21/09/2014
This article was written by Tracy WinterisComing Stark and posted on her group: " Horses: Proper Bits and Bitting techniques "WHEN SHOPPING FOR A BIT"
"
This is a good thing to keep in mind when shopping for bits. I like to strive for a partnership with my horses, one where we can work as a team through consensual leadership. But both parties must respect each other for that to happen. · With that being said, I hope you enjoy the article. Comment below if you have any questions.
"WHEN SHOPPING FOR A BIT"
"Looking at some of the ads it's easy to tell that even the marketers are more willing to blame the horse, than the trainer. It's almost like they took their cue from the NFL, where the victim is to blame.
When a bit is advertised as changing the horse's "attitude" or " correcting a pushy horse" then you know the purpose is severe and it's going to compel with fear, not actually solve the issue.
I'm not a complete horse hugger, I do believe that SOME horses are bossy, pushy and have more than a little ego which makes them refuse passive domination. BUT most of those horses are made that way by inept handling, either too harsh or too soft ( you NH people know who you are).
I've met a few horses that were from birth just NOT ever going to be trustworthy willing mounts. Whether it is a form of a mental problem or possession by demons, it doesn't matter, they were not going to come around to work freely and willingly.
To think that a severe bit will change the "attitude" of the horse or cure pushiness is just naive. Once you take the severe bit off you're right back to square one and have solved nothing. It's like not being able to lead your horse without a chain under the chin. He's not really trained, he's intimidated. If your horse disrespects you it's because you're letting him and not making sure that his ground manners and understanding of his space and yours is clearly defined. In most cases I see a lot of disrespectful behavior created by not realizing that you're allowing your horse to treat you as anything but the boss. You are not a feed bucket, scratching post, herd mate, foal or anything but the BOSS. And once you are the boss and train with the mindset that concise, gentle but firm and realistic expectations will get the result then you and your horse will for a partnership that is not based on pain.
And that's not to say that a horse doesn't deserve punishment. If he nips, kicks, bucks or such he needs to be made aware that such behavior will result in unpleasant response from you. Once he's been disciplined then go back to what your were teaching and be calm and clear as to what you want.
So when looking for bits, if it states that it will do something to the horse's mental state, or physical state, then walk away. No bit can change either in a manner that will last or have good results. A bit cannot change the horse's body, nor his mind, only you can do that with how you work him one on one."
