Bits and Bridles

(Page 18) I prefer to use Eggbutt snaffle bits for training and general riding. The bit is not supposed to be an object of control, but rather an object for communication and an aid in good postural development. Bosals, bitless bridles, side pulls that pull from the side of the head can cause resistance through the reins. They do not encourage relaxation and easy flexion through the poll (Photo #1). When you finally do introduce the bit, it should be introduced with a Flash English 3 bridle that has two nosebands (one in front of the bit and one behind the bit) to encourage your equine to take contact with the bit and not just chew on it, or flip his tongue over it (Photo #2).

It is better to stop a bad habit before it begins than to try to stop it later. Anything other than a snaffle bit (that works from the corners of the lips) does not allow the correct movement through the head and neck to maintain good equine posture when you pull on the reins. When we begin work in the bridle after the extensive leading training for balance in good posture, we add our “Elbow Pull” self-correcting equine postural device to maintain the good equine posture we started. It will be a bit tight, off and on, when the animal “leans” on it to help with his balance (Photo #3). When the animal is in good posture and can hold the posture for longer periods of time, it will remain loose (Photo #4). When you are starting an equine properly during groundwork training, it is important that the integrity of the direct rein contact be maintained. That means that when you pull the right rein, the animal’s head moves freely, directly and easily to the right, and when you pull left, the animal’s head moves freely, directly and easily to the left (Photo #5).

When you pull back with a squeeze/release motion, the indication to the animal is to rein backwards and when you release, he is allowed to go forward (Photo #6). The animal can feel the slightest vibration in the corners of his mouth. If you go through my sequential exercise program and use the bridle that we recommend, you can preserve the integrity of your mule’s balance and good equine posture. When the noseband and drop noseband are snugly adjusted but not too tight, the equine learns to carry the bit in his mouth properly and will respond appropriately. You will no longer have the problem of the tongue over the bit or extreme resistance…unless you just pull too hard on the reins. He will feel the slightest cues and will learn to follow them willingly in good equine posture, carrying you efficiently on top of a solidly supported spine, from head to tail, after the “Elbow Pull” is no longer needed (Photo #7). It’s better to build good habits from the very beginning rather than to try to fix bad habits, and an unbalanced posture later. Learn more about training without resistance in the various sections o under TRAINING on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com.