Spring Horse Events HORSE AUCTION Saturday May 17 at the Ukiah Livestock Center 4500 Burke Hill Road, Ukiah 8-10:30 a.m. registration 10:30-12 pre-view 1:00 p.m. sale Call 462-3884 with any questions Sponsored by: Mendocino Cattleman's Assoc Mendocino County Farm Bureau CGA DISTRICT 37 2003 GYMKHANA DATES June 7, Redwood Valley July 19 & 20, Willits August 2, Willits (last show for 2002/2003 season) September 6, Willits September 20, Boonville October 4, Redwood Valley For more info call Gina Pardini 895-2290 ANNUAL REDWOOD RIDERS SPRING BUCKLE HORSE SHOW SERIES SHOW JUNE 1, 2003 Redwood Riders Arena Start time 8:30 a.m.; Judge: Jan Bolds; For more information contact: Phyllis Smoller 485-1000 or Gail Leland 485-7821. MORE EVENTS: CLICK HERE

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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@pacific.net.

T H A N K   Y O U ! Special thanks to Doris Eraldi for helping me in the selection and purchase of my new horse "Passed on the Image", whom I discovered through Rainbow's "On The Right Lead" newsletter. I explained to Doris my needs, hopes and goals as a horse owner and prospective buyer and she helped me select and obtain the horse that was right for me. Doris is a great resource for our area and I'm grateful to her for all of her help. Kristi Tripp Lakeport

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RAINBOW AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

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