Transcript
My Horse University and eXtension’s HorseQuest welcome you to this live Webcast.
A “Bit” of Information:Bits & How They Function
Holly Spooner, PhD, PASExtension Horse Specialist &
Assistant ProfessorWest Virginia University
Meet our presenter:
Holly Spooner, PhD, PASWest Virginia University
Question facilitator: Dr. Christine SkellyMichigan State University
Why a bit?
• Aid for communication• Should be used after
seat and leg• Not for punishment
Snaffle vs. Curb
• Snaffle: direct pressure,no leverage, reins andheadstall attach to same “ring”
• Curb: indirect pressure,leverage, reins and headstallattach to different place
Snaffle vs. Curb
• The “hybrid”
8 “Places for Pressure”
• Bars• Corners of lips• Tongue• Roof of mouth
8 “Places for Pressure”
• Poll• Nose• Curb groove• Side of face
Judging Severity – All Bits
1. RIDER!!!!!
Judging Severity – All Bits
2. Mouthpiece diameter
Measure 1 in. from checkpiece• 5/16”-3/4” is “legal” for AQHA• 3/8” considered moderate• Too big may not always be better!
Judging Severity – All Bits
3. Mouthpiece texture
Judging Severity – All Bits
4. Broken v. solidBroken: independent lateral controlSolid: difficult to have “independent movement”
Judging Severity – All Bits
5. Port height/shape; tongue relief
Judging Severity – All Bits
6. Width: needs tofit horse/pony“Nutcracker”effect
Judging Severity – Snaffles
• Ring type may influence severity• Eggbutt believed to be “gentlest”• Loose ring “harshest”
Judging Severity – Snaffles
1. Length of shank: “Bottom to Top Ratio”
Judging Severity – Snaffles
2. Angle of shank relative to headstall attachment
Judging Severity – Snaffles
3. Curb chain– Material– Adjustment--generally “2 fingers”
Materials
1. Steel: heavier, will rust2. Stainless3. Copper: generally in mouthpiece; believed to
increase salivation4. Aluminum: not recommended for
mouthpiece
Hackamores
• Pressure on nose or nose and side of face Bosal Mechanical
Safety Factors
• Utilize a browband style headstall and bit hobble when using a snaffle bit
Hints for Selecting a Bit• Consider your horse and rider combo
How are your rider’s hands?How broke is your horse?
• Know the rulesBring any necessary rulebooks and a tape measure shopping with you
• Small steps/“Only what you need”If you must use a harsher bit, your goal should always be to go back to
the softer bit
Hints for Selecting a Bit
• Quality always pays off• Smooth edges• Tight joints• Balanced Feel
Thank you for attending this live web presentation!
For more information about My Horse University please visit us at:
www.myhorseuniversity.com
info@myhorseuniversity.com | www.myhorseuniversity.com | 517-353-3123
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