Page 56 - ST November 2013

educationI

BY LINDA PARELLI

Five Ps

for Introducing

the Bit

I

ntroducing the bit to a young horse for the irst noseband (keep the noseband loose so the horse can
time does not need to be scary or diicult. All move his jaw and lick his lips as he learns).

you need is some thoughtful preparation and a
Process: What to do
clear path to progress along. In fact, that path
is made up of ive Ps: Purpose, Preparation, 1. Friendly Game in Zone 1.

Process, Progress and Problem-solving!
First of all, make sure you can gently handle your

horse around the mouth, rub his gums, and cause
Purpose: What’s the goal. for the horse?
him to open his mouth by gently pressing on his

It’s really important to start by knowing the goal. tongue through the side of his mouth (keep your

Having the outcome in mind helps you make steady ingers away from his teeth!). Keep the horse’s head
progress towards it, and you’ll have a clear picture. close to you with your ingers on the side of his halter

and it’s not just putting a bit in the horse’s mouth!
but don’t trap him. If he moves his head around,

In this case, the goal is for the horse to not be afraid allow a little drift and softly persist until he is calm
of the feeling of a bit and understand how to respond and accepting.

to its use and the rider’s eforts to communicate Next, simulate bridling using a Savvy String. Tie

with it.
itinabigloopasifitwereabridle,soitwouldit
from his mouth to his ears but a little loosely. Ask

Preparation: Thinking ahead
your horse to lower his head, hold the top of the loop

Think about what it is that you want your horse with your hand between his ears and guide the string
speciically to know and understand. For example.
into your horse’s mouth as if it were a bit. When it

• To reach for the bit willingly when you touches your horse’s lips, wait for him to nibble at it

bridle him.
and take it in, rather than pushing it in. If he doesn’t
• To get used to the feeling of wearing it.
get the idea, gently press on his tongue so he opens

• To follow the feel when it moves (rather than
his mouth.
avoid or ight it).
Adjust the size of the loop once it’s in his mouth

Choose a simple snale, preferably a little on
so it is not tight but not loose, and then leave it like

the thick side at irst so it is less likely to hurt your that until his mouth is quiet and he seems quiet and
horse’s mouth if he were accidentally blocked by undisturbed. At that point, you can take it out again.

it. Use a single or double-jointed snale that has a Now you can start with a bit.

smooth surface, and a simple bridle with or without a

54 | Savvy Times November 2013