What kind of bit would use to start a horse with?

Question

2 year old Quarter horse

Answer 1

depends. if you are riding english, you should use a snaffle bit. this bit is easier on the horse and allows you to have constant slight pressure as english riding requires. if you are riding western, you should use a curb bit, which is more severe as it pinches as well as pulls back. this allows you to have a long loose rein but still a lot of control for stopping and reining. eggbut bits are bigger by the cheeks and avoid pinching the cheeks of the horse. here is a cute short list with pics.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art42742.asp

and heres what i and my instructor and everyone i know swear by for starting a horse. you can start a horse on this bit and change to a curb bit, as this is less severe. the poles on the sides prevent the bit from pulling through the horses mouth, so it stays centered in his mouth.
http://www.horse.com/products/gift-0__sku-EBE63.html

or you can go with something like this, same bars on the side, with a western leverage to it.

http://www.horse.com/products/gift-0__sku-WBE51.html

and then of course, the desicion of what the bit should be made of.
stainless steel is great, easy and sturdy. those bits will last 4-ever!!
copper will help the horses mouth stay soft and responsive. they say it helps the horse salivate and thats why it works, but i dunno. it dont last as long as steel
rubber is soft for new horses who you may think might resist the bit, and they even have apple scented rubber bits now ttoo!! of course these will not last nearly as long as any metal.
i would say just plain steel to start out with.
and one joint in the middle, and no roller or twisted metal, these are harsh and should only be used as a correctional tool.

Answer 2

Wow, a lot of opinions here. One more won't hurt.

I prefer to start in a natural halter, then move to a three piece snaffle bit. The three piece mouth is a gentle bit for a couple of reasons. First it does not prod the horse in the pallet if you happen to pull back on both reins at the same time (you are not supposed to use both reins with a snaffle, they are meant for developing lateral flexion, or bending side to side.)

I do not think that the cheek piece is of great importance, however, an o-ring snaffle will provide some poll pressure like a gag bit, though not as severe. Also, you do not want a cheek piece that is too small and pulls through the mouth while teaching the horse to bend.

The second reason I like this bit is the direct pressure communication it provides. Because of the roller or dogbone center piece, the pressure is going to lie fairly evenly over the tounge, so the horse wil feel your touch where you intend it, allowing you to teach both lateral and vertical flexion quicker and easier.

Do not buy a cheap bit. You get what you pay for. Cheap bits have larger linking that will pinch your horses mouth. I would not put a bit in my horses mouth under $30. I usually spend $60 to $200 on my bits that I use regularly. These are not fancy decorator bits, these are just good using, training bits. Also check for the curvature of the mouthpiece. Does it look like it would fit comfortably in the horses mouth?

Please use common sense when choosing a bit. Hold it in your hand and pull like you would use a rein, see where it might pinch or put pressure.

DO NOT start a horse with a shank bit!!! Western or English I don't care. A shank is for leverage, stopping, but mostley for a horse that can rein off his shoulder (neck rein).

A nice brand to try, that has an excellent explanation for each bits use- information available at tack stores that carry it, is Mylar/Tolkat.

Sorry so long-winded..

Answer 3

I would perhaps consider getting professoinal help with mouthing etc if you are unsure of how to do it well. This, along with breaking a horse to saddle, are the most important stages of training. If you don't get it right you could adversely affect the rest of its working life.

I agree with the snaffle idea- you can also get them in an eggbutt instead of a loose-ring so it doesn't pinch the edges of the mouth, and you can also get rubber coated bits. You want to start with the softest bit possible that is going to be the most gentle on it's mouth. If you start with a harsh bit, you will end up with a horse that has a hard mouth. Remember to be extremely gentle. You want a response, not a reaction.

Anyway, all the best with your horse:)

Answer 4

2 Years old is too young to start ridding a horse,but some people do.You can start ground work at that age though.Most horses are not done growing until 3 or older and that is when there bones and joints are fused together.
When I start to train my horses(usually from 3-5 years old depending on breed) I use a snaffle bit.They are generally mild,but can be severe in inexperienced hands.They can pinch or hurt a horse.But if you are experienced they are great in my opinion.I like broken bits better than solid ports to train the youngsters since it give better cues on one side or another.Solid bits are not as clear to a horse who doesn't know any signals or cues.You can also ask your local trainers what they would recommend.

Answer 5

I would choose an easy bit on the mouth, a thick eggbutt. If the horse is aggressive, you might want to start out with something a little stronger - like a thinner eggbutt or a twisted snaffle.

Answer 6

I prefer to start my foals in hackamores but snaffles are the best and softest bits to start horses in. If you are going to use a bit don't use any other bit other than a snaffle. If you use a harsher bit, you can damage his/her mouth.

Snaffle bits don't pinch your horses mouths, and 2 years old isn't too early to start training your horse as long as you don't ride them for awhile. Just let here grow into her body a little bit longer.

Answer 7

I highly advise against starting a horse under saddle when they're still that young. I'd wait at least another year, until his bones are more developed and he'll be able to handle the stresses and demands of training better. I start all of my colts in a rubber eggbutt snaffle and gradually work up to the curb when they reach that point in their training.

Answer 8

I wouldn't be looking to put a bit in this baby's mouth so young, please tell me that you aren't backing, breaking or riding this baby. It is soooooo important that you give this youngster another year MINIMUM, if not two, to let his/her bones develop and also for him/her to mature.

In anycase, when you are ready, I should get advice from someone who knows what they are doing, and why, ask what qualifications this person has (qualified English instructor speaking here), not a 'horse expert' - believe me there are PLENTY of them everywhere, and it's people like me that have to sort out horses down the line

Good luck

Answer 9

why would you use a bit on a 2 yr old???? Start with a bit at this age and youll make his mouth hard , I hope your not riding this baby yet! I hate to see sway back horses from being ridden to young! Please let this baby grow some more start with ground work and make this baby a pal first .

Answer 10

If he is broke to neck rein then use a soft bit because most of the time you won't need to rein him. You can just use your knees to move him in the direction you want.