Bit choice?

quarterhorse7070 · 10-10-2006, 09:26 PM

What bit should i choose to train my 2-1/2 year old mare? She does seem to have a soft mouth (she is a paint). She has had her ground training already.

almost_mozart · 10-10-2006, 09:30 PM

If you want to train the standard American cowboy way (and not traditional vaquero or anything) I'd start in a smooth mouth, broken O-ring snaffle and see where that gets you. That's what almost everyone uses these days, it seems.

Thunderz Gurlz · 10-16-2006, 12:17 PM

I personaly like full cheak snaffles or O ring snaffles.

wundahoss · 10-16-2006, 04:41 PM

I like to train youngsters in a bosal or halter first, & then *after* they've got used to feeling someone on their back, yielding & being guided by seat, leg & rein, then is the time to introduce a 'mild' bit if you like, so you don't have to use it with any force & hurt the horse.

ToveroMom · 10-16-2006, 04:53 PM

We start ours in a french link O-ring. After they have a bit of a handle on them they go on into a bosal.

**gbarmranch** · 10-16-2006, 05:04 PM

I like a tom thumb - it has enough to work on a run away, but if you have gentle hands, it works like a snaffle and will keep their head down... I use it with big soft cotton reins that allow the signal to be sent gently...I have always had great luck with this bit, and have started many many horses. Then, like TMom said, we can move down to a bosal or hackamore.

**muttduck** · 10-16-2006, 05:07 PM

My trainer started in a Paso Fino bridle called a Jaquima. We worked on flexing, bending, collection while lunging, and then ground driving.

Since Berry is too physically immature to be ridden yet, we're continuing with the training she got, but with a Dr Cook's bitless (I don't have a Jaquima.)

If that's not 'strong' enough, my trainer and I agreed on a D ring snaffle, or an eggbut snaffle...

10-10-2006, 09:26 PM
quarterhorse7070 Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: new york Posts: 125	Bit choice? What bit should i choose to train my 2-1/2 year old mare? She does seem to have a soft mouth (she is a paint). She has had her ground training already.

10-10-2006, 09:30 PM
almost_mozart Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .....transitioning..... Posts: 2,423	If you want to train the standard American cowboy way (and not traditional vaquero or anything) I'd start in a smooth mouth, broken O-ring snaffle and see where that gets you. That's what almost everyone uses these days, it seems.

10-16-2006, 12:17 PM
Thunderz Gurlz Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: South West Michigan Posts: 4,189	I personaly like full cheak snaffles or O ring snaffles. __________________ ~If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride~

10-16-2006, 04:41 PM
wundahoss Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 138	I like to train youngsters in a bosal or halter first, & then after they've got used to feeling someone on their back, yielding & being guided by seat, leg & rein, then is the time to introduce a 'mild' bit if you like, so you don't have to use it with any force & hurt the horse.

10-16-2006, 04:53 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,784	We start ours in a french link O-ring. After they have a bit of a handle on them they go on into a bosal. __________________ In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. Aaron Rose

10-16-2006, 05:04 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,575	I like a tom thumb - it has enough to work on a run away, but if you have gentle hands, it works like a snaffle and will keep their head down... I use it with big soft cotton reins that allow the signal to be sent gently...I have always had great luck with this bit, and have started many many horses. Then, like TMom said, we can move down to a bosal or hackamore. __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

10-16-2006, 05:07 PM
muttduck Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,233	My trainer started in a Paso Fino bridle called a Jaquima. We worked on flexing, bending, collection while lunging, and then ground driving. Since Berry is too physically immature to be ridden yet, we're continuing with the training she got, but with a Dr Cook's bitless (I don't have a Jaquima.) If that's not 'strong' enough, my trainer and I agreed on a D ring snaffle, or an eggbut snaffle... __________________ www.woodburnedpetportraits.com www.animalgalleryphotography.com