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10 Responses to “What bit should I start training my horse in?”

1. Rebel bites off troll heads Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 1:37 am

   Personally, In western, I like the curb bit. In the right hands, it is a mild bit. You just have to remeber that even a little pressure on the reins is pressure on the poll because it is a leverage bit. In western though, your horse is suppose to respond to all commands on a loose rein, which is why i like the curb,

   Or you can use this type or Rollar snaffle. It really doesn't have to much power but your horse would be happy if you have rough hands
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2. mars4109 Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 1:48 am

   Instead of a loose ring snaffle, use a D-Ring snaffle, as it prevents the bit from pulling through their mouth, and at the same time, let's them get used to pressure on the sides of their mouth that a curb bit would provide.

   I use a butterfly snaffle with a curb chain to teach neck reining and such. As the horse gets the hang of it, then try a very mild curb bit (low port, short shanks).
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3. Jess Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 2:28 am

   Well, this is coming from an English person-but my friend is really into Western, lol-so I'll give it a try.

   I wouldn't switch him to a curb or shanked bit-teach him direct pressure first THEN poll pressure.

   If you want to go slow, you could even start him in a bosal, then move him to a snaffle, and when he's old enough finally a curb(I thought western horses weren't required to show in curbs until they were 5-ish?).

   A leverage bit does not make the horse western-the training and type does. I know several showjumpers who ride in leverage bits(3 rings, pelhams, etc.) and they are definitely english, lol.

   I have a ported myler d-ring I use because my horse is fussy about tongue pressure and he finds it VERY comfortable-it's correctional because he sometimes needs a little extra-but very mild. I definitely reccomend myler bits.

   A port, though may or may not make him happy-if his mouth is shaped low it may hit the roof-as would a "nutcracker" snaffle.
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4. Pinto Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 3:04 am

   Since western horses are used to some leverage I suggest a kimberwick. I use that on my horse and she has a fairly sensitive mouth. You should be fine as long as you don't yank on his mouth ( which I am sure you don't). Also Before I used a kimberwick on my horse I used snaffles, the reason i switched was because she wouldn't set her head or slow down very well, so if he responds well to a snffle then keep him in it, if he starts getting difficult try out a kimberwick, ( I would recommend getting bits at tack sales and soaking them in bleach to disinfectant them it is way cheaper than getting a new bit)
   Good luck, hope he'll turn out to be a good riding horse!
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   ME

5. Faerifay Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 3:15 am

   Use a loose ring snaffle with mouth guards so he doesn't get the bit ring in his mouth,do all your mouthing training in a smooth bar snaffle, if he needs sharpening up go to a jointed snaffle, thinner mouthpiece, down to a 3/16th if necessary. When ready use a 5-8 in shank curb with a low port. For tune-ups go back to work with the snaffle.
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6. ecstatic_echo_location Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 3:50 am

   French link snaffles are usually put on horses that don't like the 'nutcracker' action of a single linked (loose ring) snaffle. I woudn't advise you rush out to buy a loose ring snaffle, as french links (more severe) are usually the next progression from a loose ring (or eggbutt snaffle).

   To be honest, I know nothing about western bits, With your french link snaffle you have now, is it a loose ring or a fixed(like an eggbutt snaffle)? In saying that, there are loose ring french link snaffles avaliable. Is there any reason for changing his bit other than trying to make the horse put his 'western hat' on?? How about trying a hackamore or bitless for your western?

   I noticed a curb bit the other day on another question on here that resembled something similar to a french link, but curb… would be rather rough, to keep the bit mild, a straight mouth with a low port/tongue relief should do the trick….

   Hope that helps!
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7. Elizabeth E Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 4:24 am

   I ride english, but I think that while he is getting used to the different saddle and the whole style of riding, keep him in the same bit, then when he moves up in his western training, switch to a mild western bit.

   And, a French Link is more mild than a regular single joint
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8. Tammy R Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 4:47 am

   I would start him on a hackamore at first and on and off switch to a curb bit. The hackamore gives me more control and to my opinion much easier on the horse as he spends less time mouthing the new bit and more time paying attention to what I want him to do. First a few days with one and then switch to the other until he has the idea…I always do this and use the hack as a transition bridle….I like the bitless because of what I said less time mouthing the bit more time paying attention…Good luck hope this helped you some….
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9. Rach Says:
   December 11th, 2008 at 5:19 am

   Use a snaffle bit.Dont use any bit with long shanks because they are too harsh on the horses mouth.
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10. Pokey I Says:
    December 11th, 2008 at 6:03 am

    I like O-ring snaffles for started horses. Or else a Guitron rawhide (all rawhide) bosal. The only time I'd ever put a curb in a horses mouth is if he was incredibly hard mouthed and not really responsive to the reins or if I was on drugs and wanted to crush the bars on the roof of my horses mouth.
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