THE HORSE GAZETTE
TRAINING
chosing the right bit
By Karen Brown ©2009
When is a bit a each operates, and how each number and location of rein
educational seminar combined
snaffle and when is it a curb? A part affects the horse. With the attachments, and whether or
with a live demonstration of
simple question with a simple base of knowledge a rider can not the bit should be used with
examples drawn from the class.
answer; yet few riders know then evaluate his individual a curb strap or chain, and how
Choosing the right bit is part of
the difference. Companies that horse’s needs and choose the the bit creates poll pressure.
being a good horseperson.
sell bits sometimes mislabel best bit to assist with gaining The key to choosing
To register for this
the two. And that’s just one the responses desired. the right bit comes from hav-
event contact Karen Brown
component of any bit. There The biggest misun- ing the knowledge of how bits
at 830-796-4764 or email:
are thousands of bits on the derstanding about bits is in operate and how they fit into
solitaireranch@indian-creek.
market. The choices are what people expect from them. the horse’s mouth. If the bit
net. Cost is $65 for all fees
virtually overwhelming even Bits can be compared to a doesn’t fit the mouth correctly
received before February 28,
for seasoned professional radio, whereby you can send it cannot function as designed.
2009, and $75 thereafter. There
trainers. signals to your horse. They Many riders are surprised to
is a limit on available openings
Dave Elliott, of El- are designed for communica- learn how little room there
and registration will close
liott Bits and Spurs in Alberta, tion. Any action with a bit that is between the horse’s palate
when all openings are filled. If
CA has been designing and creates enough pain to force and tongue. A thicker bit is not
you have a bit that you would
building bits and spurs since a horse into a maneuver is an always a milder bit; one must
like to discuss, bring it.
1986. These hand made prod- abuse of the bit and the horse. If examine how it fits inside the
What makes a bit
ucts sport the names of some top a horse does not have a founda- mouth. Other anatomical as-
work is training. The bit just
reiners, cutters, and barrel rac- tion of correct training or has pects that must be considered
helps you get it done. . . .but
ers in North America and have been misused too long, he will are the size or thickness of the
only if you choose the right
been sold to customers around not be able to give a proper tongue, the amount of space
one.
the world. To enhance his own response to any bit. The secret between the jawbones for the
understanding of how bits work, to choosing the correct bit starts tongue at rest and in move-
Elliott has extensively studied with correct training. ment, and the quality of the
FULL
equine anatomy and is now at- As the horse’s train- dentistry and/or lack of dental
CARE
tending classes in osteopathy. ing progresses, different bits attention to the horse’s teeth.
Osteopathy provides a deeper may be chosen to accentuate Elliott will also dis-
BOARDING
understanding of the inter-con- or refine responses in order cuss other factors that can
nected reactions throughout the to improve the maneuvers of interfere with the bit such as
Openings
body created by the action of a a given sport. Many bits are bone development, deciduous
bit in the horse’s mouth. designed to assist the rider in teeth, and dentistry. Proper fit,
available
Elliott will be con- obtaining the head carriage the repercussions of wrong fit, now
ducting an educational seminar and body alignment needed for and how to buy the right bit
on bits at The Whole Horse the particular tasks their sport will be discussed. Foundation
Clinic in San Marcos, TX on requires. Within each style of training and the proper use of
Friday, April 17th, 2009. The bit there are a multitude of rein aids will also be addressed
seminar will begin with a dem- options. Just the mouthpiece along with a discussion of
onstration of how a bit sits offers a myriad of choices that elusive pot of gold called
inside the horse’s mouth. Elliott such as: diameter and width, collection. He will show the
will use a skull to show the solid, jointed, or chain style, a participants what it takes to get
40 Acres of
relationship between the jaw limitless number of mouthpiece a horse into true collection.
Daily Pas-
bones, tongue and bit. He will designs with different kinds of This seminar crosses
ture
explain what happens to the rest ports, rollers, metals or rubbers. the boundaries of English and
of the horse’s body when a bit is Then one must consider the Western disciplines. The basic
Turnout
activated. Participants will learn types of cheekpieces, length elements of bits are the same
(830) 796-4764
about the parts of a bit, how and structure of the shanks, for either discipline. It is an
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