Some Rules for Effective Horse Riding.

It is often said that, “The Bit is the Key to the Horse”. Whom exactly Dr Bristol is or was is a little bit of a mystery however the what is being stated here is very important. In a slightly less succinct way one should look at horse bits as the “signal switching station” of the horse In order for the horse to do what is desired one needs to send specific signals to different parts of the horse. It is the bit and its attachments which take the “signals” from the rider’s hands and “switches” them to those parts.

The large variety of how you indicate to a horse to do the rider’s will is born out by the very wide range of horse bits on the marker. The different types, styles and variations to these horse bits are there specifically to create a signal to a part of the horse.

Do no forget the importance of other signaling tools such as the rider’s legs and backside generate important signals, but it is the horse bit both directly and indirectly via the bridle that gives the most flexibility in getting the horse and rider working as a team.

Be reminded that inflicting pain is counter productive. You are applying pressure in a specific way as a signal. Always treat the animal with respect and review your own riding abilities and your chosen bit and harness first, rather than immediately attributing any riding problems to the horse. Under no circumstances should you attempt to fix an issue by increase the amount of pain you inflict!

So what are the points of the horse that take the signals from the bit?

The tongue – some bits are broken in the centre such as a jointed pelham bit. These types of bit have a so called “nutcracker effect” squeezing the toungue and grabbing the horse’s attention .

The roof of the mouth – the bits mentioned earlier can work on the horse’s roof of mouth. As the bit breaks at its centre the point of what you can think of as an upside down ‘v’ shape can impact the roof of the mouth so grabbing the horse’s attention.

The bars – the bit mouthpiece sits on the gums or “bars” of the horse’s mouth,  This is the space behind the front incisors and before the molars.  The common snaffle with a straight mouth works simply by transmitting pressure in this area.

The lips : the horse’s lips can be contacted by the horse bit. Some more severe horse bits with chain mouths pull into the sides of the mouth providing quite a stiff signal. Such mouth pieces can be seen in gag bits. This type of bit is for the experienced rider whom has evaluated its specific effects and uses the bit in a very subtle and controlled fashion.

The poll – A part of the head between the ears that is a sensitive point for the horse. It provides a powerful point for the bridle to work via the bit to modify the horse’s behaviour.  When the bit is engaged with the reins the bridle or more accurately the crown piece of the bridle pulls down on the poll. The poll and its position is also a useful guide to how well the horse is working with the bit. As a specific example in classical dessage the poll should be observed to be the highest point on the horse when all is well.

By understanding the different and often subtle effects achieved by the horse bit and bridle the relationship between horse and rider can be refined .  Sometimes your needs may require that you look at custom horse bits for your solution. But be sure to seek advice.

Filed under: Train Horses

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