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EquiSearch Community » Equine Network Magazines » Horse & Rider » Getting a young horse used to the bit?

Getting a young horse used to the bit?

Last post 11-01-2009 10:21 AM by robison02. 3 replies.
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  • 10-21-2009 8:54 AM

    Getting a young horse used to the bit?

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    I am wanting to start bitting my horse and lounging him with a bit in his mouth (loungeline not attatched to the bridel or free lounged). He bits great, even for a young horse. He responds to "head down" and puts his head down for taking it out and in. Only thing is is that he mouths the bit a lot whille he is wearing it and I don't want to work him and pull on his mouth until he gets comfortable with it. What is the best way to get him comfortable to wearing it to where he is not opening and closing his mouth all of the time. I am going to have to show him with a bit this year for english and I want him to be comforatable and confident. I have head that some people make them wear just the head stall and the bit all day, while they are eating and doing other things, but I have heard that if they eat with a bit in, they could choke and it messes up your bit. I am going to see if I can find some more information online, but comments and tips would be helpful. I have had his teeth looked at and they are fine until spring and he will get them floated.
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  • 10-21-2009 9:07 AM In reply to

    Re: Getting a young horse used to the bit?

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    Make sure that the bit actually fits him. His teeth could be fine, but the bit could be the wrong type for his mouth, or too big or small. You may need to experiment with a few different kinds - for instance, some horses do better with more jointed bits like a French Link. 

    I would not have him eat with the bit in, or leave him unattended with it, bad idea! 

    Also, be sure if you are lunging him with the bridle on to either take the reins off, or secure them. You don't want him getting tangled up/stepping on them. 
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  • 10-21-2009 9:25 AM In reply to

    Re: Getting a young horse used to the bit?

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    How old is he? What kind of bit? I'd do as you said, and free longe him with it. Also make sure it's adjusted properly and fit him properly. Some horses have a shallower palate and prefer something like a french link. Some also don't like the fatter happy mouth type bits and prefer a bit that's not as wide.

    From the ground, work on him giving to the bit - teach him to give to it when there is pressure - that will make it easier to transition when you're in the saddle. My young horse would still yak on the bit at times, and I just put a cavesson on him until he learned not to. Didn't take him long to figure it out. 

    Have his wolf teeth been removed?

    I am not a fan of leaving the bridle and bit on when unattended. 

     

  • 11-01-2009 10:21 AM In reply to

    Re: Getting a young horse used to the bit?

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    I have a stall with NOTHING in it (no feeder, hayrack, hooks, etc.  The colts will wear a snaffle bridle (with a browband and throatlatch) while in that stall.  After they have breakfast and I'm starting in on my chores, they go in that stall and wear their bridle.  That way I'm in the barn with them.  They wear it while I groom them lunge them, etc.  Definitely don't leave a horse unattended, but just wearing it and getting used to it on their own without any rein pressure can be helpful for one that constantly plays with and mouths the bit.

EquiSearch Community » Equine Network Magazines » Horse & Rider » Getting a young horse used to the bit?
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