Are Myler bits dressage legal?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 19, 2026
This Myler loose ring bit is legal for USEF dressage, FEI dressage and USEA eventing dressage.
Is a Myler combination bit dressage legal?
The following Myler snaffles are now dressage legal, although hooks, the slots in the cheek rings that hold the bit off the horse's tongue when pressure is not engaged, are not allowed under FEI/BD rules.
What bit can I use for dressage?
Dressage-Legal Bits
The mouthpiece's diameter, measured at the rings or cheeks of the mouthpiece, must be a minimum of 10 mm for snaffles and 12 mm for curbs in USEF competitions. The exception is ponies, who may have a diameter of less than 10 mm.
What is a Myler bit good for?
Myler bits reinforce the horse's learning process by offering tongue relief when the horse establishes the correct way of going and responds to the riders' aids correctly. The Myler mouthpieces offer differing levels of tongue relief and this needs to be accounted for when selecting which mouthpiece to use.
Are Myler bits good for strong horses?
The ideal bit for this is the Myler correctional ported barrel bit. The 33 42 combination version is excellent for strong horses that try to run away with you with their head down/out/tucked in.
24 related questions foundDo Myler bits pinch?
Myler designed the Level One single jointed snaffle bits to be used for young horses or horses with very little training. The purpose for Level One bits is to save the bars until the horse is more mature. A single jointed snaffle restricts the tongue, collapses on the bars, and pinches the corners of the mouth.
How should Myler bit fit?
The bit should fit snugly into the corners of the lips, normally making one wrinkle, but do check how it lies inside the horse's mouth. If you pull down lightly on the bit cheeks, there should not be a gap of more than 1/8" between the mouthpiece and the corners of the lips.
How does Myler combination bit work?
Contrary to its complex appearance, the Myler combination bit is said to be one of the kindest bits available. It spreads rein pressure over three to five areas, using a combination of the mouthpiece, curb strap and rope noseband. Firstly, it acts on the nose, the poll and the back of the jaw.
Do Myler bits run small?
Myler bits fit a little differently than traditional bits because they have a distinctive curve to allow more room for the tongue. Choose the size nearest your measurement, but go up, not down, to make sure that the bit won't be too snug.
How do Myler hooks work?
they stabilise the bit inside the horse's mouth and rotate it back and up off the tongue when the rider relaxes the contact, allowing for a much clearer signal and reward. the hooks also enable some Independent Side Movement, for a clearer signal.
What bits are illegal in Hunters?
Illegal bits includes two & three ring bits, jumper-type gags, etc. The judge MUST eliminate the competitor if these are used. Illegal nosebands in the hunter ring include dropped nosebands, flash nosebands, and figure 8's.
What is a Tom Thumb bit?
The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse
The mouthpiece of the Tom Thumb bit is like other snaffles, available in single or double-jointed styles. The Tom Thumb snaffle bit starts as a regular snaffle, applying direct pressure to the mouth, lips and to the bars of the horse's mouth.
What bits are legal for eventing?
Wavy bits, barrel jointed bits, bits with center roller pieces, hanging cheeks, tilted mouth pieces, Weymouths and double jointed bits are all allowed in all three tests.
Is a hanging cheek snaffle dressage legal?
One of the 'stronger' dressage legal bits, the hanging cheek snaffle has jointed mouthpiece that acts like a nutcracker on the bars, and will often contact with the horses palate. An ideal bit to use in a dressage test for horses used to being ridden in a jointed pelham or jointed continental bit.
What is a Hanging cheek snaffle used for?
Hanging Cheek/Baucher (Fixed Cheek)
The hanging cheek bit is a very popular bit for horses that have low palates/are evasive to excessive pressure across the bars of the mouth and the tongue. When a contact is taken, the mouthpiece of the bit lifts in the mouth reducing the pressure distributed across the lower jaw.
What is a standard size horse bit?
The average bit size for a horse size is between 5 and 6 inches, but will vary by breed, build, and genetic makeup. Horses and ponies with more refined noses such as Arabs and Welsh Cobs often need bits less than 5 inches.
How is a curved bit measured?
How to Measure Your Bit Correctly
- Mouthpiece Length: The measurement is taken by placing the bit on a flat surface and pulling the rings apart so the bit is at its maximum length. ...
- Mouthpiece thickness: This measurement is taken at the widest part near to the cheek just before the hole that the ring slides through.
What is a combination bit used for?
As the name suggests, combination bits use elements of both snaffle and curb bits. Using both the direct pressure of a snaffle bit and the indirect pressure of a curb bit, combination bits are often used on horses with a higher level of training.
What's the kindest bit for a horse?
A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Continue to 2 of 15 below.
What is the softest bit you can use on a horse?
The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse's mouth, while the snaffle's rings fit softly in the corners of the horse's mouth without pinching.
How do you measure a horse's mouth for a bit?
Pull a sewing tape measure (the flexible cloth or plastic kind) through your horse's mouth, and measure the distance between the lips. Use calipers. Adjust each arm of the caliper on either side of the horse's mouth, and measure the distance between the two arms.
How do you measure a bit for a mouthpiece?
BLOG
- Mouthpiece Length: The measurement is taken by placing the bit on a flat surface and pulling the rings apart so the bit is at its maximum length. ...
- Mouthpiece thickness: This measurement is taken at the widest part near to the cheek just before the hole that the ring slides through.
What are the hooks for on a Myler bit?
The hooks are slots on the ring of the bit that allow you to secure the position of the bridle and the reins on the cheek ring of the bit. The top hook can be attached to the cheek pieces of the bridle and stabilizes the bit inside the horse's mouth.
What is a mullen barrel bit?
This bit features three center barrels that turn the mouthpiece from the typical solid bar of a mullen into a flexible bar which allows the horse to elevate his tongue and swallow more easily under the bit.