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View Full Version : I like to know what kind of bit do you use on a new horse?


Kate 05501
20th Oct 2004, 05:32 PM
I don't have a horse yet but tring to get information on horse bits and which one should I use on a horse that never had one in it's mouth. There so many bits that I don't have a clue which is the right one. So what kind do you use?

What saddle bank should I use? I like to ride western so what's the best saddle for my horse? I want to make it comfort for my horse. Were did you buy your saddle from? I'm from Ontario. I have so many questions to ask. My next question is I'm tring to buy stuff for my horse so when the time comes it's not all at once. What should I buy and what should I wait to buy? I want to thank you for your time and your help. I'm looking forward to your reply.


Kate 05501 and the gang

KarinUS
20th Oct 2004, 06:43 PM
I think it will be a more successful match if your first horse has had some experience and therefore has had a bit in his mouth before. It's tough if you both are inexperienced.
When I got my first horse the lady I bought him from also let me borrow his bit until I found one to purchase. For the first couple of years I just continued to use this bit because he seemed happy and willing in it.
Our second horse was purchased from people who didn't ride her very much and their bit suggestion did not work out. The horse hated the nut cracker effect of the snaffle bit.
We now have her in a short shanked low/med port curb with a leather strap (rather than chain).
All horses are different though. You will just have to see what kind you'll get.
Things you can buy ahead of time are of course grooming kits and general supplies like buckets, etc.
The best thing to invest in right now until you get a horse though is knowledge. Learn as much as you can, read, ride, etc.

Harry Hobbes
20th Oct 2004, 07:03 PM
I don't have a horse yet but tring to get information on horse bits and which one should I use on a horse that never had one in it's mouth.
Start the horse in a low-cost snaffle bit (any style of true snaffle: loose ring, egg-butt, D-ring.) Stay away from Pelhams, "Tom Thumbs", or any bit with mechanical leverage, until you become an expert with cueing softly with your hands.

This is particularly important because your post implies that you do not have a lot of experience, and a snaffle is the best place for the human to start learning how to use a bit properly. With a snaffle, having no mechanical leverage, it is more difficult for a human to inadvertently damage or hurt a horse in the mouth.
I like to ride western so what's the best saddle for my horse?
Buying saddles is more complex than buying shoes for a human; because there are multiple "fit" considerations. Do you have anyone local who can look at your horse and advise you? This could be an instructor or another experienced horse enthusiast.

When you buy, buy a low-cost manufactured saddle (also known as a "production" saddle), that properly fits both you, and more importantly, your horse's back. The accoutrements and "eye appeal" of the saddle are secondary to a good fit; because a poor fit will only give your horse and you trouble (and perhaps soreness/injuries; then you will be looking for another saddle.)
Were did you buy your saddle from? I'm from Ontario.
I only buy/use saddles that I can either fit to the horse prior to buying/using; or are custom build to the individual horse. I do not buy any manufactured saddle that I cannot "try on" the horse first; because, a good fit is paramount. Try to find a saddle/tack outlet/store that will either let you take a selection of saddles to the horse, or will let you bring the horse to the outlet, and try the saddles for fit.

The "fit" considerations are of paramount importance.

Another alternative is to try the fit of borrowed saddles (or other saddles in the tack room - with permission, of course), and then buy an identical saddle for your horse.

Reference my comments in this thread for further information on fit considerations:
http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39750

What should I buy and what should I wait to buy?Buy low-cost equipment, because as you use the equipment and learn more, you will probably start to buy other equipment that you determine (from your learned experience) fits your needs better. Start with a manufactured saddle that fits your horse, a good (not perfect) saddle pad/blanket, such as a Navaho or wool blanket, a low-cost leather headstall (sometime known as bridle), a snaffle bit, and loop reins. All of this should be fitted to your horse before you buy, if possible.

However, if you borrow tack (i.e., "stuff") to try out (from friends, or tack stores), then you can qualify what you really need versus the "nice to haves".

Best regards,
Harry