Bit advice needed!

kimberleigh

kimberleigh

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 June 2012
Messages
888
Location
Ireland
Visit site
Hi :)

I am after some bit recommendations for my new 2 year old welsh section d.
Previous owners always handled him in a bridle as he tends to throw his weight around when unsure of situations and they felt it better to be safe than sorry so used a bridle rather than not having control in a headcollar.

I am wanting to get him out and about to get used to different sights/sounds etc and because it's a quiet area I thought walking him out in hand would be an ideal way to introduce him to the world.

However, I wouldn't risk being on public roads with him in a headcollar (even though they are quiet country lanes) so am looking for a suitable bit.

I want something as mild as possible (I don't want to harden his mouth being so young), that encourages acceptance of the bit (his previous experiences of bitting have resulted in things he doesn't like, eg vet and farrier so I want to make it as pleasant as possible from now on), and suits the shape of his mouth/tongue/palette being a welsh d

Obviously my main aim is to be able to do everything safely in just a headcollar but until we have worked on that im going to stick with the safety first option!

Suggestions please?

Thanks :)

Kim
 
Many people will offer you opinions but to be honest, your best bet is to ring one of the many bit banks and tell them all the details including things like his mouth and tongue etc. They offer great advice and then you can trial whatever bit they recommend and you are not restricted to one brand.
I use http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/ but there are many others.
Good luck!
 
Dually halter or be nice, plenty of practice at home before going out. I would try an ns starter or a happy mouth snaffle and pop it under the dually only using when needed. Long rope too.

Get him or her good with pressure and voice
 
Thanks Jenz87 - will give that a go! Makes more sense to try before you buy :)

Highlands - I have been considering a type of pressure halter; as he's settled in he is really quite bolshy and has a serious lack of respect for personal space! Never needed one before on any of mine, so I will look into the Dually and BeNice halters and see if anyone near me has one I could borrow and see how we get on with it :

Kim
 
Kim

Where are you based?

I have a bloshy highland , who at three was very opinionated and domiant . The dually was fab, I have the how to use it video somewhere, you are welcome to borrow it.

Freds at 10 is an angel on the ground and has such a soft mouth. Experiment is he key, good luck
 
Im in Plymouth

I think because he was handled roughly as a baby, and forced into doing things rather than being coaxed, he now simply uses his strength to get the upper hand (or hoof!)
I am firm but fair with him, and have laid down clear boundaries of what is acceptable and what isn't, but at the end of the day he will always win a battle of strength so I am aiming to nip it in the bud before he gets to the point of 'sod you, I'm doing what I like!'

I would much rather not have to use a bridle if at all possible, as I would want for him to respect me out of choicer rather than coercion

Kim
 
When I was leading my youngsters out i would have them in a straight bar happy mouth bit, but also have a headcollar on underneath. I would then then just lead from the headcollar, but if I felt I needed a bit more control could lead off the bridle. Takes a little practice with the two lead ropes to make sure that you are not being too strong on the bit and with the pressure halters available now you may find that you don't need to lead from the bridle as much. Think its always a good idea to get youngsters used to bits as soon as possible, so that they are comfortable with having it in their mouth with no pressure. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top