If a horse absolutely refuses to respond to a very mild bit, then I’ll step up to the next bit in the sequence. I said, I want to use the mildest bit possible that WILL GET THE JOB DONE. I did NOT say I’m going to use the mildest bit possible, no matter what.
I want to preserve the sensitivity of the horse’s mouth as much as I can. That is why I want to use as mild a bit on the horse as I can get away with. The more pressure or abrasiveness the horse’s mouth is subjected to, the quicker it will toughen and lose its sensitivity. Most horses will lose some of their sensitivity as they get older.Ī two year old colt will have a much more sensitive mouth than a ten year old horse.
To my way of thinking, a horse should be ridden in the mildest bit that he will respond to for the job which he is intended to do. And, many older horses that need re-training should also be schooled in a snaffle bit. Most colts should be started in a snaffle bit.
