bitting the 2yo for SHIH

[pintopiaffe]

If we've had this thread, I can't get it to come up in a search...

First of all--they are two as of Jan.1, correct? My poor guy won't truly be two until August.

I hate to put a bit in his mouth, but if we want to show, we have to I guess?

Do you bit them any differently than an older horse starting work?

Do you 'work' them off the bit the way you do an older horse? (i.e. I can get my stallion to 'come on the bit' and really round his neck/push through his back by using the reins... (when I can keep up with him ) Or do you just have them trot with you the way you would in a halter, working off body language etc.?

These sound like stupid questions I *should* know the answer to. But I've only shown mature horses and foals-at-side.

I *do* know I absolutely do not do enough preparation and working them for shows or inspections. My goal is to really get things going and get the colt and the yearling filly out and about this year.

[Dazednconfused]

Since you said SHIH, I'm going to assume you are referring to the arabian division. If not, ignore this, I don't know anything about the other breeds' SH classes.

2 year olds in SHIH can be shown in a halter OR a bridle.

The USEF rulebook is a great resource, you should keep a copy and of course there is always a free version online - and it has all the rules in it

[pintopiaffe]

No, I mean USDF stuff... Dressage Breeding shows... Is it called something else? Probably mixing up my initials.

There are a scant handful of shows up here in July/August. Seacoast used to have a fabulous one, I'd love to get to that again.

[BBowen]

Before putting a bridle on my filly this year, I had her teeth checked and her wolf teeth pulled so there would be no interference with the bit or anything to cause irritation. I gave her mouth plenty of time to heal. Then I gradually introduced the bit/bridle. She loves applesauce, so I dipped the bit in applesauce so it would taste good. I put it on over her halter so I could use the halter/lead for control and not put pressure on the bit. Be sure that the bit is fitted correctly and high enough in the mouth so that your youngster cannot get his/her tongue over the bit. Just be patient and don't try to force it on your youngster. Give yourself plenty of time. Gradually begin asking your horse to give to pressure with the bit so you can work with that for your in-hand classes. Good luck.

[Hampton Bay]

I haven't done any work with my colt with a bit yet, as he is just a youngin too, but he has worn one several times.

What I did with him was made a cheap bridle without a noseband, and I put it on him in his stall. I gave him a snack of grain to give him something else to think about, and then left him to figure things out. I supervised him from outside his stall, but I wanted him to figure it out on his own.

Once I noticed him STOP trying to suck the bit down his throat (nut), I took his bridle off, and then did the whole thing over a couple days later. At least that way he doesn't see it as a big deal.

I don't like lunging or long-lining in a bridle though, so I will stop there until he goes under saddle.

Does USDF really make you put them in a bridle at 2 for in-hand showing?

[staceyk]

Hi,

I started bitting my gelding with molassess, leaving the bit in for a least an hour at a time. A month or so later, we practiced yielding to the bit in the stall, and just last week we worked in hand.

The one problem I have is that he is a bit resistant about accepting the bit in his mouth -- raises head, and its a good thing I'm tall! He does stand quietly.

[pintopiaffe]

Yes, USDF 2yo's must show in a bit.

Hunters do too, no? We may try a local round-and-round show and do model Hunter as well.

[Home Again Farm]

That is why I wait until mine are 3 and have been lightly started before showing them in hand. I want their first experiences of the bit to be positive and, let's face it, you never know what will happen at a breed show and what you may need to handle if other horses get out of hand near yours. Most folks don't seem to worry about that, but for me, it is worth waiting. FWIW.

[Leena]

I use a method where I teach my young chick to lower his head, I put one hand crabbing the head of the bridle and with my other hand, I just maintain the bit on the mouth and as soon as the little tall chick open his mouth I pull with my right hand, and quickly catch the first ear I have in hand.

No molasse, no oil, and no fight. What takes a little time is to have them lowering the neck and head.

I found this way takes from me a little coordination but so much easier on the young horse.

[WBLover]

In answer to your first question PP, they do consider their first birthday to be 1/1 of the year after they are foaled. Mine horse's B-Day is in July when he'll be 3, but I'm showing him as a 3 year old this year before his actual birthday.

I bitted him last fall with no problems, although your's is younger than mine was at that time (2 coming 3 vs. 1 coming 2). I really just put the bit in his mouth by putting my finger in the corner of his mouth and between his gums, which made him open, and gently slid it in. Then as quietly as possible put the headstall over his ears. Luckily he loves his ears to be rubbed, so I stroked them with one hand as I put the headstall over them with the other. Then I gently held the reins and let him stand there and figure it out. He put his tongue all over and tried to spit it out, but I just kept petting him and talking to him. Then I put a halter over the bridle with a leadrope attached to the halter, and led him around with it. This gave him something else to think about besides the bit being there. He stopped playing with it pretty soon after that and the next time I did it, he didn't give it a second thought. Maybe I was just lucky!

[Leena]

Sorry, I forgot to mention all my youngs are really good touching ears, they actually love it. I missed to mention that important part.

Thanks for the remind.

[LivviesMom]

I actually used a chifney bit first.. I wanted to just get her used to soemthing being in her mouth without having to worry about the bridle straps getting in the way.. covered it in honey, she took it no problem.. shes shown on the line here in Ontario, going into out third year. She is in a d-ring snaffle for shows. She knows when the bridle goes on it's time to pay attention.. well.. most of the time

She also had her teeth checked beforehand

[Dawn J-L]

Originally Posted by pintopiaffe

No, I mean USDF stuff... Dressage Breeding shows... Is it called something else? Probably mixing up my initials.

DSHB (dressage sport horse breeding) classes. "SHIH" is the Arab breed show class. :-)

[staceyk]

Hi,

I used a plain D ring 4 3/4". The rubber mouths look so darn thick, and the happy mouths only come 5" and up.

SEK