Lightening a Horse on the bit?

[Cisco8675]

Does anyone out there know of any ways to get a horse lighter on the bit? I have a 14 yo app that is heavy on the bit, and we have lightened him up a little by a lot of bending and slowing down his movements from the seat. I would like him to be lighter to bending his head at the poll more than for direction. I can get him to go where I want without using the bit most of the time, I would just like him to bend from the pole more. Right now I switch between using a ring snaffle to a twisted snafflem depending on the day. Any ground work exercises or riding advice would be appriciated!

Thanks! :D

[Tootsie4U]

Right now I switch between using a ring snaffle to a twisted snafflem depending on the day.

There's quite a big difference between those two bits. A twisted wire snaffle can hurt. Switching between the two on a regular basis is not providing any continuity to your horse so most likely he's learning to just grab and lean on the bit to evade the discomfort. Rather than take the chance you have the 'nice' bit in today, he's just assuming you dont and grabbing hold to reduce the pain.

Also, if a horse is going to lean, he needs something to lean against. 9 times out of 10 (and the exception is usually related to conformation issues) the horse is mirroring his rider. Its great that you're focused on controlling your horse without the bit (using your seat) and thats the best first step.

But, you've got to convince him that you're not going to lean on him and that he can trust the bit now. Settle on the ringed snaffle and retire the twisted one. This will take a few days until he realizes that things have changed and he doesn't have to lean on you anymore. Mount up and after a short warmup, ask for rising trot on the buckle. Encourage him forward by holding your rise slightly longer than you normally would and riding energetically. Stay on the buckle. What typically happens is the horse throws his head up and hollows his back. Ignore it. Keep pushing him forward and emphasise the rise of your post. Just trot as many circuits around your arena as you need until he lowers his head again and softens his back. When he does, thank him by letting him walk. Try it again, repeating it exactly the same even if he raises his head. You know you have it right when you start to get the 'left behind' feeling when you rise and he starts to literally reach for the bridle.

In a few short days, this problem will be a memory and you've just learned that you dont need to rely on tack to fix any problem.

The reason this works is because you cant control his head. He wont have reason to pull on the bit. He can't pull because there'll be nothing to pull against. By riding him so forward, you're showing him he can trust the bit again and reach for the contact (which he'll then welcome).

Its a great exercise but it requires alot of trust in your horse and your balance. That left behind feeling is amazing though - worth the time and effort in itself! Dont loose heart, the first few times can be quite ugly until the horse learns that he doesnt have to run around like a giraffe.

[Cisco8675]

I have been told by many trainers and in videos and books and such that the consistent use of a twisted wire snaffle or a wire snaffle isn't good for the horses mouth. The reason being if they get used to the pain, going to something with less pain will make things harder. On his "bad" days I use the twisted and most days he doesn't need it. I think every horse and every rider are different, however do not think this is the main hinderance. I can use the ringed snaffle for a week straight, usually longer. It all depends on how often I ride him. The more I work with him, naturally, the better, and the more I can use the ringed snaffle. I will try your approach also, Thankyou very much for the response!

[Bay Mare]

Going on from what Toots has said, there's a huge difference in the two bits. I have a mare who has had bitting issues and I've got her in the gentlest one that she will work in (a KK Ultra WH). Even putting the twisted wire in occasionally could potentially cause you problems ... the horse learns quickly but forgets slowly, it's that instinct that helps them to survive.

My personal approach would be to not use the twisted wire at all. Putting 'stronger' bits isn't always the answer. My mare reared a lot when I got her and would toss her head around constantly, the answer was to go completely bitless rather than rigging her mouth up with stronger and stronger metalwork. I slowly reintroduced the bit. I hate to think what would have happened if I'd gone for more severe bits :eek:

[Jessey]

Lots and lots of give and take :) Are you riding western or english?

My boy used to really lean/pull on a snaffle (I do both western and english with him) to the point that he bent the rings on a loose ring snaffle having a complete fit one day (I had to pull back for safteys sake), since then I work alot on keeping him light and responsive to rein aids.
I switched his bit out to a Myler comfort snaffle (have since found is was the single joint and loose rings that upset him so badly) and did lots of give and take work, put his head where I want it, then release, when he moves it away from where you put it just gently but firmly put it back again, you always have to do this while working with maximum impulsion so he can feel the benifit.

Another good way to get the head set is to re-train them to give to rein pressure, and its easiest to teach this one side at a time (this also helps with stiff or one sided horses).
I sit quietly at halt then ask with one rein (the other completely loose) for him to bring the head round to my toes, whilst gently putting the inside leg on (just one bump normally just to give them a push into the bit before releasing the leg), They will walk in circles trying to find the release from this but they have to figure out the release is by giving their head/nose to the bit and bending through their rib cage.
I keep a steady tension/pressure until he is where I want him and he stops trying to move forwards and against the rein, then give the signal with the other rein for him to straighten straight away initially.
Gradually I increase the time between the give (from him) and the release signal (this may involve a bit of giving and taking until he learns to wait for the return signal)
It is easier this way beacuse they can't brace against one rein like they can two.
Do this both sides until you have equal lightness when you ask for the bend, only then do you ask gently with both reins by taking a very light contact and gently pushing up into it, because he has been taught to give to the pressure you will find he will stay relaxed and drop his nose which will help him engage and lift his back more as he is more relaxed.
With most horses you begin to feel the softening effect in about 20 minutes but regular practice will give really long lasting results.

J x

[Cheeky]

Just a note .. horses do not become 'used' to the pain, they simpley block it out in their mind. It's still there, but eventually they may choose not to respond because they don't feel there is any point, so they block that out. That's how horses become 'dead mouthed' ..same with legs too, I think.