The best type of snaffle to start with is a D-Ring with a moderately thick mouthpiece that is shaped in a gentle curve so there’s plenty of tongue relief for the horse. The direct action of a snaffle bit permits the young horse to learn how to stop, turn, back, and balance its weight properly under a rider. It allows the rider to help the horse develop straightness and impulsion from behind, as well. The Imus Comfort™ Training Bit is designed specifically for this application.

 Price: $69.95

Once these initial training goals have been met–and not before–it is time to introduce a good curb bit.

 

Price: $69.95

The pinch free, independent side to side action of the bit permits lateral work, and you’ll find the shape of the mouthpiece encourages the horse to gently drop his head into the bit, rather than stiffening up against it, when you ask for a bend to one side or the other. Lots of circles, serpentines, figure eights, halts, half-halts, and rein backs should be worked into your rides to help the horse develop flexibility, suppleness, and straightness. Good impulsion forward is born out of these qualities.

Your work should consist primarily of the walk, with good impulsion. Diligently practice the techniques outlined in our article, Ten Tips for Finding, and Keeping, the Gait. If your horse isn’t gaiting with a moderate degree of speed after several months of this without breaking to pace or trot, it might be necessary to use another type of bit to help reach your gait goals.

A naturally pacey horse needs to be collected up a bit more to help square up its gaits (by ‘square up’ I mean develop the gait so that it falls close to the center of the gait spectrum, being an evenly timed, 4-beat gait.) You can accomplish this by the use of a bit with a port. We’re in the process of developing a ported bit with many of the same qualities as our mullen bit, but until that time a good aluminum or stainless steel curb bit with a wide, medium port, fairly thick mouthpiece, and solid cheekpieces, should work quite well.

Brenda Imus