Mullen Mouth Bits

Which size do I choose for a mullen mouth bit?

Mullen mouth bits have a continuous mouthpiece without joints, which can have different shapes. There are mullen mouth bits with a straight mouthpiece or mullen mouth bits with varying degrees of port.
When adjusting the size of a mullen mouth bit, you should make sure that it fits your horse exactly. If the bit is too big, the bar can tilt and squeeze the horse's tongue when the reins are pulled on one side. It is therefore very important that the connection between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth is even on both sides. A mullen mouth bit should generally be half a centimetre smaller than a loose ring bit.

What is the effect of a mullen mouth bit?

Mullen mouth bits cannot adapt individually to the horse's mouth like single or double-jointed bits, so they exert even pressure on the entire tongue. The pressure is therefore not applied selectively to the edges of the tongue or the mouth, but over the whole area. But not all mullen mouth bits are the same. There are both rigid and flexible mullen mouth bits, which differ in their effect. A rigid, straight mullen mouth bit distributes the pressure over the entire tongue, even when the reins are loose, a slight pressure is already exerted on the width of the tongue. In contrast, flexible mullen mouth bits, where the bit halves move independently of each other, also apply even pressure to the tongue. However, the pressure towards the edges of the tongue becomes stronger as soon as the rein is shortened. Flexible mullen mouth bits are particularly suitable for horses that only occasionally resist the rider's hand.
With ported mullen mouth bits, the middle of the tongue is relieved as much as possible and is only loaded when the reins are pulled harder. For horses with a fleshy tongue, these are the bits of first choice.
Mullen mouth bits are unsuitable for young horses and novice riders, as precise, one-sided rein aids are not possible and therefore the influence is mainly via weight and leg aids. The development of flexion and bend is also only possible to a limited extent with a mullen mouth bit. A mullen mouth bit is also unsuitable for horses that are difficult to turn.
On the other hand, ported mullen mouth bits are particularly suitable for horses with tongue problems, which react very pressure-sensitive to bits and push their tongue out to the side. A mullen mouth bit can also be the solution for strong horses, which, for example, resist the rider's hand before the jump. However, you should bear in mind that a mullen mouth bit requires sensitive riding and a steady hand. This means that both horse and rider need to have some experience before switching to a mullen mouth bit. In our online shop you can buy mullen mouth bits with both continuous and fixed rings. You also have the choice between mullen mouth bits with or without port, made of stainless steel or plastic and rubber.