Most People start their horses in a snaffle bit like the ones Monty has in his store. I like the egg but snaffle bits the most because they won't get easily pulled through the horse's mouth. I would like to see one of those pee wee bits in the flesh one day. Lots of good inventions have come from down under ;-)
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Everything must be going well with Buster :-)
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See you later,
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Gen

Hi Gen!

I was thinking i would start with one of Monty's snaffle bits. No one here sells them so i will have to go online to get one :-P

Everything is going great with Buster! He is under saddle now! He took to it all like he was born to it. We had our first trot yesterday :-) Trying not to do too much as he is still only just 2 but i am loving the journey. My only problem with him is getting him to move when i put the roller ond long lines on! He will NOT move! So i gave up...after i bought a new roller and monty long lines to do it agghh!

How is everything with your horses going?

Janelle

Hi janelle
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All my horses are good. I am taking our first colt foal Chicka to his very first clinic on the weekend. It's a show preparation clinic to show you how to prepare and show foals and full grown horses at halter. I am very excited about it. Chicka is 7 months old already! Time flies.
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Glad all is going well with Buster. You could probably try long lining with someone leading him perhaps... That may help him to understand what you are asking him to do. For example get someone to walk him around while you hold the lines and follow. When the person leading goes to walk forward, you give Buster a que (eg cluck to him or say walk on). Within 2 seconds of giving your que, the person leads him forward. Does that make sense?
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I watched one of your videos with Buster, and you did such a good job. It's so good to hear that you are enjoying him :-)
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Oh, almost forgot. If you look up Monty Roberts Australia on google, there is an Australian guy who sells Monty stuff over here. I am pretty sure he has the bits. You can order online. I have bought some stuff from him before :-)
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Well that's about it from me :-D
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See you later,
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Gen

Thanks Gen and everyone else!
I managed to find the videos! They're all very horrible in their own ways and I can't believe there are people like that that think it's acceptable to do such things with their horses! Or how people who are watching allow it to happen?! I sincerely hope that people are coming to be more aware of these problems and the solutions through people like Monty to make this world a better place, not only for the horses, but for the owners too.

-Linda