When you find the right bit, how will you know?

MelissaH · 08-03-2005, 11:59 AM

I just ordered a new bit for my horse. Its got interchangable shanks and mouthpieces which is nice in the case one mouthpiece does not work out right.

How do you know it's the right bit? Will the horse be more comfortable and not fight the bit? Will he be accepting of it? Should I get him use to it and do groundwork while he has it on? Or just jump right on him and see how it goes? How long does it take a horse to get use to a new bit.

The couple of last ones I tried, he was not a happy horse. When I find a good one, I should just stick to what works, right?

cassidy · 08-03-2005, 12:07 PM

in the oerfect bit your horse should accept it an work well with it with out you having to do much at all

when you find one that suits i would stick with there wont be any need to change again! unless that type bit is not acceptable in shows you may enter ect

when trying a new bit i would put his bridle an let him stand for 5-10 minutes before going on to ride him

Nes · 08-03-2005, 12:12 PM

Well how did you know he wasn't happy?

A horse in a good bit is a bit like a puzzle you don't know the picture too - you may never find the "right" bit for some horses while others you just snaffle & go

You'll know it's right because he'll be carrying the bit well, be relaxed (although some horse naturally & quite happily will chomp away), he'll be less cranky & just work for you better. You'll know when you see it on him for sure

I would suggest you start with some ground work just for the first time out of the gate so you can see how he's working with it. He should get used to it right away - like taking off pants that are too tight

.

It's never a bad thing to keep experimenting, but yeah once you find what works unless there are estetic reasons you will probably just want to stay with that one

.

GL! Finding the right fit can be difficult

Nes.

08-03-2005, 11:59 AM	#1
MelissaH Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 5,248 Images: 163 Blog Entries: 4	When you find the right bit, how will you know? I just ordered a new bit for my horse. Its got interchangable shanks and mouthpieces which is nice in the case one mouthpiece does not work out right. How do you know it's the right bit? Will the horse be more comfortable and not fight the bit? Will he be accepting of it? Should I get him use to it and do groundwork while he has it on? Or just jump right on him and see how it goes? How long does it take a horse to get use to a new bit. The couple of last ones I tried, he was not a happy horse. When I find a good one, I should just stick to what works, right?

08-03-2005, 12:07 PM	#2
cassidy Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2004 Location: england - its sunny sometimes honest! Posts: 21,501 Images: 816	in the oerfect bit your horse should accept it an work well with it with out you having to do much at all when you find one that suits i would stick with there wont be any need to change again! unless that type bit is not acceptable in shows you may enter ect when trying a new bit i would put his bridle an let him stand for 5-10 minutes before going on to ride him __________________ May your life be like toilet paper - Long and useful A horse doesn't care how much you know until he knows how much you care. - Pat Parelli http://www.freewebs.com/linz88055/myprofile.htm

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08-03-2005, 12:12 PM	#3
Nes Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kemptville Posts: 778 Images: 39	Well how did you know he wasn't happy? A horse in a good bit is a bit like a puzzle you don't know the picture too - you may never find the "right" bit for some horses while others you just snaffle & go You'll know it's right because he'll be carrying the bit well, be relaxed (although some horse naturally & quite happily will chomp away), he'll be less cranky & just work for you better. You'll know when you see it on him for sure I would suggest you start with some ground work just for the first time out of the gate so you can see how he's working with it. He should get used to it right away - like taking off pants that are too tight . It's never a bad thing to keep experimenting, but yeah once you find what works unless there are estetic reasons you will probably just want to stay with that one . GL! Finding the right fit can be difficult Nes.