I have well over 50 different bridles in my tack room and
this is why Every horse I have in for training goes thru several phases and they are taught several different
things,
For each of these they will require a unique bit specifically suited to their task and personality A horse may arrive in a mood to fight and be quite good at it I need to be able to quickly get the
upper hand and establish the chain of command on the first day Then we can work on becoming friends On the
other hand I may have to work with a timid and scared horse that has been thru terrifying experiences eliminating any trust for humans I need a very different bit for this horse Each phase requires a
different bit Each phase contains several different skills Each skill usually requires a
different bit as well Each horse …also has a different background prior to arrival here
Some
have been ridden...some not, Some have been ridden well some very badly Sometimes a hackamore, bosal, or
vosal is required I have several of those as well. Some are mechanical...some not, All depends on the
horse and what I am doing with them Unless you are directly stepping into the show ring, there is no right or wrong
bit Two different horses may require two very different bits to be taught the very same thing It all
depends on:
Their personality....their previous training what ( I ) am teaching them.... how much
time I have I may have three identical bits...in three different widths I may have three identical bits...with
three different ports I may have a QUARTERHORSE in one month and A Belgian in the next so I must
have all the same equipment in 2 different sizes some English bridles...some western most customized
by my husband
I prefer stainless steel for all my bits It is the easiest to weld and manipulate by my husband
I prefer super fine thin 3/8 or regular fine ½ harness leather for western headstalls I prefer extra fine 3/8 fine English leather for English bridles
I am fanatical about keeping
my equipmenT in clean good working order and comfortable on my horses
If your horse sweats you should
clean afterwards at least wipe it with a damp rag
A best quality western bit is 100 - 150.00
Best quality English bit 100.00
custom bits usually double Best quality western headstall is about
65.00 Best quality English headstall is about 275.00
