Mikmar Combo bit, my horse and GM - need some suggestions

[forward ride]

So we are doing a clinic with George Morris in about a week and a half. My nervous TB goes in a Mikmar Combo bit for shows and when he's off property basically. He is a nervous type and likes the roller ball on the port to calm him down a little (you can hear him rolling it around and around). Anyway, I know it is also a fairly strong bit and a bit unorthodox (oops, no pun intended).

At home, he goes in a loose ring snaffle on the flat and a three ring when jumping (he gets quick when jumping). I had him in a waterford three ring, but he's gotten very heavy in that bit & tends to root down a lot (esp. when he gets nervous), so I'm gonna try moving him back to a plain snaffle three-ring with a padded, covered chain on it.

Anyway, the point of this post is, I am concerned that the Mikmar combo is too much bit for GM and he will make us change to a "smaller" bit for the clinic. Has anyone used a Mikmar Combo for a GM clinic? Since my horse does go in other bits, I'd rather just avoid the bad first impression if possible. So, having said that, I am thinking maybe a french-link three ring or a Dr. Bristol three ring?? Horse is very mouthy & enjoys something to play with, so anyone have any suggestions? Note: I will probably make this it his new "jumping" bit anyway since he is over the waterford, so I really appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you :)

[enjoytheride]

Bring what he goes best in and bring everything else too. You want your horse to stop on a dime but not be backed off and GM is a stickler for a well broke horse hot or not.

[mroades]

Bring every one you have, go into the clinic with the one your horse goes best in, and be prepared for him to say he doesnt like it. Do not take it personally. If he asks you to change it do so, but usually he makes some comment about how he doesnt like "whatever but, etc" and then moves on.

[Brydelle Farm]

Go with what you usually do, GM will make suggestions if he feels it is needed. Having other bits available is ideal.

He is a fan of the double [NOT single - too harsh] twisted wire bit for the "strong" horse.

[sptraining]

I haven't ridden with him so I can't speak from personal experience. However, it would be much worse to spend the majority of your clinic time battling your horse and not being able to work on the things you came there to work on. You're going to be nervous anyways so start with a bit you know will give you the most control.

I agree, bring different bits and don't argue. If he wants you to try something else, give it a shot - it may or may not work (George Morris isn't always right ;) ). Good luck!

[kellidahorsegirl]

I have not ridden with him, but it makes sense to me to show up in what you KNOW the horse goes best in. Don't show up in a new bit just because you were worried the clinician wouldn't like it.....he'll dislike you more because you'll be 'that' rider who can't control her horse and wasn't prepared.

Bring everything in case he has other suggestions, but he may not suggest anything else anyway. He may see that what you're doing is working great for the two of you.


and ps: I'm jealous ;)

[tinlizzie]

I did a clinic with him once (and rode with him years ago) and my horse who was a big warmblood and rather strong went in a Kimberwicke. I know, *cringe*, but it really was the best bit for him. At any rate, George asks us what type of bit we are all using and I'm waiting to get reamed when I tell him but instead he launches into this spiel about how he likes Kimberwickes when used appropriately (this was not a fixed rein type) and they shouldn't have fallen so out of favor etc. Who knew? The point is that if your bit works well and does not cause other problems he may not care.

[Alterrain]

I personally would not go into a GM clinic in a Mikmar. Too unconventional. I would try jumping your horse at home in either the 3-ring with the chain noseband and a standing martingale, or a double wire full cheek (with keepers!) and a running. See which one you like best, then show up with that bridle. I would also have the "backup" in the trailer, on a bridle made up and ready, so if you do have to switch you don't have to take apart the bridle. Other strong options to try (GM-approved): straight steel pelham, two reins, running. Vulcanite kimberwicke, running.

With the Mikmar, you may as well wear a polo shirt with a bullseye on it :)

[alteringwego]

Try a mullen mouth pelham and see how that goes. If he really has to go in a mikmar then GM will see it and approve or fix you. You're not expected to go to the clinic perfect. He's there to help and improve you.

[sptraining]

Please post how the clinic went and what happened with the bit as I'm super curious as to how he would judge the equipment. Personally, I wouldn't change the bit to start just because it's 'unconventional' but I'm also not him. I rode a few hot and strong jumpers about ten years ago before a lot of these bits showed up and wished I had had those bits then! I would think that if you could explain the reason why you've chosen that bit for your horse that he would give you the benefit of the doubt, but then again I haven't ridden with him. And I would also keep a couple back up bridles ready to go.

But please post! I'm super interested.

[forward ride]

i am thinking at this point that i will show up with the mikmar and have spares ready to go. i asked trainer today if she thought GM's head would explode if i showed up with the mikmar & she said yes, but just to have others available. i watched a clinic last year where someone showed up with a hackamore & the horse was clearly not into it & GM sent them out to get a snaffle & that was that.

i do have a mullen mouth pelham (although i'll have to get it from my old trainer :\ ), which may work, but doesn't have the nose pressure or the roller, which is part of what makes the mikmar so good for my guy. also, he tends to get super pissed in any kind of martingale. i've been working him on the flat in a running (with his snaffle) and although he doesn't toss his head much, he gets really annoyed when he is restricted. so, long story short, i am working on training the 16 year old ottb to wear a running, but we will not be ready in time for GM, no way, no how.

i did a clinic with meredith michaels-beerbaum last weekend & went with the lighter waterford 3-ring on the first day & my horse was heavy, nervous & very rooty. i switched him to the mikmar on days 2 and 3 and he was much better. she did ask me about the bit change, but i just said how it had the port and roller and kept him more calm, while also allowing me to have softer hands. i just hope that sounds as convincing to GM as well :)

i promise to report back. fyi, i may also chicken out an use a pelham at the last minute too. but i will try not to. wish me luck (and Godspeed) :)

[mroades]

I have had two students do clinincs in mikmars...he remarked that he didnt like them, but did not ask that they change them, nor ridicule them for having it.

[skallywag]

So we are doing a clinic with George Morris in about a week and a half. My nervous TB goes in a Mikmar Combo bit for shows and when he's off property basically. He is a nervous type and likes the roller ball on the port to calm him down a little (you can hear him rolling it around and around). Anyway, I know it is also a fairly strong bit and a bit unorthodox (oops, no pun intended).

At home, he goes in a loose ring snaffle on the flat and a three ring when jumping (he gets quick when jumping). I had him in a waterford three ring, but he's gotten very heavy in that bit & tends to root down a lot (esp. when he gets nervous), so I'm gonna try moving him back to a plain snaffle three-ring with a padded, covered chain on it.

Anyway, the point of this post is, I am concerned that the Mikmar combo is too much bit for GM and he will make us change to a "smaller" bit for the clinic. Has anyone used a Mikmar Combo for a GM clinic? Since my horse does go in other bits, I'd rather just avoid the bad first impression if possible. So, having said that, I am thinking maybe a french-link three ring or a Dr. Bristol three ring?? Horse is very mouthy & enjoys something to play with, so anyone have any suggestions? Note: I will probably make this it his new "jumping" bit anyway since he is over the waterford, so I really appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you :)


Are you riding in the GM Clinic at Middle Ranch, by chance? I have 2 friends who will be riding, and I will be auditing.. I can't wait.. He can be tough, but he is spot on and the best of the best..
Take good care and have a fun, enjoyable and EDUCATIONAL ride with him!!

[Dakotawyatt]

The only thing I know is his opinion on Waterfords. Watched a video of the Horsemastership clinic where Zazou was in it, and he remarked to one of the kids that Waterford bits are "useless", and he likes ones with "substance". A shame since my little ottb LOVES his.

[kookicat]

Use the bit your horse goes best in. If he doesn't like it- tough. It's not his horse, and he's not the one riding.

You shouldn't have to change your equipment based on what someone may think.

[forward ride]

Are you riding in the GM Clinic at Middle Ranch, by chance? I have 2 friends who will be riding, and I will be auditing.. I can't wait.. He can be tough, but he is spot on and the best of the best..
Take good care and have a fun, enjoyable and EDUCATIONAL ride with him!!

yep :) see you there. i will be the one with the TB in the 3pm group. usually we are the only TB at these things. i've audited many a GM clinic, but never ridden in one, so i'm super excited.

i am still on the fence about what bit, but i'll either be in a mikmar or a three ring with a curb chain. we'll see how brave i am :)