A copper bit is beautiful to see. However, it is not just a pretty face. Copper has a use. Horses are as different as people are when it comes to what tastes they like or dislike. Many horses appear to like the sweet taste of copper and seem to accept their bit better than a… Read More Copper Bits
Whether bitting your horse for the first time or transitioning to a new bit, put the headstall and bit onto your horse in a comfortable, confined space such as his stall, and let him wear it daily – slowly working the time up to several hours – before you add reins or pressure. You can… Read More Bit Transition
Simple Considerations for Choosing a Horse Bit Before you choose a bit, consider 1. Your horse’s age and dentition: Most beginning trainers think that a horse works his way from a “gentle” bit to a “severe” bit as he gets older and better trained. Actually that is the opposite of what is true. A simple… Read More Choosing a Bit
Shop Horse Bits Why a Bit? Start Here Horse Bits Explained A horse’s mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of his anatomy. He can discern and manipulate his environment from his first days as an inquisitive foal, chewing on everything, practising separating grass from weed and food from dirt. Bitting a horse and… Read More Bits, Horse – Intro
It is a good idea with a young, inexperienced horse to work with his mouth before introducing a bit. Play with his lips. Put your fingers into his mouth, massage his bars, rub his palate. This can be done with newborn foals during the imprinting process or on an older horse who has not had… Read More Training Exercises: How to Introduce a bit
The tongue is a fat muscle that lies easily inside the bottom mouth cavity. When relaxed, it is flat and flaccid pressing gently against the roof of the mouth (palate). The bit sits across the tongue. In a relaxed state, the horse is able to gently “carry” the bit by holding it against his palate… Read More Horse Anatomy: Tongue