I am training a 10 year old female horse for barrel racing. What kind of bit should i use?

Answer 1

I'm going to say NEVER use a curb bit thats solid in the middle for barrels. You can't get the pull on the sides that you need. I would start out in something like a snaffle (if yourhorse is responsive to one). Get her to bend well around the barrels in that. You can very the severity of the mouthpiece based on what your horse needs. Only you know your horse that well. As you add speed, add a little more bit if necessary. A bit with a shank that moves nicely and is pinchless is a good plan for more control. If you've developed good turns you shouldn't need a bit with a ton of turning power. I tend to like Myler combination bits with the nose band and a VERY small amount of gag. My horses really love these. BUT, this is what I run in and train in now, and they are both very seasoned.
I absolutely hate gag bits, particularly those with a lot of sliding gag motion. I think a well trained horse with good basic training doesn't ever deserve a strong gag. If you find yourself fighting your horse as you put speed into her training, I'd say back off a bit and work on her slower, and work on her flexibility and responsiveness to hand, leg, and seat cues, as well as voice commands.

Answer 2

It usually depends on how much training the horse has had. If she is still a little green, you may want to start with a snaffle. But, if she is already well-trained and responsive, a curb should suffice because it provides the proper amount of leverage needed. Snaffle bits are more for direct pressure. If she is in-between, try a Tom-Thumb bit, which has a broken middle, like a snaffle, but also shanks, like a curb. That is a good medium of the two. If you still have questions, employees at your local tack store should steer you in the right direction. I'm not sure, but I have heard of actual "barrel racing bits." Also maybe try looking online at different tack websites. I love www.statelinetack.com. They have virtually everything. Jeffers is another good tack company. Good luck! Barrels Rock!!

Answer 3

I like to use regular snaffle bits for schooling (twist for more control, or smooth for less control) Reinsman brands are good. For the game shows / rodeos, I like to use the Million Dollar bit. But get the horse get used to be bit first and teach the horse how to bend with it. You can find them on Martha Josey's website.

Answer 4

i use a tom thumb bit also know as a colt training bit on 2 horses and my other two horses use a full check snaffle.

Answer 5

You could also try a reining hackamore. this is a bridle without a bit ,only to help those horses that dosnt like many bits ,or horses that are neck reining very well, so to use one , she might thank you for no bit, and turn on a dime,becoz the pressure is on her nose, and in the curb.Check it out .

Answer 6

Try any snaffles, they work best*