Bit?

HorseCrazy1981 · 04-05-2004, 11:37 AM

I was at the show Saturday and had brought a few of my old bits along. One of my "friends" Was trying to help me pick one out that might work on my filly. I have an O-ring broken bit, and a "Tom-thumb"? broken bit that she said would be good, but she said that since my filly has such a small mouth that she would worry about the bit hitting the top of her mouth. She was suggesting maybe a bitless hackamore, does anyone have any pics of one properly fitted? Some people I see it seems theirs are set too low.

Jumpers · 04-05-2004, 12:07 PM

How small is this filly? I can't imagine the horse is so small that you can't fit a bit in her mouth. They even make bits for 10 hand ponies!

I would say just search for a thinner/smaller snaffle. It'll be slightly harsher than a thick mouthed snaffle, but the bit needs to fit, so you won't have any other choice.

Hackamores are actually quite severe. If I were going to go that route, I would look into a bitless bridle or a bosal instead of the hackamore.

harli36 · 04-05-2004, 12:26 PM

I agree with Jumpers that hackamores can be severe. Plus if your starting this filly out it would be a good idea to have her trained to a bit. Even if you never use one it might be needed one day.

I'm assuming that this "friend" didn't mean she has a small mouth but that the fillies roof of her mouth is lower compared to other horses. If that is the case then you could try a more narrow straight bar bit or a snaffle that is broken in two places.

CJ · 04-05-2004, 01:37 PM

Hackamores are potentially quite severe, due to the mechanical leverage between the nose band, curb strap & long shanks. That combination equates to 'power brakes' which a bosal does not have, in case the horse gets spooked, bolts. I've hacked Raps frequently in a mechanical hackmaore with a fleece covered noseband, and he goes on a very light rein, attuned to cues, not because it's abusive. I think he likes it. But he's over both 16h & 1K lbs, so I want to be able to stop him If he shys. It's not a good beginner's bit, requires sensitive hand/ling, but I think it gets maligned by metal-bitters way too often.

HorseCrazy1981 · 04-05-2004, 04:31 PM

What she meant was that (My filly is an arab) the 5" bit that I had was too wide and probably too heavy. She said I might look for something that has a copper roller(?) on it. I always wanted to try a bosal, but never actually saw one on a horse in person. The sidepull I bought for her is too big, I was thinking about maybe having one custom made for her (out of nylon) by my saddlery guy. They are going to make a custom halter and headstall for my Belgian filly (otherwise I have to catalog order it, and it may or may not fit).

PaintShowin · 04-05-2004, 06:06 PM

I think HorseCrazy is referring to a bosal type hackamore, not a mechanical one. In western, a mechanical hackamore is not permitted to show in anyway. Here is a picture of me showing a young stallion in a Bosal, but I'm sorry it is not more revealing as to fit and position. I hope it helps, and it is set just right on his nose.

Be very careful in selecting a bosal. Quality is of utmost importance. There are several cheap ones out there, and unfortunately a lot of the time you get what you pay for. It should be soft and pliable. Not stiff. It should be very round at the top, so it fits very loosely over the sides of your horse's face. It should sit RIGHT where the bone quits and the cartilage starts on the nose. This place on the horse's face varies from horse to horse. It should also be tightly woven, not loose, lazy weaving, which will come looser and eat up your horse's face. Also, it should not rub on your horse's jaw. This will make the jaw sore, and if you have a sore jaw on your horse, you may as well pack up and go home, because your horse will be hurting and resenting contact, making his head come up, etc. I like to rub vaseline on the jaw of my horse when using a bosal so that it has freedom to move and won't sore up the jaw.

Blistering Winds · 04-05-2004, 06:21 PM

First, what is it you want to do with your filly?

HOw old is she? What is she currently trained for and with what kind of bit is she use to?

Don't just follow the "fad". Go with what your filly works best with. NOt just what is "IN" In the show ring. You may try 10 million different bits till you find the ONE for your horse. That includes the bosals and hackamores in that "bit" list.

probarrelracer · 04-05-2004, 07:51 PM

If this is the filly that you are planning to run barrels on, stick with a snaffle bit. Hackamores are only for seasoned barrel horses, or horses with injuries to the mouth. They may work well for other disciplines, but are usually terrible for barrels. I've known a few that went well with them, but most don't. wink

HorseCrazy1981 · 04-06-2004, 04:43 AM

I am sure I could go through 1000 bits, but unfortunately, I don't have that much money. I went into my western tack store yesterday afternoon and there were so many different bits there. And yes, this is the filly I want to run barrels with. She is teething still, so I have time to find a bit. Right now we are just using her halter with lead ropes attached. She has not been professionally trained for anything. But she is saddle-broke, and I guess rider-broke. She tries very hard to please, and does catch on quickly, just doesn't like much pressure around her mouth, that's why I keep asking questions. I don't want her to have too many bad experiences.

probarrelracer · 04-06-2004, 05:32 AM

If she doesn't like pressure in and around her mouth, this could be a good thing. You will be able to ride her with light hands without having to create a soft mouth. Make sure that her teeth have been tended to by a dentist to rule out dental problems. wink

04-05-2004, 11:37 AM	#1
HorseCrazy1981 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boydton, Virginia, USA Posts: 1,358 Images: 72	Bit? I was at the show Saturday and had brought a few of my old bits along. One of my "friends" Was trying to help me pick one out that might work on my filly. I have an O-ring broken bit, and a "Tom-thumb"? broken bit that she said would be good, but she said that since my filly has such a small mouth that she would worry about the bit hitting the top of her mouth. She was suggesting maybe a bitless hackamore, does anyone have any pics of one properly fitted? Some people I see it seems theirs are set too low.

04-05-2004, 12:26 PM	#3
harli36 Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: northeastern Pa Posts: 4,195 Images: 42	I agree with Jumpers that hackamores can be severe. Plus if your starting this filly out it would be a good idea to have her trained to a bit. Even if you never use one it might be needed one day. I'm assuming that this "friend" didn't mean she has a small mouth but that the fillies roof of her mouth is lower compared to other horses. If that is the case then you could try a more narrow straight bar bit or a snaffle that is broken in two places. __________________ The Morgan Horse! Everything else is just a horse. http://www.morganhorse.com/

04-05-2004, 01:37 PM	#4
CJ Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,627 Images: 48	Hackamores are potentially quite severe, due to the mechanical leverage between the nose band, curb strap & long shanks. That combination equates to 'power brakes' which a bosal does not have, in case the horse gets spooked, bolts. I've hacked Raps frequently in a mechanical hackmaore with a fleece covered noseband, and he goes on a very light rein, attuned to cues, not because it's abusive. I think he likes it. But he's over both 16h & 1K lbs, so I want to be able to stop him If he shys. It's not a good beginner's bit, requires sensitive hand/ling, but I think it gets maligned by metal-bitters way too often. __________________ One Mare Can Make a Difference Pinky Ribbon

04-05-2004, 06:21 PM	#7
Blistering Winds Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Augusta, Kansas Posts: 31,678 Images: 811 Blog Entries: 16	First, what is it you want to do with your filly? HOw old is she? What is she currently trained for and with what kind of bit is she use to? Don't just follow the "fad". Go with what your filly works best with. NOt just what is "IN" In the show ring. You may try 10 million different bits till you find the ONE for your horse. That includes the bosals and hackamores in that "bit" list. __________________ 20 lb club: New year Start: 175 Goal: 130 Current: 158 Total loss this year 17 lbs.

04-05-2004, 07:51 PM	#8
probarrelracer Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 2,267 Images: 603	If this is the filly that you are planning to run barrels on, stick with a snaffle bit. Hackamores are only for seasoned barrel horses, or horses with injuries to the mouth. They may work well for other disciplines, but are usually terrible for barrels. I've known a few that went well with them, but most don't. wink __________________ Help a friend to turn his frown upside down. Just rip his head off, and flip it over! He who says that you only have yourself to blame never learned to blame other people!

04-05-2004, 12:07 PM	#2
Jumpers Banned Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,216	How small is this filly? I can't imagine the horse is so small that you can't fit a bit in her mouth. They even make bits for 10 hand ponies! I would say just search for a thinner/smaller snaffle. It'll be slightly harsher than a thick mouthed snaffle, but the bit needs to fit, so you won't have any other choice. Hackamores are actually quite severe. If I were going to go that route, I would look into a bitless bridle or a bosal instead of the hackamore.

04-05-2004, 04:31 PM	#5
HorseCrazy1981 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boydton, Virginia, USA Posts: 1,358 Images: 72	What she meant was that (My filly is an arab) the 5" bit that I had was too wide and probably too heavy. She said I might look for something that has a copper roller(?) on it. I always wanted to try a bosal, but never actually saw one on a horse in person. The sidepull I bought for her is too big, I was thinking about maybe having one custom made for her (out of nylon) by my saddlery guy. They are going to make a custom halter and headstall for my Belgian filly (otherwise I have to catalog order it, and it may or may not fit).

04-05-2004, 06:06 PM	#6
PaintShowin Full Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 91	I think HorseCrazy is referring to a bosal type hackamore, not a mechanical one. In western, a mechanical hackamore is not permitted to show in anyway. Here is a picture of me showing a young stallion in a Bosal, but I'm sorry it is not more revealing as to fit and position. I hope it helps, and it is set just right on his nose. Be very careful in selecting a bosal. Quality is of utmost importance. There are several cheap ones out there, and unfortunately a lot of the time you get what you pay for. It should be soft and pliable. Not stiff. It should be very round at the top, so it fits very loosely over the sides of your horse's face. It should sit RIGHT where the bone quits and the cartilage starts on the nose. This place on the horse's face varies from horse to horse. It should also be tightly woven, not loose, lazy weaving, which will come looser and eat up your horse's face. Also, it should not rub on your horse's jaw. This will make the jaw sore, and if you have a sore jaw on your horse, you may as well pack up and go home, because your horse will be hurting and resenting contact, making his head come up, etc. I like to rub vaseline on the jaw of my horse when using a bosal so that it has freedom to move and won't sore up the jaw.

04-06-2004, 04:43 AM	#9
HorseCrazy1981 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boydton, Virginia, USA Posts: 1,358 Images: 72	I am sure I could go through 1000 bits, but unfortunately, I don't have that much money. I went into my western tack store yesterday afternoon and there were so many different bits there. And yes, this is the filly I want to run barrels with. She is teething still, so I have time to find a bit. Right now we are just using her halter with lead ropes attached. She has not been professionally trained for anything. But she is saddle-broke, and I guess rider-broke. She tries very hard to please, and does catch on quickly, just doesn't like much pressure around her mouth, that's why I keep asking questions. I don't want her to have too many bad experiences.

04-06-2004, 05:32 AM	#10
probarrelracer Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 2,267 Images: 603	If she doesn't like pressure in and around her mouth, this could be a good thing. You will be able to ride her with light hands without having to create a soft mouth. Make sure that her teeth have been tended to by a dentist to rule out dental problems. wink __________________ Help a friend to turn his frown upside down. Just rip his head off, and flip it over! He who says that you only have yourself to blame never learned to blame other people!