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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Tack Discussion > Imus Comfort Gait Bit™ Discussions > Imus Humane Mullen Bit |
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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Tack Discussion > Imus Comfort Gait Bit™ Discussions > Imus Humane Mullen Bit |
| Moderated by: Brenda Im | Page: 1 2 3   |
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| Imus Humane Mullen Bit | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 08:17 pm |
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1st Post |
jamieimus
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Let us know your opinions and experiences with the Imus mullen mouth gaited horse bit! Attachment: imusbit.jpg (Downloaded 583 times) Last edited on Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 10:33 pm by |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 11:09 pm |
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2nd Post |
zacharyimus
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This Testimonial was sent in Jan. 31 2004
We spoke at length last week about the bit I'd ordered online (I was
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| Posted: Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 09:19 pm |
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3rd Post |
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TWHorsewoman G.O.G Community Member
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I bought two Imus bits for my two geldings before really knowing their preferences (big mistake). Well, my one gelding is a bit hard in the mouth, from years of being used too hard in field trials, and he ran right through it. My other gelding freaks out when you apply any type of palate pressure. He has an extremely low palate, and fought the bit the whole way. The Imus Mullen is a pretty mild bit for the most part, but he still objected. I still think this is a fantastic bit, but just not for my guys.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 09:40 pm |
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4th Post |
jamieimus
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Hi TWHorsewoman, That's too bad that it didn't work out for your horses. We've had phenomonal success with our bit, but at the saying goes (almost): "You can please most of the horses most of the time, but not all of the horses all of the time." ;) Good luck in finding the right bits for your boys. Let us know if you find one that works. Jamie
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| Posted: Wed Dec 8th, 2004 08:36 pm |
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5th Post |
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Brenda Im Pasture Boss 
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Hi, I'm not sure what the problem might be, but this bit would not be too high even for a horse with a low palate. The mouthpiece is made to roll over the tongue, giving plenty of relief but never touching the roof of the mouth. I'm wondering if you don't need to start over, and work the horse first in large circles on a leading rein, first to one side and then to the other. Be sure to keep your hands low, and give plenty of rein on the outside as you take on the inside. This exercise will encourage the horse to lower and give to the bit while also teaching it what action to expect. It also helps to soften the horse up, both mentally and physically. On occasion a horse in a clinic will seem not to adapt to the bit, but invariably (literally without any exception ever) after working this way in it for 15 or 20 minutes they adjust and learn how to work out of it wonderfully. We have very effectively used it to retrain horses who habitually ran through other bits. I encourage you to try things again. Since we've not run into any bit fitting problems ever, I'd be surprised if there isn't something else going on here. Would like to help you work it out, if we can. Brenda  Last edited on Wed Dec 8th, 2004 08:38 pm by Brenda Im ____________________ Always forgive your enemies. It's good for you - and really messes with their heads! |
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10th, 2004 03:06 am |
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6th Post |
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luv2g8t G.O.G Community Member 
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I own the Imus mullen mouth bit and love it! The VERY FIRST time I put it in my 3 1/2 year old TW's mouth he accepted it very well and he walked out like no other! I'd recommend this bit!! If my horse is happy - I'm happy! Keep havin' fun! Pat:cool: p.s. I LOVE the G of G ride and tie bridle/halter as well. I have another (dif. brand) that I bought years ago and it's a royal pain to get the bit part on and off. NOT SO with the G of G!
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| Posted: Fri Dec 10th, 2004 08:37 pm |
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7th Post |
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cclarsencc GOG V.I.P 
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I have tryed the imus bit and im haveing trouble with the horses getting the shanks in their mouth when I have them on a loose rain. Now i also have several of her older style original style ones and wouldnt tradr them for all the tea in china i have both the higher ported style and the mullin mouth . chris 
____________________ Training starts every time you approach a horse and ends when you walk away. Horses can talk - We just need to listen See Whats New @ http://www.willbegaitin.com |
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| Posted: Sun Dec 12th, 2004 12:22 pm |
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8th Post |
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Morningstar G.O.G Community Member
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I am very new to all of this but as I have mentioned in other postings on this site, I was at Brenda's demos in Novi Michigan and saw how much the horses liked the bit and responded! Two weeks later I bought a TenneseeWalker who had been in a very harsh bit since he was 2 years old, not 14 years....and, it was as it I 'set him free.' He loves the bit and readily excepts it. He is a very well trained horse (I am not!!) but even a novice,such as myself could see the horse relax and seem to enjoy riding. I got so excited about the bit that I bought one for a friend....actually for her horse! The bit is great!
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| Posted: Sun Dec 12th, 2004 03:38 pm |
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9th Post |
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Brenda Im Pasture Boss
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Hi Chris, Sometimes horses-almost always geldings, who tend to be more playful than mares-DO tend to want to play with the shanks of this bit. Quite honestly I think it's because they're happy, comfortable, and simply use it to pacify and humor themselves. When horses exhibit this behavior, with my bit or any other, I just work at keeping them VERY busy whenever they decide to entertain themselves this way. Soon as they grab at the shank I ask for a half halt, a little side-pass-you know the routine-and let them know that if they have too little on their mind to pay attention to me, then I can keep them pretty busy and attentive. It usually works within a very short period of time, and the horse gets a little 'sharpening up' on higher level skills. Brenda
____________________ Always forgive your enemies. It's good for you - and really messes with their heads! |
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| Posted: Mon Dec 13th, 2004 01:12 pm |
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10th Post |
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Dairy Queen G.O.G Community Member
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I got the Mullen mouth bit at the Novi Expo as well. My mare is a 6 yr old that has had to have had some interesting training. She fears you touching her left ear - except when bridling! And new things - any new things - seem to spark that fear as well. So I intro'd the new saddle and then slowly intro's the new bit. Her initial reaction to the bit was head UP and this IS NOT the usual. I did some on-the-ground yeilding with her before riding out and that helped a lot - different bit but same (or better) responses expected. The bit seems to help her bring her head down, and her balance is much better. When we first became a team she tossed her head a lot - some from saddle issues, and some because she likes to set the speed. But like in your video, i just set the rein and let her hit it and thus rate herself. She started in with a head toss after a bit of speed (more more, lets go more!) - and it was like a wake up call. Now she rarely tosses her head, or pulls back on the reins, has much more respect for this mouthpiece then the other 3 I've tried (Eggbutt snaffle, tom thumb- BIG mistake! - and a curb type walking horse bit with medium length shanks and a fat mouth.) I found it interesting in your video that you use serpentines and spirals to teach balance and relaxation! I was doing this and was told that you NEVER do this with Walkers - I'd ruin her gait - and I thought it was so much better, and she was so much more relaxed and coming up underherself after a session of bending and streaching! I like using the Egg butt for this work better though - the other bit seems to have too much power to it. But we both like it and we use that bit on trail rides. Bringing her head down seems to help her really streach out her gaiting too - like she can reach further if her head is down, and it feels better to me - almost like we are floating along!
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| Posted: Mon Dec 13th, 2004 03:03 pm |
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11th Post |
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TWHorsewoman G.O.G Community Member
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Hi Brenda- I'm not discounting the effectiveness of your bit, just stating my experience with it. We're in the process of selling one of our geldings (He's VERY studdy, and uncontrollable in the presence of mares - my mom took a bad spill), and we'll be buying a new horse, probably a TWH mare. I plan to keep one of my Mullen bits, just in case it will work for the new horse. ********************************************(edited by admin) please do not use this board as a classified service. Thanks! But like I said, I'll be keeping my first Mullen bit, just in case it works out for a horse of ours later. I've been nothing but satisfied with the products I've bought from Gaits of Gold, and they're numerous! Keep up the good work! Erin Last edited on Mon Dec 13th, 2004 04:06 pm by |
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| Posted: Sat Dec 18th, 2004 12:02 am |
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12th Post |
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MP G.O.G Community Member
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I'm wondering how the length of the shank effects how the horse moves or gaits. For example, if you made a bit exactly like the mullen bit, but it had 4 or 5" shanks instead of 7" shanks, would the horse carry himself differently?? Is there any benefit to having the shanks at 7"? Will a horse's mouth get hard from this bit? I have very soft hands, but when my horse spooks suddenly, she ends up getting popped in the mouth because of her sudden movement. Then I wonder if her mouth would get hard from being bumped accidentally. MP
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| Posted: Mon Dec 20th, 2004 03:20 pm |
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13th Post |
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cclarsencc GOG V.I.P
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This is a very good question . And often misconcived notion that longer shanks cause a bit to me more sevier . In truth if you look at the geomitry of the mouth piece movement in corralation with shank movement . It will take alot more distance of travel (distanced pulled on the rains) with long shanks to get the same amount of movement in the mouth of the horse as it would with short shanks . This Is one reason a long shank bit is better for a horse that you want to have a good head shake . With steady hands the shank leangth dappens the the force of the horse comeing onto the bit . Now when a long shank bit can be more sevier is when you have a thinner mouth piece and a tighter curb chain and over reactive handleing of the rains. No bit will work well if your horse dose not give to preshure in the first place (soft and supple) "I have very soft hands, but when my horse spooks suddenly, she ends up getting popped in the mouth because of her sudden movement. Then I wonder if her mouth would get hard from being bumped accidentally" So i think if you do have a soft touch and steady hands then a longer shank is realy a beter way for you to go in the situations where your horse has a sudden head movement the contact to mouth will be dampened with the shanks . this is just my opinion chris Last edited on Mon Dec 20th, 2004 03:52 pm by cclarsencc ____________________ Training starts every time you approach a horse and ends when you walk away. Horses can talk - We just need to listen See Whats New @ http://www.willbegaitin.com |
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| Posted: Mon Dec 20th, 2004 08:13 pm |
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14th Post |
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Brenda Im Pasture Boss
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Once again Chris, good job. I've given you mana. (btw: mana is those little rounded green colored 'beans' under each user's name/profile on their posts. If you like someone's posts and think they're valuable, then click on the beans and you'll be giving them a much deserved 'attaboy.') I'd like to add a bit  to this conversation. One of the least understood but most important elements of bit design is that of the ratio between the purchase (portion of shank above mouthpiece) and curb (portion below mouthpiece). When a rider takes on the reins of a curb bit, there are three actions that follow. 1) The headstall takes at the poll, asking the horse to lower his head. 2) The curb strap takes under the chin, asking the horse to slightly tuck in his nose. 3) The mouthpiece takes hold, communicating the rider's desire for a turn, halt, half halt, etc. If the purchase of a bit is too short (less than 2" minimum, 2-1/2" maximum), or if there's not enough difference between the length of the purchase and the length of the curb, (curb should be 2 or 2-1/2 times the length of the purchase), then there's little or no time between the rider taking hold of the reins and all three of these actions grabbing hold at once. The horse more or less is just being yanked around, which understandably causes resistance and stiffness. Now some stiff horses can be very quick and 'light' feeling to the rider, but they are responding out of anticipation of pain/discomfort, rather than giving themselves softly and happily to their rider's hand. If, however, the ratio of the purchase to the curb is appropriate, then there's an interval of time between each action of the bit. This allows the horse to prepare both physically and mentally, step by step, for the rider's request, resulting in a willing, soft response. This is the dynamic that also makes it possible for a horse ridden in a well designed curb to be softer and more giving than many snaffle bit horses. OF COURSE THIS DEPENDS A GREAT DEAL ON THE RIDER, so please don't think I'm saying there aren't great soft snaffle bit horses out there. But for our (gaited) purposes especially, a good curb bit is an invaluable riding aid. Of course a great deal depends upon the design of the mouthpiece-but that's a discussion for another day! Many happy, and smooth, trails!
____________________ Always forgive your enemies. It's good for you - and really messes with their heads! |
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| Posted: Tue Dec 21st, 2004 12:22 am |
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15th Post |
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MP G.O.G Community Member
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Thanks Chris and Brenda for your posts about the bit. Thanks for explaining about the purchase length etc. I rode my horse today in the Imus bit. First I put the reins on the snaffle rings. We did a little "giving to the bit" practice. Then I put the reins at the end of the shanks. She does go very well in it. We worked on maintaining impulsion at the walk. We did the spirals. She was very relaxed and really did seem to carry herself well. . As I mentioned in a different post, I got tired of being critcized for using it. Now I know that these people may not know the things I just learned about how bits work. I'm going to use the bit now. Again, she really did move nicely with this bit. MP Last edited on Tue Dec 21st, 2004 12:23 am by MP |
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| Posted: Wed Dec 29th, 2004 03:48 pm |
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16th Post |
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BonnieNClyde G.O.G Community Member
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I just ordered the bit and Ride N' Tie online. I forgot my entire bridle when I left for a 3 day ride last weekend  and was SOL. Fortunately a friend of mine was at the ride and had an extra bit and Ride N' Tie halter/bridle that she let me use. The bit was the Imus Mullen Mouth bit, and let me tell you my horse has never taken to a bit like this one. She had her proper headset and was on the bit and very comfortable. In fact, when I went to take the head stall out for a lunch rest she wouldn't let the bit go! I was so pleased that I came right on this morning and ordered the halter/bridle and bit. And to think that I'd never even heard of Gaits of Gold until this weekend!More about the Ride N' Tie on that thread. Bonnie
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| Posted: Tue Feb 1st, 2005 08:36 pm |
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17th Post |
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SuperGaiter G.O.G Community Member 
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I just received another Imus Mullen Bit. Excuse me Imus Comfort Gait bit . I had ordered the orginal when they first made the design, and it worked great but rusted at the shanks. This didn't affect the way it worked at all, I just didn't like dealing with the rust so I got another one. I knew the first batch had black steel shanks, so I didn't think anything of it. Afterall I have a barn full of rusty black steel bits. I'm just glad I have one that works for my horses. So now I have the Stainless Steel one and am looking forward to many rust-free years on the trail. BTW- This wasn't meant as a complaint. Everyone knows black steel rusts! I'm just glad that you decided to make the change.
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| Posted: Thu Feb 24th, 2005 05:04 am |
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18th Post |
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pasofinogirl1954 G.O.G Community Member 
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I got my Imus bit a couple of weeks ago, Pepe really likes it. I do however have a question. I put the curb chain in the snaffle part of the bit and it hangs really low almost gets his lower lip. Should it go up higher in the part that you attach the bridle to? I feel like a real dummy, I should be able to figure this out but I want to make sure where to put the curb chain before I ride him this weekend. Thanks, Pasofinogirl
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| Posted: Thu Feb 24th, 2005 02:28 pm |
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19th Post |
jamieimus
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That's OK Pasofinogirl, I get asked that quite often actually... You are correct in using a curb chain, as it helps make the bit more effective.tu1 (Not everyone uses one). The curb chain attaches to the same ring that the headstall attaches to. This gives the correct leverage. The D-rings are there because the bit makes a great transition bit from the snaffle. It's gentle enough to use on youngins'. Once they have several rides (or a season even) in a snaffle, we transition them to this bit using only the D-rings for the first couple of rides. This lets them get used to the feel of the bit without the curb action. Once they feel comfortable and attentive to your cues, and they all go at their own pace, we switch to the rings on the shanks for the curb action. This is a gentle rolling request at the lips and not a yank. There is plenty of tongue relief and it's pinchless so it may look much more severe than it acutally is. Also the length of the purchase in relation to the length of the curb has a huge effect on the severity of a bit...something that many people do not realize (going on a tangent here ).Anyway, some people use double reins at first while making the transition to the shanks, but it isn't necessary. I haven't found it necessary yet. I'm outta breath nowl1. Jamie Last edited on Thu Feb 24th, 2005 02:30 pm by |
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| Posted: Fri Feb 25th, 2005 04:57 am |
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20th Post |
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trailrider G.O.G Community Member
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Hi Jaimie! I was excited to receive my bit and it is THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY MADE bit I and many folks out at my barn have ever seen. I'm using a 'wonder bit' and wanted to replace it because my horse starts to root after 45 minutes or so and try to take the bit away. I think this is because she had been successful at taking the bit away before I bought her and maybe gets tired and maybe something with teeth...working on that.... My girl has a really really really small mouth. She is still managing to mouth the bit but hasn't acted badly and seems very comfortable with it. But I haven't used it continuously and am now waiting until I meet with my vet for spring shots, etc... because she is able to move it laterally quite a bit and lip it and play with it. I want to have her teeth checked, take a lesson with a gaited horse trainer and I'll report in from there! Folks should look at this bit because the workmanship is not evident in the picture! Happy trails, JanF
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