FairyLights
Well-Known Member
I am looking for advice about bitting.
I have 2 yearling geldings who are halter broke will tie up and lead and be groomed,move over in the stable . However,because of the awful winter weather I havent done as much grooming and leading as i would have liked by now and I would say they are both ok but need more practice. I need to do more leading along the lane practice and indeed have to as they will be lead along the lane to go to and from the summer paddock which is where they will be going in early May. The lane is a green lane, no traffic but plenty of birds,butterflies and similar scarey things! Today myself and my partner took the pair "walkies" and it went very well considering its the first time there for them.They walked out quite nicely and we all came back in one piece without incident. I only have the 2 yearlings and there is no older horse to give a lead. My concern is that if they had spooked I feel there could have been an accident . I am not sure about how much personal space they respect,they are ok in the stable and on the little yard but if something scared them i feel they may barge or stand on my foot or sometihng. Also I would be unable to hold on if they bolted forward. So, should I bit them? It sounds a good idea re control but I dont want to pull their mouths either even if it is accidental. I have no experience of dually halters,just conventional leather ones. Or should we lead them out on a lunge rein in a leather headcollar and carry a stick to push into the shoulder if they shy into the person leading them? Your input would be appreciated. Hot choc,red wine and chocolate hobnobs for reading thus far.
I have 2 yearling geldings who are halter broke will tie up and lead and be groomed,move over in the stable . However,because of the awful winter weather I havent done as much grooming and leading as i would have liked by now and I would say they are both ok but need more practice. I need to do more leading along the lane practice and indeed have to as they will be lead along the lane to go to and from the summer paddock which is where they will be going in early May. The lane is a green lane, no traffic but plenty of birds,butterflies and similar scarey things! Today myself and my partner took the pair "walkies" and it went very well considering its the first time there for them.They walked out quite nicely and we all came back in one piece without incident. I only have the 2 yearlings and there is no older horse to give a lead. My concern is that if they had spooked I feel there could have been an accident . I am not sure about how much personal space they respect,they are ok in the stable and on the little yard but if something scared them i feel they may barge or stand on my foot or sometihng. Also I would be unable to hold on if they bolted forward. So, should I bit them? It sounds a good idea re control but I dont want to pull their mouths either even if it is accidental. I have no experience of dually halters,just conventional leather ones. Or should we lead them out on a lunge rein in a leather headcollar and carry a stick to push into the shoulder if they shy into the person leading them? Your input would be appreciated. Hot choc,red wine and chocolate hobnobs for reading thus far.
and of course, I had to buy her her own because the mare's was too big 
).
She's a good girl really and happily drags me up the hills when I get puffed, plus she doesn't mind Alpacas (unlike Little Miss Scared-ey Cat who is 13 this year! 
).