How to Introduce the Snaffle Bit to Your Horse

0118_02

Like all pieces of equipment you use to train your horse, care needs to be given when introducing a bit to your horse. When starting a horse under saddle, Clinton recommends using a hackamore. “The hackamore gives horses a chance to learn how to give and soften to pressure while I’m on their backs without having to deal with a bit just yet. It also allows a smooth transition for a colt going from responding to a halter on the ground to responding to the same type of pressure under saddle. The softer you can get a horse in a hackamore, the softer he’ll be in the bridle,” Clinton says.

Between a horse’s 10th and 14th ride, he switches him over to a snaffle bit. “I don’t recommend putting a bit in a horse’s mouth until you have him flexing well from side to side, you can stop him by sliding one hand down the rein and he’s following his nose in the hackamore,” Clinton says.

When a colt can do all those things, then he begins to use a smooth-mouthed snaffle bit. “I move all of my horses out of the hackamore at this time because I think that you can get more softness and collection in a bit compared to the hackamore,” he says.

In the training guide, “Introducing the Snaffle Bit,” Clinton outlines the steps he takes to switch a horse from a hackamore to a bridle. The detailed steps can also be used to help any horse that’s developed a bridling problem.

Read the guide now on the Downunder Horsemanship website.

More News

Back to all news

See All
0123_Tip

2 years ago

Training Tip: Rule #3 When Feeding Horses Treats

There are many myths in the horse world about feeding treats. Here are a few of the most common: “If…

Read More
0323_Tip

4 years ago

Training Tip: Horse Bites When Desensitized

Question: Is it OK to reprimand a horse for trying to bite you when you are desensitizing? I’m working with…

Read More
FILES2f20162f012f0112_03.jpg.jpg

10 years ago

Second Ranch Rally — Will you be there?

If you’re a fan of Clinton and the Method, there’s no doubt you either experienced or saw the rave reviews…

Read More
1110_02

5 years ago

2021 Downunder Horsemanship Events Update

If you’re like us, you can’t wait for the next Walkabout Tour presented by Ritchie Industries to take place. We…

Read More