My horse is 10 years old. We started CTR's when he was 4, and mostly did
"correct" trail conditioning, competing in a few CTR's per year, and one
endurance ride in the last 2 years. Through all of this, we've been working in
an english hackamore. For those of you not familiar with it, it's got short
shanks, a very soft noseband, and I use a chain curbstrap. We can do direct
and indirect reining, and something like neck reining (I don't know if its
techically neck reining - I was trained english). He will go just as well in a
halter with reins.
Here's my question - I'd like to do more dressage, and I know I need the
refined aid of a series of bits. He has carried a bit, but is pretty ignorant
of what he's supposed to do with it. Mostly he responds to my weight shifts
and legs, I think. Can anyone direct me to books or articles on training a
horse to the bit? What is a good beginning bit? I have ridden and driven
other horses wearing bits, but they were already trained or at least started on
a snaffle. My hands are decent; the few dressage tests I've ridden have given
me good feedback about that.
Thanks
Rosalie & Shogun (Carry what? in my mouth??)