Bits work with pressure being placed on parts of the horse's mouth. The style of the bit determines where the pressure is placed. Pressure can be brought to bear on the lips, chin groove, tongue, bars and the roof of the mouth.
Snaffle bits are generally considered the mildest bit; every horse ought to be started in a snaffle bit. Curb and gag bits are the harshest bits and can be severe. It is important to find a bit that is appropriate to your horse's needs and one that fits.
A bit that does not fit your horse is ineffective and will give you more problems than what it is worth. If you do not know the size bit you need, ask horse owners to help you. Perhaps you could borrow a few different bits to try and fit. When you find one that does not hang loosely in your horse's mouth, or pinch up the corners of his mouth you have a fit.
You only need to see a quarter of an inch of bit outside of your horse's mouth. That is of the mouthpiece, the actual part that is placed in the mouth, not the part or parts that the reins attach to.
If you have a horse that is experienced in being ridden, you may need to purchase a bit that is not as gentle as a snaffle. Some riders have hard hands and with constant yanking and pulling on the reins, they "harden" a horse's mouth. A horse trainer will be able to tell you if your horse needs a stronger bit than a snaffle.
Do not buy a harsher bit just because you are having difficulty controlling your horse. There are several factors that could be attributing to the lack of control such as his diet and your inexperience.
A horse's mouth is going to harden over the years of being ridden. If you immediately change to a harsher bit without looking at other causes of lack of control, you are speeding up the process and could well be ruining your horse's mouth. Besides using your bit to direct your horse, you have to learn the correct seat and leg aids to communicate and control your horse.
When you find the correct bit for your horse, the true test will come when you ride him. Your horse should be comfortable, if he shows signs of resistance (acting different than usual and not in a good way) then you need to look further and find something to suit him better.
You may think horse dentistry is a new fad, but there is nothing new under the sun. Hay-fed horses do not need to use their incisors in the same way, with the result that these do not get worn down and eventually get so long that the horse cannot close its mouth sufficiently to use the molars to grind its food. A thorough oral examination requires the use of a full-mouth speculum and a mild sedative or relaxant. Surprisingly, a significant proportion of horses suffer from tooth maladies which can affect the way they take the bit. Many horses have persistent problems which cause uneven eating, distortions of facial muscle development and a build-up of pressure, which in turn can lead to constant headaches. Incorrect filing can radically change the angle of impact and effectively prevent the horse from eating. Ironically, only veterinary practitioners are legally empowered to practice equine dentistry, although many are not capable of the most basic form of it. This may be because in dressage both the horse and its rider demonstrate the power, suppleness and joy related to ballet. Dressage, from beginner to master, betters stability, flexibility, and pliancy this ensures the horse can perform standard requirements to a higher level. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and classical dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage. The saddle is tailored with a lengthy and straight flap, fitting the rider's leg, with a gentle curve in the knee, a low seat and usually a prominent knee block. AWith all this it is perhaps a surprise to discover that all over the globe there are hundreds of minor dressage events. Dressage is undertaken in a 60 meter long, with the width a third of the length arena with letters, A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. Riders taking part in competitive dressage realise they need to concentrate on the piaffe, passage, half-pass, extended trot, and tempi changes.
Both Paddy & Calvin Joness are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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