bitting youngsters, how do you do yours?

[Vicki1986]

I've begun bitting my 2 yr old (3 in May), so far its going very well.

What bit do you use and what process do you follow?
Do you allow them to eat with it in? I was advised to let mine eat her feed with it in to get used to the movement. What other methods do people use? Be interesting to hear how people introduce bits to their young ones.

 

[Equestrian92]

I bitted mine last week, all over and done with in two miutes!
Put the bridle on (without bit) connected the bit to one side, so it was only attached to the cheek piece and was left hanging if you see what I mean, took the end that was left hanging, brung it round to the mouth and straight in, literally just like that, then done the bridle up, I then left them playing with it for ten mins to get used to it, if you do this everyday for a short length of time it lets them get the feel of it, not sure about letting them eat with it though, I personally wouldn't as they play with it anyway.

 

[cobface]

I bitted my pony on sunday, same as above, took me less than 2 mins (alot of work beforehand though) and left it in for a few mins and repeated it a few times. Not had chance to do it again since but hoping to pick it back up over the weekend

 

[Berkeley]

I buried the bit in a handful of feed to trick him! It was too late to back out after that. I kept it in for a few mins let him work it out then took ot out. Praised him loads and gave him a carrot. I repeated this process every day. Some days he was wise to my tricks and pulled back, reared you name it but after while he just accepted it.

I used this bit: http://www.horsetackinternational.com/images/F5017-loose-ring.jpg

 

[Equestrian92]

Oh and the bit I used (sorry I dont know what it was called) but it was soooo basic, got it from my tack shop about £7 just two normal rings and a hard plastic/rubber (whatever it was) bar in the middle.

 

[Fairynuff]

Im mouthing mine at the moment. I use a key bit attached to the head piece and cheek straps. My 2 year old is at the stage where everything has to go into her mouth so i have taken advantage. She is not in the least upset about it and stands like an old pro to have her 'bridle' put on. I will muck out, groom and generally mess around while she happily chews and slobbers on her new toy. Ive never made a fuss about it and haven't had problems with any of my youngsters-its just part and parcel of growing up. Ive also had her rugged up using a roller and have her used to me leaning on her back. She is quite happy with a saddle (light synthetic) on although I would never risk leaving her alone with it on. She is off at the end of March to a trainer who will do the basics with her plus backing, she will come home at the end of May and will be turned away till the spring of 2011.

 

[peerielee]

My boy has been bitted he is 3 in April. I showed him last year in a rubber straight bar bit. While he was teething i didn't bit him at all his mouth seemed quite sensitive. I have just bought a Neule schuler starting bit for him and tried it on him last night. I plan to reintroduce this bit to him I usually put his bridle on and groom him, play with him etc. So far he has been no bother. He cant get to grips eating food with it though everything keeps falling out lol!