Help with a foal.

[Brontie]

When I break the foal, and is ready to ride because it has never been on a bit before, does it matter what one I use? Ild preferbly use a D ring but not sure. Any advice welcome

 

[Nepenthe]

I have no idea what you are asking? Why would you want to 'break the foal'...what do you mean about bits?

 

[Tinkerbee]

something mild...but tbh it depends on the hands at the other end

we use ones with keys or rollers to encourage them to play with the bit

 

[kerilli]

i really hope you mean that you are going to wait until "the foal" is at least 2 1/2 before you do some light lungeing in tack etc, and that you won't think about sitting on it until it is at least 3 yrs old (36 months, not 3 on 1st Jan)!

 

[Brontie]

Lmao guys, Im not that cruel! I mean, when you start introducing the horse to a bit, cna you use what ever bit you like or must you use a certain one?

 

[kerilli]

i usually use a full cheek or fulmer, to help with the steering the moment i'm on, with a medium-thickness mouthpiece, ideally not stainless steel, and maybe a middle lozenge. i don't use keyed bits, ever. don't like happymouth etc either, they can make mouths very sore.

 

[S_N]

Generally a keyed bit is used (metal), though I HATE them!!! My yearling is bitted, as he was shown this year and I introduced him to the idea with a loose ring straight bar happymouth. This is what he thought of it, first time on/in

He was shown in a black rubber/vulcanite straight bar, with brass rings.

 

[B_2_B]

psml at that pic SN!

 

[spitchwick]

I introduce my yealings to a small brass ringed vulcanite type of bit to show them in hand, but wouldn't dream of anything else till they're 3 or more.

 

[nicholls07]

im hoping to use a straight bar rubber snaffle, but im not going to mouth up till at least 3 yrs, my yearling is so soft and walks out loverly in just a headcollar...

 

[amandaco2]

i popped bey in a mullen happy mouth.she wasnt that bothered abut it lol

 

[Nepenthe]

I don't agree with bitting until they are three or so...but everyone is different. If it's for control whilst leading, I'd rather train the youngster, than use bits/chifneys unless it's very difficult to handle or being kept entire. What you use should depend on your horse's mouth conformation.

 

[henryhorn]

We use a straight thinnish hard rubber snaffle, then progress to a bit with cheeks.
I hate the bits with keys and wouldn't use one, they teach horses to mess about to much in their mouths.
The best thing to do is get the correct size then allow the horse to wear it for half an hour at first in the stable. Unless you intend to show it however there is no rush until it's at least three.

 

[amandaco2]

i didnt do it for control, mine leads off her heacollar.

i mouthed for shows but also
i bitted as i think its easier all round if you get them used to things early rather than waiting and making them deal with a whole load of things at the same time when it comes to backing.