Train a horse

A Bit About Bits

Ever wonder what bits do what on horses?  Everyone should learn bit usage in horse training.

As riders, we have to be careful how we train a horse with bits because when we use the reins we can get different actions out of horses.

For instance, when you use a snaffle bit you will be pulling the bit from one side creating pressure on the opposite side of the horse's mouth.

Pull on the right, pressure is put on the left.

What a lot of people don't know is you have to use a bit according to what it's made for.

In other words, if you are now using a curb bit and pull on it like you would the snaffle, your horse won't have a clue as to what you want.

In fact, you can confuse and frighten him quick as lightning.

As I've said before, a bit is a signal device - it is not the brakes or steering on the vehicle.

Another mistake often made is the size of the bit.

When first starting a horse, a mistake is often made to use a snaffle with HUGE mouth pieces bigger 'n my swelled thumb.

Heck, the horse can't even keep his mouth closed with that bit.

There's a lot to know about bits. I certainly can't write it all in an email, there's just too much to know.

But the basics will get you far, far ahead of the game.

If you can, read about them. There's a lot of good material out there.

Just remember, it's not the bit that does the training, it does the signaling.

And one last thing.

March's featured horse trainer for Super Stars of Horse Training has Linda Braddy who explains a lot of killer information about bits,  why to use them, when, how, etc. (She also teaches one of how to effectively use one of the most potent horse training principles there is.)


We actually filmed her "bit" talk inside a Western Wear and tack store.

You can hear the "cha ching" of the cash registers, people walking around, phones ringing...


But when you watch and listen to her, you will be blown away by her knowledge.

You might even be surprised at yourself by how much you know about bits after you listen to
her.

Anyway,...if you're not a member of SS of HT, then you ought to at least join for couple months just to see what you're missing.

We won't make you give blood, sign your life away, or ask for your first born.