Trail
Ideas and tips when choosing & using bits for horses.
Snaffle
Why do we use them? Well for control of our horses. Very few people can move and stop their horses with only the movement of their bodies. There are trainers that can, but for the most part the rest of us need some form of a bit or hackamore.
The use of a bit on your horse is more important than which bit to use. You should ride your horse with the lightest rein contact possible. Many riders and especially kids and new riders depend too much on the reins and the ability to stop them than on using weight, balance and other aids (legs) to control their horses.
Take some time to learn about bits and the horses mouth. Then you can choose the best possible bit for you and your horse. Then its best as well as cheaper to borrow several styles of bits and try them before buying one. The first one usually will not work. Start with the easiest bit possible and work up.
gag
Bits help control your horse by putting pressure on one or more parts of its head or mouth. Learn which does what. Different bits and bridles apply pressure to different parts.
There are seven control points and there are specific parts of the bridle that affect them. Hackamores pressure point is the bridge of the nose. The curb chain puts pressure on the chin groove. All bits with mouthpieces put pressure on the corners of the mouth. High port bits add pressure to the roof of the mouth (these can be cruel if not used correctly). Chain and three piece snaffles add pressure to the tongue. Bits with shanks and draw gags add pressure to the poll. A snaffle adds direct pull on the mouth and no leverage.
So take care of your horses mouth, don’t make them hardmouthed or cold-jawed. It will make for a happier relationship between the two of you.
At Crazy horse saddle shop We carry all types of bits and hackamores. Stop in a see us after you know whats the best bit for your horse.