How to Get a Horse to Work on the Bit

A bit makes riding your horse easier and smoother. A bit sits in the horse's mouth in the interdental region behind the molars. It's not intended to cause pain to a horse, it simply puts pressure on the horse's mouth. It may take a while to get your horse to accept a bit. Follow these steps to learn how to teach a horse to work on a bit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose the correct bit for your horse. The mildest bit can cause extreme discomfort if used by a heavy handed rider. Take the temperament of the horse into consideration as well--a stubborn horse may need a more severe bit.
2. Push your horse into the bit by applying pressure with your legs. Apply pressure to the horse's hind end so that his hocks engage and you feel as if the momentum is in front of his legs.
3. Ask your horse to drop his head by squeezing the reins in both hands. This will put pressure on the bit and cause him to bring his head down parallel with his nose tipped out slightly.
4. Reward your horse by releasing pressure on the reins. As soon as your horse does what's asked of him release the pressure.
5. Practice turning right by gripping the reins with your right hand only. Work on turning left by gripping the reins with your left hand.
6. Switch up what you ask your horse to do, work on figure-eights and serpentines. Practice as many things as you desire but keep him going at a forward pace.
7. Leg your horse forward if you begin to feel him go below, above or behind the bit. Don't pull with the reins, keep your hands still and avoid gripping the reins too hard--just apply pressure with your legs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need help getting your horse to work on the bit you should consult a riding instructor.
• Always reward your horse by releasing pressure on the reins when he gives in a little bit.
• Don't seesaw the bit in the horse's mouth. It isn't easy on the horse's mouth and will result in discomfort.