Remember, a horse that is scared or worried will not work to his full potential. He’ll be tentative and prone to make mistakes due to his nervousness. A pro’s advice about the bitting processand what bit to use when. For 10 years, I trained with a running martingale purely out of habit. Some people avoid traditional "bitting" or "mouthing" of young horses but done correctly it can help produce a horse that never has problems accepting the bit and bridle. For those horses, the next bit I’ll use will be a low-port mouthpiece with 8” loose shanks (cheeks). Important note: This roller “limits” the movement of the mouthpiece. This week in our Bit Series we will be talking about some good bitting principles. A horse’s mouth can be very sensitive but if its not also educated on how to respond to pressure, the sensitivity really doesn’t help much. Even though I’m advancing the horse in the bitting process, I still want the curb bit to have “loose” shanks. A tuning bit is any bit the horse will respect and REALLY listen to. The difference is, the Billy Allen mouthpiece has a “roller” that is molded over the middle joint. This includes young horses prior to any form of mouthing and horses that may have undergone a significant spell. With the higher port, there is less tongue pressure and more bar pressure. For most horses this is a very easy transition. Another bit that I sometimes use to lighten a horse up is a “draw” or “gag” bit. And you stay with that mild bit until the colt doesn’t respond to it well enough anymore. The horse is already familiar with the snaffle mouthpiece so the only thing he needs to adjust to is the curb action of the shanks. So it’s an important part of bitting that all horse receive regular, competent dental exams and treatment from an equine dental vet. You want him attentive and responding well but not afraid. When often the issue is not a bitting issue. Most horses are going to need a snaffle with a thinner mouthpiece so I’ll go to my absolute favorite snaffle…. So, if you want your horse to be a reining horse, you should teach him to stop, spin, change leads etc. Should they go to a snaffle bit with more “bite” to it or should they go to a curb bit? Usually, a few rides in the snaffle fixes the horse up and I can go back to the curb bit. Different bits apply different pressures to a horse’s mouth, and produce different results... but all depending on the horse. My favorite training snaffle has a thin, smooth mouthpiece that is 3/16” in diameter. For a ridden horse we then have in addition to this our seat and leg aids, clearly not something we have in driving. different types of bits look like, click on the links below. switch back to a milder bit. Ideally, the horse should be taught to do everything that you want him to while being ridden in the snaffle bit. So, if you want your horse to be a reining horse, you should teach him to stop, spin, change leads etc. The reason is because it works on different pressure points than a regular snaffle bit. These twisted-wire bits have some “bite” to them and will convince even an older, hard mouthed horse to respond and lighten up. If you want to try a piece of equipment that DOES HELP a horse learn to give to your hands, supple-up and flex at the poll… use a German martingale. Especially the older horses that are being tuned up or re-trained. 46 talking about this. Side note: For the horses that are normally being ridden in an o-ring snaffle, I’ll use a curb bit that has a “correction” mouthpiece and very short, curved-back, “Argentine” shanks (loose shanks). A bitting rig or bitting harness is a training tool for horses that can teach a horse to accept a bridle and bit, and later assist a horse in developing the necessary musculature for a given equestrianism discipline. It’s usually a stronger bit than the horse really needs on a day to day basis. Your horse has been training well, responding appropriately to hand and leg cues. Now, don’t confuse a mouth that is merely “sensitive” with a mouth that is “educated”. still has some “flex” to it. A day BEFORE the show or maybe even DURING the show, you want to ride the horse with your TUNING BIT. Horse Bit Hire can help give you the best choice for your horse. Once he knows how to work, then you can step him up to a curb bit. It seems there is a lot of confusion about when to use a certain type of bit and when not to. Either they refuse to lighten up at all or they will get light for a while and then revert back to being heavy. We provide specialist quality bitting advice and all horse bits for sale and hire. The reason why is because the Billy Allen mouthpiece moves and is flexible similar to a snaffle. Every time I go back to a milder bit to Even though it works well, be aware that a “twisted” mouthpiece is abrasive and can sore a horse’s mouth if it’s used too many days in a row or too harshly. But one morning he starts tossing his head and leaning on one rein, and you’re at a loss as to why. Most horses love this bit and you can usually leave a horse in it for most of his training. A regular snaffle bit works by placing pressure on a combination of points. 1.3K likes. However, the horse might be in pain. Finding the right bit for your horse can often be a challenge. We’re not the largest – we are the most specialised. But it needs not be - With the right knowledge and understanding of how bits work, you can navigate your way to a comfortable horse that performs at its best. Saddles. Whilst bitting a horse for riding is fundamental, the need for correct bitting in carriage driving is actually much greater. It’s a loose shank bit with what is called a “Billy Allen” mouthpiece. Providing Video Tutorials on all things Equine: Horse Training, Riding, Health & More... Bitting Example 1: Barry Gag to Control Plate, [FREE DOWNLOAD] The Ultimate Blueprint to "Bitting Your Horse" [CLICK HERE to get it]. Okay, now let’s get back to the bitting process. Transition bits are middle-of-the-road bits used to transition the horse from the snaffle to a regular curb bit. snaffle. I hope this information helps you with your horse training. I recommend riding the horse with it for one or two days to lighten him up and then switch back to the smooth-wire snaffle. Just click on the link to go to the subscribe page. If you adjust it short enough to encourage the horse to flex at the poll for vertical flexion, it is too short and interferes with lateral flexion. Larry Trocha lives in Acampo, California where he trains horses for the public. 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