Bits, Bits, Bits....

I always tell my clients, if your horse can't be ridden in a loose ring snaffle (o-ring), he's not trained well enough. I want my horse to be light in my hands & he should be trained to work off of seat/legs & voice as a primary way to ask him to change gaits & to make certain maneuvers. If I am starting a colt, I use either a side pull (bridle without a bit, has a rope noseband) or a smooth loose ring snaffle. Just think, if you start harsh, you have nothing to advance to if a problem arises. Like Clinton Anderson says, "Light as possible, but as firm as necessary." Nothing wrong with having an arsenal of bits though! I will say there is one bit that I see all the time, it is the most commonly used bit when someone is starting out, or hasn't done the research on what they should use, and that is a Tom Thumb. The only thing these bits are good for in my opinion is to melt down and make a new bit with! They are not balanced bits, so the mouthpiece actually STAYS engaged in the horses mouth at all times. This can make a horse very dull & hard mouthed, not to mention, could potentially sour him. Try an Argentine snaffle instead!  If you have any questions about bits, feel free to email me.