Part 2: Bitting
by Dot Morgan
(This is the first of a series on retraining the retired racehorse that will appear in consecutive newsletters.)
Both standardbreds and thoroughbreds have been taught to race against the bit. A strong hold on the reins or driving lines steadies the horse and gives it confidence in the heat of battle. However, to the pleasure rider who encounters the horse fresh off the track, it simply has a "hard mouth." Actually, this isn't true. The horse has been conditioned to run or pace against the pressure and listen for other signals to slow down, i.e. "whoa" "easing up on the reins/lines" or "sitting up in the saddle." This can be rather disconcerting to the excited adopter going for his first ride.
Anyone who has adopted through New Vocations has heard me talk about "bitting" in order to teach the horse to "give" to the bridle. Now, I'm going to describe this frequently unknown, but highly effective training technique which will also appear on our website. The following equipment is needed:
bridle with snaffle bit and caveson, any style saddle, and one pair of the following: side reins, thin lead shanks, or light knotted ropes w/double snaps.
Tack the horse and put it in a stall or round pen. Using one of the side reins, lead shanks or rope with knots snap or tie one end to the ring on the left side of the saddle or where the girth is secured. Then snap the other end to the ring in the snaffle bit. The strap should just snug enough that the horse needs to turn it's head slightly to relieve the pressure. Avoid having the rein so tight that the horse has to bend its neck at a right angle. Now, step out of the stall or round pen for about 30 minutes and let the horse work out the mechanics of "giving its head" to relieve the pressure of the bit. Follow the same procedure on the right side for 30 minutes. At the end of this hour praise the horse while untacking and grooming and return it to its stall or pasture.
The second bitting session can be the next day, several days or even a week later. Follow the same procedure as the first time, except the tie rein can be about an inch tighter. At the end of the hour, add 30 more minutes with the horse bitted straight back. This is achieved by setting the side reins at equal lengths, snapping from the bit to the respective side of the saddle just snug enough that the horse must duck its nose an inch or so to get relief. Immediately, the handler needs to show the horse by slightly pinching it on the nose that if it yields to the bit, the pressure stops. Beware of bitting the horse straight back too severely the first time. If the horse perceives there is no escape, it may flip over in frustration. Usually, a simple squeeze on the nose or manually pushing it's head toward its chest, will make a light bulb go off. Be sure the horse understands the concept before stepping away for another 30 minutes.
Two to four bitting sessions are recommended to initiate the retraining process. The first ride should immediately follow the end of a bitting session.
This training technique is not just for racetrack retirees. Any horse
that is having difficulty "giving" to the bit will benefit from
the described sessions. It should also be noted that bitting naturally
releases endorphins due to the repeated flexion of the neck. This in turn
calms the horse and helps to assure a more positive under-saddle experience.
English and Western Pleasure show horses respond quite favorably to this
focusing exercise prior to a show or even shortly before a class.
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Administration/Education/ Fundraising Dot Morgan 3293 Wright Rd Laura, OH 45337 PH: (937) 947-4020 Fax: (937) 947-3201 dot@horseadoption.com |
Applications/Admissions of Horses Anna Ford Hilliard, OH 43026 PH: (614) 771-6825 Cell: (614) 989-3926 Fax: (614) 771-6992 anna@horseadoption.com |