How old before bitting?

[moneypit1]

My Fresian x will be 2 in May. He is a lovely chap standing at 14.1hh at present. I want to take him to shows this year to socialise and stimulate him and have been advised to 'mouth' him soon as it will be easier to handle him. To be honest I am anxious about doing this as he is still such a baby and his mouth doesn't look big enough to take a bit so young. Just wondered what others thought? My gut feeling is to wait until he is rising 3 or until he 'looks' ready.

 

[juliebrewer]

If he is not strong when out and about you can show him in a showing bridle without a bit in it. I showed my Yearling colt in a bridle with rubber straight bar bit and I attatched the lead line to the nose band as well as the bit (loop on chain went on nose band) so when i pulled him to slow down it only put pressure on the nose band but it looked like he was only attatched to the bit so looked ok

 

[bellaboo]

Sorry totally off the topic!!! but you have a friesian cross what? would love to see some photos, i also have a friesian x!

 

[vicijp]

I dont think there is any harm in bitting at any age.
What, I think, does the harm is horses that havent been properly mouthed being led unevenly(however good anyone is, there is no way around it).
So, I wouldnt show him in a bit, unless you are prepared to do a bit of longreining first.
Personally, I never lead youngsters off the bit, will only stop leading them out of the stable (in a headcollar) when they have been backed a month or so.

 

[Patricksmum]

definitely say ready for bitting. Agree with Jubbily that a small bendy rubber bit would be my first choice & also to use a coupling to lead from, with the noseband threaded thru the middle ring on the coupling. Never thread the rope thru the bit rings!

 

[moneypit1]

Thanks everyone, will get it sorted! bellaboo, will put piccys in Gallery!