As
a horse trainer and teacher for over 45 years, I have watched too many horse
owners choose the training bit for their horse haphazardly. Many times it ends
up being the only bit that they own and they use it for all of their horses.
Sometimes it is a bit that they bought when they purchased their horse or one
that a friend recommends to them.
Ask yourself the
following important questions:
1. Is the bit that you ride and train with designed for
your horse and your goals?
2. Does the bit that you furnish your horse with give
him every opportunity to understand the transfer of communication from your
hands to his mouth?
You
must respect the way that your horse reacts to the bit that you use. Think of
it as a part of a developing training program. When the wrong bit is used, it
can be a major problem no matter what the discipline. It doesn’t even matter
that the rider has soft, quiet and proper hands. The wrong bit in your horse’s
mouth can cause him to have a negative attitude and become irritable and
resistant to training and riding.
Over
the years, I have worked with some older horses that have been hurt and scared
by the trainer or owner using the wrong bit. When the bit is wrong for the
horse and the rider’s hands are fast, the horse’s natural instinct is to fight
it or run away. A horse’s attitude and willingness to be a trained partner is
similar to a computer. Think of the use of a bit as input into the development
of training. Each time you ride and furnish your horse with a bit that is
forgiving, it will build confidence and result in an obedient horse.
As
a rider and/or trainer you must become aware of the “red light” indicators that
tell you something is wrong with your choice of bits for your horse. If you
notice any of these behaviors when riding, you most definitely need to take a
closer look at the bit you are using.
1. Nervousness
2. Stiffness in the jaw and poll
3. Stiffness and tightness in the top line
4. Excessive gapping in the horse’s mouth
5. Not responding to slack reins or bracing on reins
6. Losing or poking a shoulder out when turning corners
or in circles
7. Mentally drawn to the barn or exit gate of
riding/training area
Now
that you know the negative effects of using the wrong bit, I will review what
to look for in selecting the correct bit for your horse. You should understand
and demand information on the following questions before you purchase a bit.
1. What part of the horse’s mouth is receiving the
pressure or the signal?
2. Is there a preparatory command built into the bit
that can prepare the horse for what is being asked of him, or is the bit a big
metal clamp?
3. Does the mouthpiece have a copper inlay that appeals
to the horse’s taste buds?
4. Does the bit have the correct level of mildness or
severity necessary? Check the size of the horse’s mouth, the length of the
shank and the texture of the mouthpiece.
5. Does the bit have perfect balance, so that when it
sits in the horse’s mouth he has the correct bit carriage?
All
horses work better when the signal of the bit goes to the corners of their
mouth. Under the corners, or lip cover, are the horse’s “bars”. This soft
tissue is like a large sponge that transfers the signal and pressure. Horses do
not respond through tongue pressure. To see this, put your finger in your horse’s
mouth and watch him pull his tongue back behind the mouthpiece. Your better
bits will have some type of tongue release.
Whatever
country where I have judged horse shows, the top horses and class winners will
have what the horseman calls a “wet mouth”. This means that the horse will have
a certain amount of saliva. This is always what you want to see. It is the same
amount that you would find by putting a sucker into your mouth. When a horse’s
mouth is dry, it will always give you a dull feel.
The
type of metal used in the mouthpiece is an important component of the bit. The
idea is to remember that aluminum will dry the mouth, rubber has a bad taste to
the horse and that chrome will flake in the horse’s mouth. The best metal for
your horse’s bit is a silver alloy. The Europeans have been using it in their
better bits for years. Horses like it and accept it like a lollipop. Sweet iron
is also a good metal to use. You will also want to see a copper inlay in the
bit mouthpiece.
Prepared
commands on a bit will keep your horse from anticipating. The “yellow light” of
the preparatory command can come in several ways:
1. Through a signal to the pallet with a port
2. A signal through the tongue with the use of keys or
a 3-piece bit
3. How the headstall is connected to the bit
Direct poll pressure
releases an endorphin that keeps the horse relaxed and quiet. Remember, any
small movement in the horse’s mouth will be slight to the rider. Keep in mind
that a horse can feel a fly on their hip and that his mouth is a very sensitive
area.
The horse owner has
hundreds of bits to choose from. Take the time and educate yourself. Take as
much time investing in his bit as you did searching for your horse.
Importantly, keep your horse in mind. After all, it is your horse that has the
bit in his mouth.