Ridecamp: Re: [RC] horse with hard mouth

I don't think that there are many horse with hard mouths, if any. I think that there are a lot of horses who have learned to cope with rough hands and harsh bits in an attempt to protect their sensitive mouths - they get behind the bit or stick their noses in the air, or lean on the bit heavily or bolt, etc.... In my opinion I think that you are absolutely right in not wanting to go to a harsher bit. I have been riding a horse of about 7 years old who I was told had a hard mouth and never stopped. But as I rode her I could see that it was the complete opposite - yes, she was trying to run away and was difficult to stop, but it seemed to me that she was a lot more afraid than stubborn or temperamental. I put her in a mild bit and worked her in a field, asking her to give to the bit alot. I tried not to control her speed too much at first and if I needed to get her attention back because she was picking up quite a bit of speed, then I would circle her in large circle back into the other direction. I rewarded every l ittle give to the bit with a release of pressure and she caught on quite quickly. Because the bit was mild (a plain thick snaffle would probably be best) she started being less protective of her mouth and listening to me more. I mean she did bolt a couple of times at the beginning but the best way to get her to stop (as in an "emergency stop" because she was freaked out) was a direct pull back on one rein only, rather than pulling on both reins which only makes them pull back and lean on the bit. John Lyons' work on giving to the bit makes a lot of sense and really helps in this type of situation. You probably want to work the horse in an enclosed area at first, just to be sure things don't get too out of control, but I believe that a milder bit is key. Hope this helps. :)

Lysane 

---

Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals