bits and biting (spooner)

My Horse University and eXtension’s HorseQuest welcome you to this live Webcast.

A “Bit” of Information:Bits & How They Function

Holly Spooner, PhD, PASExtension Horse Specialist &

Assistant ProfessorWest Virginia University

Meet our presenter:

Holly Spooner, PhD, PASWest Virginia University

Question facilitator: Dr. Christine SkellyMichigan State University

Why a bit?

• Aid for communication• Should be used after

seat and leg• Not for punishment

Snaffle vs. Curb

• Snaffle: direct pressure,no leverage, reins andheadstall attach to same “ring”

• Curb: indirect pressure,leverage, reins and headstallattach to different place

Snaffle vs. Curb

• The “hybrid”

8 “Places for Pressure”

• Bars• Corners of lips• Tongue• Roof of mouth

8 “Places for Pressure”

• Poll• Nose• Curb groove• Side of face

Judging Severity – All Bits

1. RIDER!!!!!

Judging Severity – All Bits

2. Mouthpiece diameter

Measure 1 in. from checkpiece• 5/16”-3/4” is “legal” for AQHA• 3/8” considered moderate• Too big may not always be better!

Judging Severity – All Bits

3. Mouthpiece texture

Judging Severity – All Bits

4. Broken v. solidBroken: independent lateral controlSolid: difficult to have “independent movement”

Judging Severity – All Bits

5. Port height/shape; tongue relief

Judging Severity – All Bits

6. Width: needs tofit horse/pony“Nutcracker”effect

Judging Severity – Snaffles

• Ring type may influence severity• Eggbutt believed to be “gentlest”• Loose ring “harshest”

Judging Severity – Snaffles

1. Length of shank: “Bottom to Top Ratio”

Judging Severity – Snaffles

2. Angle of shank relative to headstall attachment

Judging Severity – Snaffles

3. Curb chain– Material– Adjustment--generally “2 fingers”

Materials

1. Steel: heavier, will rust2. Stainless3. Copper: generally in mouthpiece; believed to

increase salivation4. Aluminum: not recommended for

mouthpiece

Hackamores

• Pressure on nose or nose and side of face Bosal Mechanical

Safety Factors

• Utilize a browband style headstall and bit hobble when using a snaffle bit

Hints for Selecting a Bit• Consider your horse and rider combo

How are your rider’s hands?How broke is your horse?

• Know the rulesBring any necessary rulebooks and a tape measure shopping with you

• Small steps/“Only what you need”If you must use a harsher bit, your goal should always be to go back to

the softer bit

Hints for Selecting a Bit

• Quality always pays off• Smooth edges• Tight joints• Balanced Feel

Thank you for attending this live web presentation!

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www.myhorseuniversity.com

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