Bit Basics
By horse trainer Doris Eraldi
A properly adjusted, well-fitted bit is a vital communication tool between you and your horse. There is no question that bits can cause problems, but they are often blamed for troubles that actually stem from lack of training in either the horse or the rider. Changing the bit may help, but hoping to find the "magic bit" that will cure a horse's bad habits without having to make any other changes is wishful thinking.
Poorly designed or worn out bits can create problems such as head tossing, gaping and teeth-grinding. Be wary of loose-shank bits that have worn a sharp edge where the mouthpiece swivels on the shanks, or poorly designed bits that pinch the horse's lips. Bits designed for more advanced training or intimidation can cause problems for young or inexperienced horses. If the bit is appropriate and in good working order, then most bridle response issues result from lack of training on the part of the horse or the rider, or both.
For any bit to be effective, the horse must have bridle response he gives his head and neck and follows the pressure of the bit. The rider's hands, not the bit, teach bridle response. The most important aspect of teaching bridle response is the release of pressure. Appling a light pressure to the reins and releasing as soon as the colt gives will teach him to pay attention to light cues without resisting. By teaching the horse to respond to a cue rather than intimidating him with fear and pain, we end up with a more confident, reliable mount. Older horses with bad habits might take a more firm hand to correct, but the key is still the release. The pressure on the bit must ease when the horse responds correctly.
No bit will be effective if the rider's hands are not working properly. The rider must be balanced and in control of his hands if he wishes for good bridle response. This means applying only the amount of pressure that is needed and easing as soon as the correct response is felt. It takes a great deal of skill and practice to maintain light steady hands in spite of the action of the horse even if he is spooking, jumping or running off. Even the most mild smooth mouth snaffle can be cruel if used incorrectly, while a spade bit becomes the ultimate communication device in the hands of an skilled bridle horseman on a high-schooled horse.
Any bit you use should fit the horse and be adjusted to sit correctly in the horse's mouth. Choose a bit that is appropriate to the level of training of the horse and rider. More advanced bits, in inexperienced hands, is asking for disaster. Concentrate on developing your hands balance, feel and control of the rider's hands will make every bit more effective. Many riders need to go back to the basics and learn correct hand and bridle response. There is an old horseman's adage; There is no such thing as a severe bit, only severe hands. There is also no such thing as a "magic bit," but there definitely are horseman with magic hands.
Doris Eraldi of Eraldi Training in Potter Valley can be contacted at 707-743-1337, or e-mail dyan@eraldi.net.
Read Doris' previous article
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