In-Hand Bridle advice for yearling

[AfricanBeauty]

I've got a 7 month old colt - will be gelded in the spring/when the weather is better - and would like to show him next year.
Not sure what size in-hand bridle I would need, or how to fit it to him - he is a TB with typical size head. Also would you advise bitting him as a yearling or waiting until he is 2?
This is my first foal so don't want to get it wrong - he has already been to a couple of shows with his mum so knows what the atmosphere is like, and was well behaved - is very good to lead even when on restricted turnout due to weather - but obviously still unpredictable.
Any advice would be great.
Thanks

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

For you to show him as a yearling he will need to be bitted, even if you get a three way coupling (one that attaches to the noseband and the bit but takes the pressure on the noseband and if needs be then the bit )

Have you a pic of him ?

Pony size or cob should be sufficient

If you can borrow a pony bridle and measure him up that way

.


Col x

 

[AfricanBeauty]

Thanks, any advice on how/when to start trying?
He's the one in the third picture in my sig - just discovered how to add one

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

on how/when to start trying ? .... bitting ?

He looks to be a lovely mover , what breed is he ?

Well you have him going nicely inhand by the looks of it .

As for bitting .... Get him a nice little nylon/showing bit ..... stick it loosely on a bridle ... (one wrinkle at the lip) ... a bit of honey or syrup on it and stick the bridle on him, Let him chew on it for awhile and watch him ..... Do this a couple of times a week, once he is comfortable with the bridle and the fitting of it on and off, then you can start taking him for little walks and gradually get him trotting off .

Do get yourself a 3 way coupling and lead him off the noseband to start with .

Good luck

Col x

 

[AfricanBeauty]

Thanks,
Will try all of that in the new year. He's full TB by our retired mare (2nd picture) and a stallion at the yard we are at. Neither have raced but have National Hunt bloodlines. The picture is from his first show and he took it all in his stride - knew exactly when to show off to the judges He's a quick learner which has helped, but have to watch he doesn't learn bad habits too.
Am really excited about showing him again.
Will keep you updated with his progress.

 

[air78]

My TB yearlings have always had cob size in-hand bridles