When to bit a youngster.

[Sandstone1]

What's the best age to bit a youngster?
My 3 year old is due dentist soon and may need wolf teeth out depending on if they look as if they will cause a problem.
Last time teeth were checked wolf teeth were just coming through.
Obviously, will wait til teeth are looked at again and wolf teeth have been removed if nec.
Want to get him a bridle soon as hope to back him in summer.
Just wondering when to bit him and also what bit to use. What something kind.want to make sure it fits well too. What's the best way to measure for a bit?

 

[Costa]

It really depends on the maturity of the horse. I have started bridling horses at 2, and have bridled most around 3 years of age. In your situation I would make sure that the teeth get taken care of, then I would start working on the bridle.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

my 3yo is having dentist tomorrow, any wolf teeth will be taken out and then he will be bitted in the next few weeks. He is already walking out in hand with saddle on, and has been leant over so this is the final step before he does some light lunging and is sat on come spring.

i wouldnt want to start working them knowing wolf teeth were possibly an issue.

I will just be using my favoured neue schule loose ring snaffle

 

[Kezzabell2]

Mine had a bit in at 2 didn't lead with the rope attached to the bit until 3ish but he wore the bit on walks just to get used to it in his mouth

 

[Goldenstar]

I used a kk ultra.

 

[Sandstone1]

Thanks, will definitely be waiting til I know his teeth are ok.

 

[ridefast]

I would be bitting him once he is advanced in his ground work and working off your seat under saddle understanding the aids and beginning to work in self carriage. Then the bit can come in for refinement and lateral work

 

[soloequestrian]

I would be bitting him once he is advanced in his ground work and working off your seat under saddle understanding the aids and beginning to work in self carriage. Then the bit can come in for refinement and lateral work

Sorry to hijack, but that's really interesting - what do you work your horses in up until the point above? Mine is a long way off this stage yet, but I often muse about going bitless to begin with....

 

[tallyho!]

Sorry to hijack, but that's really interesting - what do you work your horses in up until the point above? Mine is a long way off this stage yet, but I often muse about going bitless to begin with....

Bitless or you can use a cavesson too. You can do a lot of in-hand work just using a well fitting cavesson. It's all in the training.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

depends what you want to do with the horse though.

no point mine working bitless as will be aimed at young dressage horse classes.

equally i dont think you can teach true engagement and self carriage without a contact to work in to, being able to work off looped reins is not self carriage.....