There are two ways to write about the horse-human relationship; from the person's perspective, or from the horse's.
Most of my writing is from the horse's point-of-view.
Hey, someone has to speak up for them.
Let's look at bits, not straight from the horse's mouth, but as close as we can get.
Most of you know that there are two basic types of bits, snaffle and shanked.
Shank bits are also referred to as curb bits, referring to the curb strap or chain that goes under the horse's chin.
It is a common occurrence for successful trainers to refer to bits inaccurately.
Is it a big deal? Maybe not, but why not have the facts? If you want to learn a lot about bits themselves, visit Wikipedia, there is a great entry on bits.
One important fact to know if you are serious about being the horse owner you want to be, is the difference between how a snaffle bit and a shanked bit work.
The difference is based on a principle of physics.
You may remember from high school physics that the longer the lever, the greater the pressure.
This same principle explains why you can shove a 2x4 under a big heavy rock and move it when you couldn't lift it unassisted.
The longer the shank, the greater the pressure - the pain - you inflict on your horse's tongue, bars, lips and chin.
Why would anyone who loves his or her horse pick a shanked bit over a snaffle? At least with a snaffle you can accurately gauge how much pressure you are applying; each pound of force on the rein is one pound of force on your horse's tender mouth.
Go ahead, grab the corner of your mouth with a finger and pull! Harder! Now you have the idea.
Shanked bits have a proper place and are required equipment for many types of competition.
All show horses over five years of age are usually required to be shown in a shanked bit.
Why? It demonstrates the high level of accomplishment the horse and rider team has attained.
Shanked bits are only properly used by expert reinsman.
If you don't qualify, please don't come at your horse with that thing! Remember, your horse trusts you.
The last reason in the world to pull out a shanked bit is because your horse isn't responding as you want.
Just last Saturday at a mounted shooting event a horse crossed the finish line at a dead run, guns having been fired, and didn't pull up to a quick, tidy stop.
It was obvious the horse was insecure and could not process all that was happening as fast as the rider wanted.
Yet, the cry went out, "Get a bigger bit!" No! If possible, the horse would have begged for understanding and mercy.
The horse would say, "Help me to understand.
" A snaffle bit provides the best opportunity to communicate with your horse.
If you and your horse have not yet achieved the level of performance you desire, I can assure you that 99.
9% of the time the fault is yours.
Give your horse a break.
Hang the big bit up until you have the necessary skills to teach your horse.
Always give your horse the benefit of your doubt.
Pain teaches your horse to escape, it does not build a foundation for respect, affection and relationship.
Love your horse, stick with a snaffle bit until YOU are ready to move up.
Most of my writing is from the horse's point-of-view.
Hey, someone has to speak up for them.
Let's look at bits, not straight from the horse's mouth, but as close as we can get.
Most of you know that there are two basic types of bits, snaffle and shanked.
Shank bits are also referred to as curb bits, referring to the curb strap or chain that goes under the horse's chin.
It is a common occurrence for successful trainers to refer to bits inaccurately.
Is it a big deal? Maybe not, but why not have the facts? If you want to learn a lot about bits themselves, visit Wikipedia, there is a great entry on bits.
One important fact to know if you are serious about being the horse owner you want to be, is the difference between how a snaffle bit and a shanked bit work.
The difference is based on a principle of physics.
You may remember from high school physics that the longer the lever, the greater the pressure.
This same principle explains why you can shove a 2x4 under a big heavy rock and move it when you couldn't lift it unassisted.
The longer the shank, the greater the pressure - the pain - you inflict on your horse's tongue, bars, lips and chin.
Why would anyone who loves his or her horse pick a shanked bit over a snaffle? At least with a snaffle you can accurately gauge how much pressure you are applying; each pound of force on the rein is one pound of force on your horse's tender mouth.
Go ahead, grab the corner of your mouth with a finger and pull! Harder! Now you have the idea.
Shanked bits have a proper place and are required equipment for many types of competition.
All show horses over five years of age are usually required to be shown in a shanked bit.
Why? It demonstrates the high level of accomplishment the horse and rider team has attained.
Shanked bits are only properly used by expert reinsman.
If you don't qualify, please don't come at your horse with that thing! Remember, your horse trusts you.
The last reason in the world to pull out a shanked bit is because your horse isn't responding as you want.
Just last Saturday at a mounted shooting event a horse crossed the finish line at a dead run, guns having been fired, and didn't pull up to a quick, tidy stop.
It was obvious the horse was insecure and could not process all that was happening as fast as the rider wanted.
Yet, the cry went out, "Get a bigger bit!" No! If possible, the horse would have begged for understanding and mercy.
The horse would say, "Help me to understand.
" A snaffle bit provides the best opportunity to communicate with your horse.
If you and your horse have not yet achieved the level of performance you desire, I can assure you that 99.
9% of the time the fault is yours.
Give your horse a break.
Hang the big bit up until you have the necessary skills to teach your horse.
Always give your horse the benefit of your doubt.
Pain teaches your horse to escape, it does not build a foundation for respect, affection and relationship.
Love your horse, stick with a snaffle bit until YOU are ready to move up.