Very good used 5″ Myler Lynn McKenzie MMB Medium Shank Sweet Iron Low Port Barrel MB06 from the Lynn McKenzie signature series. Per this maker, this bit is a level 2-3 bit meaning it is designed for basic training horses with a good disposition and self control, advanced training horses but a challenging disposition or horses showing resistance to the level 2 mouthpiece. Level 2-3 Bits are also recommended for horses showing resistance to a level 2 bit. This bit is a bit of an anomaly, as its a patented design with Myler and Lynn McKenzie, but carries the initials NM, which is from Neil Merrill’s line of bits. This one is technically the medium shank, however, measures 7″ rather than 6.5″. Is marked Myler, and is clearly from Lynn McKenzie’s line of bits. Comes with curb chain. Per Myler:
The MB 06 is a Myler alternative to the traditional mullen, but it has a wide low port that allows the tongue to pass under it comfortably. The port is ¾” high, just enough to allow the horse’s tongue to elevate slightly and swallow, but not high enough for palate pressure. When the reins are engaged, the 06 applies pressure primarily to the bars and lips. Sweet iron mouthpiece oxidizes and encourages salivation.
The MMB shank is an indirect (curb) rein action designed to be used with the curb chain which is attached to the purchase. The MMB shank uses the combination of the fixed cheek and fixed rein to apply pressure to the mouth, chin and poll. The MMB’s innovation is the sliding action of the mouthpiece. When the reins are engaged, the mouthpiece moves, giving the horse the opportunity to respond to the lightest signal before the mouthpiece hits the stop. The distance the mouthpiece can travel between the stops means that this cheekpiece will not apply very much downward pressure. The design of the mouthpiece attachment does not allow the mouthpiece to slide as readily along the shank giving it a more solid feel than the HBG. The patented Neil Merrill purchase plate disperses pressure evenly against the horse’s face.
