The Myler brothers developed their bitting system to create a gentler, more effective way of communicating with horses. Using an anatomically comfortable bit that gives clear signals appropriate for the training level of each horse is fundamental to successful training and good horsemanship.

Bits can apply pressure to essentially seven different points on a horse’s head: tongue, bars, poll, nose, lips, chin groove, and hard palate. Depending on its design, the bit might use only one or a combination of several pressure points.

The Mylers based their approach to bitting design on this very simple philosophy of tongue pressure and tongue relief: of the seven places we can apply pressure using various bits, the tongue creates more evasion than all of the others combined.

To understand tongue pressure, try this simple test: stick your finger in your mouth and press down on your tongue. Hold that tongue pressure and start running. How far did you get before you had to swallow?

Swallowing is a reflexive action – your body does it involuntarily, as does your horse’s body. The tongue is a muscle, attached to muscles in the horse’s neck, chest and consequently in his back. Inhibiting its ability to swallow impedes the performance of that entire group of muscles. As you found when you restricted your own tongue, you must be able to elevate your tongue and swallow in order to continue moving forward.

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Recognizing the Signs of Resistance

Bits can only do two things: create evasion or relaxation. Evasion or “resistance” is any behavior the horse employs that puts him in conflict with the action of the rider, often to evade that action. Horses resist the bit to find more tongue relief. These Signs of Resistance are most often associated with the bit:

1. Going behind the bit

2. Going above the bit

3. Overactive mouth: gaping

4. Overactive mouth: tongue out of the mouth, drawing the tongue into the throat

5. Overactive mouth: tongue over the bit

6. Rooting/leaning on the bit, running through the bit

When your horse is resisting the bit, you need to find a bit that gives him more tongue relief than the bit you are currently using. The Myler Levels match your horse with a mouthpiece that can offer him the comfort he deserves while giving you the communication and control that you need.

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Myler Levels

The Myler level of your horse is based on his disposition and experience. It’s a graduated system, meaning that as he learns, he earns more tongue relief. When your horse resists the bit, go softer not harder.

Level One

Appropriate for the novice horse, just beginning training, with a challenging disposition. Riding in a discipline, that restricts bits to a single-jointed mouthpiece

Bits:

• Rotates on the tongue to apply tongue pressue

• Collapses to form a “U” instead of a “V”, protecting lips and bars from being pinched

• Curves to allow more room for the tongue, protects the lips and bars from being pinched

• Independent Side Movement (ISM) on most mouthpieces

Level Two

Appropriate for a young or green horse, just beginning training, with a steady disposition. Or older, just beginning training, training for a new discipline, or retraining after a long lapse. Riding in a Level 1 mouthpiece and showing resistance

Bits:

• Offers tongue relief with either a small port or flexible mouthpiece

• Rotates on to the tongue to apply some tongue pressure

• Collapses to form a “U” instead of a “V”, protecting lips and bars from being pinched

Level Two-Three

Appropriate for a horse with basic training, good disposition and self-control. Or Advanced training but a challenging disposition – anxious, aggressive, or fearful. Riding in a Level 2 mouthpiece and showing resistance.

Bits:

• Ported, offering more tongue relief than Level 1 or 2

• Correctional mouth pieces that apply some tongue pressure or curb mouth pieces that apply little tongue pressure

• Uses more bar, poll, chin pressure than Level 1 or 2

• Curves to allow more room for the tongue

• Options with or without ISM

Level Three

Appropriate for a performance horse with advanced training and a solid disposition. Or an experienced trail horse with a solid/trustworthy disposition. Riding in a Level 2-3 curb bit and showing resistance.

Bits:

• Curb bits with wider ports for maximum tongue relief, little to no tongue pressure

• Uses primarily bar, poll and curb pressure

• Curves to allow more room for the tongue

• Options with or without ISM

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Myler Bit Features
1. Curved Mouthpiece - The distinctive curve creates more room for the tongue to pass under the bit so the horse can swallow more freely. Although Level 1 mouthpieces have a more pronounced curve, all Myler mouthpieces are curved to some degree.

2. Independent Side Movement - The barrel in the centre acts as a bushing, allowing each side of the bit to move independently of the other. When you lift one rein, only one side of the bit moves, giving the horse a very clear signal. Provides excellend shoulder control as well as lateral flexion.

3. Modified Snaffle Cheeks – “Hooks” - The “hooks” which are slots (English Dee or Eggbutt) or rings (Western Dee) that keep the bridle fixed in place and create two rein positions. Attach the reins directly to the ring (a) for standard direct rein action or to the hook (b) to lift the cheek and use the Independent Side Movement, adding little to no leverage. The English Dee and Eggbutt also have a hole on the top of each cheek (c) for a curb chain so you can transition from direct rein to indirect rein without changing the bit or increasing the leverage.

4. Patented Independent Swivel Cheek - The purchase of the cheekpiece moves independently of the shank so the purchase can flex when the shank moves, preventing it from digging into the horse’s cheek when the reins are engaged. This feature is currently offered on the Myler Combination Bits.

What is magnetotherapy?

Magnetotherapy is a medical method that treats several pathologies in man and animals, exploiting magnetic fields.

How does it work?

The cells, whose fundamental task is the production of energy, have an electronic voltage that feeds a coordinated activity on a level of tissues and organs. In a situation of internal or external injury, cell activity is compromised and the consequences are inflammation, pain etc. The creation of a magnetic field by means of permantently magnetised NEODYMIUM plates having several polarities helps restore the biological energy, slowing down the physiological deterioration of tissues.

Effects of magnetic fields

The magnetic fields favour and facilitate lymphatic and blood microcirculation, the change and use of nutrient substanced by the cells, the natural biological defence system and the elimination of metabolic waste matter. Moreover, the magnetic fields provide significant benefits in all inflammatory processes which are often accompanied by pain. The benefit is obtained through a reduction of the inflammatory process and, at the same time, an analgetic action with respect to the tissue nerve fibres.

Indications

Magnetotherapy also stimulates vasodilatation, ie. increases the blood flow to the injured part, speeds up the elimination of dead cells and toxins, relaxes the muscles and reduces swelling. The static magnetic energy also stimulates the production of ELASTIN and COLLAGEN, which are indispensable elements for the reconstruction of tissues.

The mission of KEP Italia is to protect the rider with maximum technology and elegance, in such a way that the rider feels safer in expressing his talent.

Each model is developed from concepts of optimising physical perfomance while utilising select materials that produce immeasurable comfort for the rider, with the patented ‘Air Control System’ of ventilation developed by KEP Italia.

All helmets comply with the following standards: CE, ASTM, BS and KITEMARK.

Key features of KEP Helmets:

GRILLE: The front grill has an air control system through the delicate moving up and down of the central switch. The polystyrene foam guarantees major protection in the case of penetration of insects. The fram of the hardhat is the perfect coordination of three interconnecting parts that leave sinuous paths for a great air circulation. The high-tech polystyrene is in double density foam for a better shock absorption.

AIR CONTROL SYSTEM: The perfect and homogenous air circulation keeps the head always cool and dry. Hot air generated by the head temperature speed out to outer surface and through the rear channels. The peak is flexible in order to avoid fractures during a fall.

CHIN STRAP: Five point harness fitted with the hardhat support system. The chinstrap directly inserted in the hardhat through three passing rings is completely in smooth non-allergic and washable leather. The rivets are not in contact with the skin. This has been studied to avoid skin disorders.

INNER PAD: The one piece inner padding is attached to an anatomic cushion that perfectly fits the nape ensuring optimum and absolute air diffusion thanks to the high-tech materials used. Coolmax® coupled with open-cells filter and smooth Sanitised treated micro-fibre.  The inner pad can also be bought separately.

KEP Helmets are available in two shell sizes, with interchangeable liners to determine the size of the helmet. The medium shell runs from sizes 51-58 and the large shell runs from 59-62.

The Cavallo collection includes stylish breeches and fashionable show jackets for men, women and children.

Cavallo pride themselves on combining both fashion and function in all products. With modern designs, Cavallo are continually launching new styles and colours that meet with the dynamic needs of their riders. With this, Cavallo also offer unparamounted choice, with all full seat breeches available in customised colours. Riders are able to choose both the breech, and seat colour options, allowing you to create your breeches exactly how you want them.

Gersemi is the equestrian fashion brand that has a passion for style, quality and function. With a modern Scandinavian design and a mythological Nordic heritage Gersemi has an international appeal for women that love fashion. All garments are machine washable and easy to care for.

The Gersemi design team have added little details that make Gersemi breeches special. The attention to detail in the cut of the breeches ensures that the fit is perfect and whether you prefer a full seat or a fabric seat – Gersemi have an option for you.

Why not take a look today?

OFFICE WHIRLWIND:

Rafael is a 13 month old Border Terrier who belongs to Kathryn Langley, operations manager at Amira Equi, Milton Keynes. This primarily ecommerce retailer was founded by Danish eventing enthusiast Ib Ravn-Aagaard and specialises in high quality products which are shipped all over the world. Every morning, Rafael turns out the horses, then prepares for his day ahead at work in the busy office. His main role is to meet and greet visitors. “Rafael is on exceptionally good terms with our daily delivery drivers,” said Kathryn. “He lets us know when a delivery is arriving by his excitable reaction, causing a whirlwind within the office!” The tireless terrier is also responsible for the disposal of parcel strapping, which becomes his entertainment for the next hour. He also assists with order picking, always being first into the stockroom to make sure he’s not missing out. “Rafael completes his day by escorting the courier to his van with out-going orders,” added Kathryn. “In return he receives a biscuit.”

As published in Equestrian Trade News, January 2012 edition, p.13

For more information about the magazine, you can visit their website at: www.equestriantradenews.com

From all of us here at Amira Equi, we hope you have a…

We hope your Christmas shopping has been successful. However, if you need some last minute gift ideas (or if you just want to snap up a bargain) why not take a look at our special offers page? Loads more items have just been added, and all items have been discounted! All items on Special Offer are in stock and available for shipping immediately. Just remember, if you are an international customer your parcels may take an extra few days to get to you.

Special offers include:

Over the Christmas period, there will be some slight changes to our customer service opening hours. Therefore, we will try our best to answer all of your enquiries as quickly as possible before closing. Opening hours will be as follows (UK time):

Friday 23rd Dec: 8am – 1pm

Saturday 24th Dec: Closed

Sunday 25th Dec: Closed

Monday 26th Dec: Closed

Tuesday 27th Dec: Closed

Wednesday 28th Dec: 9am – 5pm

Thursday 29th Dec: 9am – 5pm

Friday 30th Dec: 9am – 5pm

Saturday 31st Dec: Closed

Sunday 1st Jan: Closed

Monday 2nd Jan: Closed

Tuesday 3rd Jan: Normal opening hours resume

Once again, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

The Bucas range offers highly innovative and technically advanced products. Bucas boast that their intelligent turnout rugs contain breathable properties as well as Stay-dry linings. This means if the weather changes while your horse is turned out, there is no need to worry about changing rugs as these rugs work over a greater temperature range than ordinary rugs.

All Bucas intelligent turnout rugs are helpfully labelled with “temperature gauges” instead of the traditional weight system. This is because the highly technical fabrics offer maximum performance in terms of insulation and breathability, but manage to do this without bulk, therefore they naturally weigh less than standard rugs.

Bucas also offer products comparable with standard products on the market, without the unique features of the intelligent products but offering the same Bucas quality.

Gemma Austin, Marketing & Business Development

The Samshield Helmet was designed with the fashion-conscious rider in mind, and boasts both a technical vision and a creative energy.

All helmets are designed and finished by hand in France. The helmets offer exceptional fit and comfort and are all certified to EN 1384, ASTM F1163/SEI Standards. For British riders, helmets marked ASTM F1163/SEI are accepted in Great Britain as an alternative to KiteMark by: British Eventing, BSJA and British Riding Clubs.

One of the most exciting features that separates the Samshield Helmet from others is that riders are able to customise their helmet exactly how they want. Customisation includes a wide range of colours; trims; leathers, name and logo options, and even the choice of adding Swarovski crystals.

Key Features include:

The Shell

• New generation of extra strong, extra light polycarbonate paired with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) inner core that absorbs, controls and defuses shock upon impact
• Inner shell can be replaced speedily and cheaply after a fall.
• Premium Helmets are covered with Alcantara®, a luxury synthetic suede renowned for its colour-retaining properties and sumptuous feel.

The Liner

• Interchangeable, allowing different sizes to be created within the same shell
• Memory foam, giving consistent shape and depth for exceptional fit, comfort and stability
• Fixed with poppers rather than Velcro for simple and accurate placement every time
• Hypoallergenic; breathable; and machine-washable

The Harness

• Leather covered foam harness anchors the helmet and prevents tipping

Ventilation

• Discrete vents above and below the visor avoid the need for unstylish large air intakes
• Highly effective airflow channels help increase circulation and eliminate sweat
• Unique cut-out design creates space between the forehead and the front of the helmet, optimising air flow and reducing pressure and headaches

 Gemma Austin, Marketing & Business Development

We competed in the Prelim and Novice classes and secured 5th place in both classes. Pearl was on great form and was not distracted by the decorative flowers and banners around the arena.

We will be aiming for the next seasons Chiltern and Thames Winter Championships in the Novice and Elementary classes.

Kathryn Langley, Operations Manager