The Mikmar mouthpiece certainly doesn’t look like a “traditional” English bit, but far from being an instrument of torture, it’s actually a pretty mild bit. The mouthpiece is fabricated from aluminum so it’s very light. When the bit is activated, the bit rotates slowly down and back, applying pressure over the tongue and bars. The copper roller stimulates saliva production and is very helpful for horses that are busy in their mouths.
I found that my horse accepts the mouthpiece readily and is much quieter overall — he likes to play with the roller (I can hear the clicking as he turns it with his tongue when I ride!) but the activity keeps him soft in the mouth and more responsive. He never fights the bit in the way that he can with other mouthpieces.
The short shank bit has two rein slots — the top slot gives you direct pressure, like a snaffle bit, and the lower slot provides some leverage, applying pressure to the bars and tongue, along with the chin and poll areas thereby encouraging flexion.
The curb action, however is mild it uses a leather strap rather than a curb chain.
I use this bit a lot because it offers so much flexibility. I can ride off the snaffle rein most of the time but still have the “extra” that I need when my horse is too strong for just the snaffle. I like the fact that he never curls up behind the bit but is always willing to accept the contact.
This is my “go to” bit in the spring when my horse is a real handful because I feel it gives me control without being harsh.
My only complaint is that these Mikmar bits are expensive! I think the list price on this one is $170. I bought mine used for about $70 and that seems like a reasonable price.
