Barrel Bit Talk with Danyelle Campbell
Hemi
Danyelle’s thoughts:
The Hemi is a great tool for training and competing. I like the straighter purchase with the slightly curved back shank because it helps eliminate the abruptness and “overreaction” a horse tends to have to my hand signals if a bit doesn’t feel balanced in their mouth. I feel like I’m able to get instant lift and reaction without my horses getting frantic or scared of the bit. Like ALL bits, I believe the Hemi is best used with good horsemanship skills, and incorporating the use of your legs for body control will always help your bit work more efficiently. A top-selling mouthpiece in this shank is the slow twist with a lifesaver, because the lifesaver works similarly to a small port in helping keep your horse’s front end up throughout the turn. I also like this shank with a two-piece twisted wire and a chain mouthpiece.
I like to ride this bit up in the horse’s mouth, with good contact and one good wrinkle at the corners. I often use a leather curb strap or a nylon cord to soften the feel of this bit; a chain will help give more control if needed.
Ticket
Danyelle’s thoughts:
I’ve never used another western bit with this feel. Even if they look similar, the feel is different. This is our version of an English riding classic and has been altered in size and weight to fit the needs of barrel racers and western horsemen. I love the feel of this bit. While you can use a curb strap, I do NOT use one, as I don’t feel it’s beneficial for my riding style on this particular shank. The bit stays properly balanced on their head without the curb, and I do not believe it offers any more “whoa” or control.
This bit is a great tool in my training process and fits my hands for competition. On its own, the smooth and balanced design helps with proper collection and actually helps keep the shoulders and ribcage picked up. Of course, as always, leg pressure will enhance that feel. My favorite Ticket mouthpieces are the two-piece twisted wire and Mullen. This shank can offer you a lot of bend, and the Mullen can help give you stability without so much bend if you need less. The feel this shank offers is very unique, and I always have one close by. I can ride it on horses of all ages without them getting offended while still having control. That’s a hard combination to have in one bit.
Bogey
Danyelle’s thoughts:
The Bogey shank with a set-back curb strap is intended to get an instant but positive reaction from your horse. This is a shorter shank and, in my opinion, the perfect length to get the feel I want without getting my horses “bound up” or intimidated by the feel a longer shank can have. I tend to ride this bit high enough in their mouth to have good contact, and the curb length will depend on the horse and the speed at which I’m going.
I train in this bit A LOT. I compete in this bit A LOT. My favorite mouthpiece for it is a Mullen because I use this bit to help square up my horse in the shoulders while keeping them elevated but not to the outside of a turn. I believe this bit helps the horse follow my hand through the turn with forward motion. Another popular mouthpiece is the ported chain, because you get the added control of the port without a long shank. Keep in mind, Kerry’s ported chain does have a stiffer feel than what you may envision when you hear “chain.” It’s not a solid mouthpiece but also has limited moving parts. For a softer feel, the Smart Mouth is a great option, and I also use the two-piece twisted wire often on the Bogey shank.
Frankie J
Danyelle’s thoughts:
The Frankie J is Kerry’s version of the old Neil Merrill favorite that is no longer in production. This bit has a 1” slide in the center of the shank, allowing the rider to have the lift and shoulder control they may need approaching the turn, while still keeping the ability to use contact throughout the turn to help with a smooth finish. In my opinion, this would be a step down from the Hemi, offering a little more forgiveness due to the slower action of the sliding mouthpiece. It’s a favorite among barrel racers, and this design has been around for decades.
I tend to like all of my bits to be in contact with the corners of the horse’s mouth, and this is no exception. I feel it’s even more important when you have a sliding mouthpiece. Curb strap style and length can drastically change the feel of this bit, and that depends on your personal needs. I love this shank with the two-piece twisted wire, any form of three-piece, and the chain mouth.
Butterfly
Danyelle’s thoughts:
The Butterfly is another bit that has been adapted from an old Neil Merrill design that was no longer in production. I grew up riding and training using this bit. I compare it to an O-ring, but with quicker action and a slightly stiffer feel due to that quick action. This shank can change immensely depending on the mouthpiece you choose. A Smart Mouth is very user-friendly and horse-approved—I ride this bit on green two-year-olds with no problems. I can use a two-piece twist and still have plenty of control due to the quick reaction time.
I do not use a curb strap on this shank, as I don’t find it necessary. This shank often gets overlooked, but my trainer friends and colt starters who incorporate it into their programs love it.