Probably the most talked, discussed and argued about subject is bitting. Often, it is sadly the most mis-understood subject. We tend to use the bit the horse came with, listen to advice from a friend who's own horse goes well in 'one of these', or buy something that we hope is right.
I am not here to tell you what bit will be perfectly suited to your own horse, but I can give guidance on what bits do and, more importantly, how best to prepare a horse to readily accept a bit.

Apart from a few bits that should be banned (cheesegraters, twisted wire) etc, there is really no such thing as a severe or gentle bit. There are only severe or gentle hands. Bits do have different actions for different jobs to be done, and certainly, they can be accepted or rejected by the horse, but in general, if the horse is correct in all other aspects of its preparation for the bit, there should not be many problems.
I prefer to get the horse 'correct for the bit', before I advise on getting the 'correct bit for the horse'. Sounds strange? It may do, but please consider all the options before changing a bit because you are experiencing problems, or your horse is not going well in its existing one.

TEETH
Youngsters, especially geldings, can have pre molars or 'Wolf Teeth'. I prefer to have them taken out - whatever the age of the horse. They are like impacted wisdom teeth. They sit on (or in) the bars, just where most bits sit. Image yourself having a wisdom tooth thats giving you problems and then get someone to put a bar of metal across it and give it a tug. PAINFUL If you are not sure whether your horse has them, ask your Vet or Equine Dentist to have a look. Also horses, especially those on hard feed, need to have their teeth checked and rasped by a competent Equine Dentist EVERY 6 months.

SADDLE
Is your saddle a correct fit and not put too far up the back. An incorrect fitting saddle can cause the horse to tense & stiffen itself - right up to its neck. Nose pokers & stargazers are just two terms that come to mind. Do you use a Gel pad of some description under the saddle.? They really do lessen the impact on the back if we make a mistake.

MUSCULAR / SKELETAL PROBLEMS
Have backs checked on a regular basis. Even if you havn't done anything wrong, horses can 'put something out', even when turned out.

FEED
Is the horse overfed with High energy feed? It can happen. You then end up sitting on a horse with the engine revving and the brakes constantly applied. It's worth reviewing your feed regime.

Once these basics are applied, then we have a perfectly fit horse, ready to accept a bit - which type of bit is then to be tried or decided.

If then, you have a problem, such as your horse evading the bit, crossing it's jaw, poking it's tongue out etc, it's probably not the bit, but something else from above that the bit is aggravating. If you are experiencing problems, or your horse is doing any of the above, try this, just to satisfy yourself.

Turn the horse out with his mates and/or loose school him. I guarantee he will not cross his jaw, open his mouth or poke his tongue out. It can prove that there is something not quite right when the bit is put in.

Ken enjoys his work on the BIT BANK, working with customers to get 'happy mouthed horse' that are a pleasure to ride.Ken will willingly answer all your bitting enquiries on (01933) 277515.

NEXT MONTH - THE DUTCH GAG - SOLVING OR CAUSING PROBLEMS