The MB 04 is similar to the MB 02 in that it will rotate on the tongue and apply tongue pressure, however, it has a small (¼") port that introduces some tongue relief to the horse. The port allows the horse to swallow and move his tongue when he is moving forward and relaxed, which acts as a release or reward. The mouthpiece is curved, and it wraps around the bars and lips instead of pinching. Sweet iron mouthpiece oxidizes and encourages salivation.
Notes: The MB 04 provides an excellent transition from Level One to Level Two. It is suitable for a wide range of horses including green horses, experienced horses entering the Myler System, horses that have been ridden exclusively in a single-jointed mouthpiece, or horses that have not been ridden for a while needing re-schooling.
The western dee with hooks is a circular stainless steel ring with fixed attachment of the mouthpiece, with top and bottom rings (“hooks”) for headstall and rein attachment. The small loop behind the top slot accommodates a curb strap (attach with two curb hooks). The top bridle ring will fit standard ⅝" leather found on most headstalls. The bottom rein ring has recently been updated to fit slobber straps up to approximately 1 ¾". The knob on the top of the rein ring is for decoration—it has no function.
The hooks make this a much more versatile version of the dee without hooks. Attaching the headstall to the top hook holds the bit in the correct position instead of allowing it to slide around the bridle cheek pieces. Attaching the reins to the rein hooks allow the rider to lift the cheek and use the Independent Side Movement™ of the mouthpiece. Using the hooks does not add leverage but allows the rider to transition from a direct rein action to indirect action without changing the bit. Adding a curb strap (using a Myler curb strap kit) incorporates curb pressure. Curb pressure is recommended for ported mouthpieces.
