Young Horses

Start as you mean to go on:

I think that it is crucial that a young Horse or Pony is introduced to a bit correctly from the very beginning, whether it is to ride or drive for pleasure or to compete. If we got it right from the start of a youngster's career then we would not have many or any problems with resistance or the need to use restrictive equipment to try to mask the fact that a Horse is not comfortable with its bit.

The most important part of Bit Introduction is:
A well made Bit that is balanced and works effectively
A bit that fits the Horses conformation
Comfort and confidence when wearing a Bit and Bridle Familiarity with a Bit before work starts
Good communication at the start of a Horses training

With each Young Horse Option you will get
Your chosen bit with a full description of its action.

Detailed help of how to fit and introduce your new bit Instructions of how to carefully transition your Horse into the bit

Young Horse Option 1
Hooked Cheek Comfort Snaffle

Young Horse Option 2
Hanging Cheek Lozenge Snaffle

Young Horse Option 3
Combination Comfort Mouth

A way of re-distributing the pressure onto four places on the Horses head to communicate humanely, effectively and lightly the signals you want to give

Natural progression in Training
In the early stages of training the horse is familiar and responds to pressure from a head collar and to voice commands. The next step is to introduce the bit, which some young horses find confusing and difficult. It can be at this crucial stage in the training that resistance and habits form. The Myler Combination is a way to introduce the bit gradually, encouraging the horse to accept a mouthpiece, while responding to pressures he already knows.

The action
Pressure is distributed onto four areas of the Horses head, instead of only into the mouth, as with most traditional bits. When you apply rein pressure the horse feels a signal on the nose, poll and the under jaw simultaneously. These are more evenly efficient forms of pressure that the Horse already responds to. As the horse yields in response, the rider lightens the contact as a signal of reward. When the Rider lightens the pressure the release is smooth and instantaneous therefore the reward is easily understood.

Hilary is available to come out to your yard to run Young Horse Bitting Days
You can call on 07775 851051 to book your day.