Ep 188: Best Practices for Choosing Bits
As a horse trainer and clinician, I often find myself engaged in discussions about bits and training equipment. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which tools to use in different scenarios with various horses. In this episode, I’m sharing my insights and best practices for choosing the right tools to effectively communicate with your horse.
The Philosophy of Using Bits
In my experience, I firmly believe that the philosophy behind using bits is more important than the bits themselves. Bits are simply tools we utilize to convey signals to our horses. While they can't fix everything, making slight changes in the tools we use can help us progress to the next level or overcome communication challenges with our horses.
Starting with the D-Ring Snaffle Bit
When I begin working with colts, one of my favorite tools is the D-ring snaffle bit. In my experience, this bit is a great tool for communicating with your horse because it is very user-friendly and it allows the horse plenty of opportunity to understand and respond to the signals you are sending. It is a tool that allows you to establish familiar signals, confidence and feel. When a horse gets to a point where they are ready to transition up from this bit, you can always go back to the D-ring snaffle to create a familiar feel where they are comfortable and relaxed.
Transitioning to Shanked Bits
As a horse progresses in their performance within a specific discipline, there comes a time when transitioning to a shanked bit becomes necessary to gain more advanced control over speed and direction. During this transition, I often gravitate towards short shank snaffle bits or bits with slight gags. These options maintain simplicity in the mouthpiece, resembling the D-ring snaffle, but with changes in the bit's shank. By altering the point of contact, we introduce subtle changes to the signals we send while still maintaining a familiar feel for the horse.
Understanding Multiple Signals and Bit Adjustments
It's important to realize that a bit can convey more than one signal at a time. Factors such as curb straps, purchase length, and shank length can introduce new signals to the horse, indicating a different response. This is why I advocate for starting horses with D-ring snaffles. These bits provide a single point of contact, making it clear and simple for the horse to focus on the desired response.
The Role of the Rider and Bit Selection
As a rider, our effectiveness with a bit depends on how we use it. I've observed that riders with different hand strengths and signals may require different bits to ensure clear communication with their horses. For instance, a horse may struggle to pick up on signals from a light-handed person, necessitating a slightly heavier bit to enhance the horse’s clarity and understanding of the responses we are asking for. It's important to remember that the bit is not meant for control but rather for communication and clarifying the signals we send.
Pressure and Release for Better Communication
The use of pressure and release is fundamental in communicating with our horses. When we provide a quick and immediate release, we signal to our horses that they have responded correctly. This system of pressure and release engages the horse's “thinking” side of the brain, helping them quickly comprehend the responses we ask for.
Pulling vs. Holding Pressure in the Bit
When I send a signal through a bit, my horse is either going to begin looking for a response or begin getting defensive. Oftentimes, if a horse doesn’t immediately begin looking for the response, we will pull on them and increase pressure. This is not always the most effective approach. For example, when I begin to pull on them, increasing the pressure of the signal usually stimulates more reactive responses and pushes them into self defensive mode. On the other hand, if I ask for the signal and simply hold the same amount of pressure, this allows me to send a continuous signal while my horse figures out the response I am asking for. I've found that by allowing the horse time to understand the signals and maintaining clear and consistent communication, the more consistently they can provide the desired response.
Other Equipment Considerations - Saddle Fit
Apart from bits, saddle fit plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and movement of our horses. A well-fitting saddle and pad combination enables horses to round and arch their backs into the tree of the saddle comfortably. In other words, a well-fitting saddle aids with collections. To assess saddle fit, I have a simple method: I place my hand on the horn and the cantle, then push down. If there is minimal rocking back and forth, it usually indicates a decent fit. While I'm not an expert in saddle fitting, this quick test helps me determine if the saddle provides initial comfort for the horse.
In conclusion…
At the end of the day, training tools are only as effective as the person using them. We can use the same tools in different ways and each get different responses. That’s why it’s important to remember that the philosophy behind using these tools is more important than the tool itself. Great horsemanship is all about communication and leadership. The equipment you use is simply a method of communication.
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