A great way to introduce the bit to a young horse
I have found through my work with young horses that a great way to introduce them to the bit is by hooking it to the halter.
Step 1. Hook the bit on one side of the halter
Step 2. Let the bit hang down
Step 3. Offer the bit to the horse
Step 4. Once the horse opens his/her mouth you hook the bit to the other side of the halter
In this picture Little Finn a 16 hand Quarter Horse gelding owned by Patty demonstrates this simple technique. I used bailing twine to hook it on his halter, so that it is comfortable for the horse, but you can also use small snaps. Little Finn is going to be working on his dressage basics soon so that one day he can show in dressage shows and earn AQHA points. Check out your local dressage chapter to see what year end awards they are giving out for Quarter horses. USDF now has year end awards for Quarter horses as well. YEAH!! These great horses are now getting the recognition they deserve in the dressage arena!
Depending on what kind of horse you have, if you have papers on them, you may be eligible for year end dressage awards. Check out how many competitions you would need to qualify, and what your scores must be. Going for year end awards can be a great way to set goals and stay motivated!
Check in for more young horse tips!
posted by Janie Rentz @ 9:09 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
Janie taught me how to put the bit on a halter and it really works for my horse, Little Finn (who has not been ridden yet). She said she learned it from an old horse trainer. It is such a quiet way to get a young horse used to the bit.
Janie is working him on the longe right now and she also works with me while I longe him. Because she points out so many interesting things to do on the longe -- like spiraling in and out, asking the shoulders to come first, cavalletti, transitions, etc. etc. -- I've really fallen back in love with longeing.
We work on getting Little Finn relaxed and used to voice commands and such so he is not bothered by anything that happens. He is so smart (of course, I think so because he's mine). It's such a pleasure to watch him come along in his learning. I think Janie and Lara will have him going under saddle soon. I can't wait to see it!! I hope the weather holds up in Maryland (we dont' have an indoor.)
One of the best things Janie has taught me is to be a "boss mare" with my two young Quarter Horses. She wags her finger at me and says, "Remember, we are not treat dispensers or scratching posts." So I am learning to be a more dominant personality on the ground and in the saddle and insisting on respect from my horse. I think I need a T-shirt that says Boss Mare. It could change my life!
never thought of that...i used mollases or honey, which got kinda messy sometimes...thanks for a great tip! :o)
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