The Rider June 2014

52/ JUNE 2014 THE RIDER 3 Reasons Your Horse Evades The Bit

or adding a training gadget (eg. draw reins or tie down). While these may work in the short term, they don’t address the real source of the prob- lem.

build a stronger, more trusting and willing part- nership with your horse read on.

the mouth or a tongue injury will be aggravated by the bit - even in gentle hands.

3 Causes #1 - Dental Problems & Poor Bit Fit Horses run from pain. Sharp teeth, ulcers in

If you want to eliminate the problem and

bit, it’s called evasion. Some common bit eva- sions are opening or crossing the jaw, running away, leaning on the bit, shaking or tossing the head, going above or behind the bit, and tongue hanging. A common solution is using a stronger bit

By Anne Gage. When your horse runs through or fights the

The Correction - Have your horse’s mouth thoroughly examined by an equine vet or dentist and checked for sharp or broken teeth, ulcers and even tongue injury. Just like you, your horse should have his teeth checked by a professional at least annually.

low in the mouth will not be stable. If it’s too narrow or sits too high, it will pinch and damage the skin and bars in the mouth. If it doesn’t fit the shape of your horse’s mouth it won’t leave enough room for the tongue or push up into the palate causing pain and injury.

The Correction - Check the width of the bit and how it fits the shape of your horse’s mouth. It should be about ¼” wider than the distance between the outside corners of his lips. Find the style of bit that works with the shape and size of your horse’s mouth leaving enough room for the tongue, not pressing on the palate and fitting easily between the bars.

When fitted correctly, the bit

#2 - Incorrect Bit Fit A bit that is too wide or sits too

sits quietly across the bars without pulling up the lips or moving up and down. Remember “a wrinkle not a smile”. For most horses, this means at least one wrinkle but no more than two in the corners of the lips But, for some horses there may be no wrinkle at all. Adjust as neces- sary to ensure the bit fits comfort- ably without sliding up and down loosely.

tense, see-saw, pull or constantly bump the horse’s mouth cause pain and discomfort. They are also the sign of a tense and unbalanced rider.

The Correction - Develop an inde- pendent seat. The reins should never be used for support, balance or the primary means of controlling your horse. Your hands must work inde- pendently from your seat so that you can influence your horse without creating tension or resistance. You will be balanced, able to follow and work with your horses movement - applying your aids at the right time, with the least amount of pressure and without tension.

#3 - Busy or Unsteady Hands Hands that are busy, unsteady,

good hands and eliminate any sources of pain, you eliminate resis- tance and gain his trust.

The Bottom Line - The absolute best way to develop a true partner- ship with your horse is by building your confidence and trust in each other.

of Confident Horsemanship ~ Putting you and your horse in good hands. http://www.annegage.com

Article Source: http://EzineArti- cles.com/?expert=Anne_Gage

Access to my report “The 3 Most Important Skills You Need to Devel- op Confidence With Horses” when you visit http://www.AnneGage.com Brought to you by Anne Gage

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free, balanced and relaxed to be able to perform at his best and be the confident, trusting and willing part- ner you dream of. You can help him by being a quiet, balanced and relaxed rider. When you put your horse in

For your horse needs to be pain

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