Welcome to e-Tips!
Welcome to the September e-Tips brought to you by My Horse University and eXtension/horse. With the many types of bits available, it is no wonder that bit selection can be very confusing. Selecting the correct bit for a horse is dependent on a number of factors including the horse's level of training and the rider's experience level. Knowing the mechanics of how a bit functions in the horse's mouth can help you choose a bit for your horse. Dr. Holly Spooner from West Virginia University will launch our fall webcasts series with the presentation Bits and Bitting on September 22, 2009 at 7 pm ET. Dr. Spooner will discuss the different actions of bits, how the diameter and shape of the bit affects the bit's intensity, and how to select the correct bit for your horse. Register now to save your spot for the FREE live webcast!
Did you know...?
Bit Selection for Riding and Training Horses
David W. Freeman, Oklahoma State University Extension Equine Specialist
Adapted from eXtension article
 Identifying differences in bit construction and understanding some of the important principles of bit use will provide an educated basis for selecting bits. The article below explains the different types of bits available so that riders can determine which one is more appropriate for their horses.
Bits are designed for riders to cue a horse by placing pressure in and around a horse's mouth. This pressure is used to control the speed and direction of movement. Bit selection is influenced by a variety of factors, including the style of riding and tradition of bit use, the rider's ability, the level of the horse's training and the intended use of a horse. Read on...
Click here for additional resources on bits and bitting...
This Month's e-Tips
Remember these tips on proper bit selection and use for your horse:
Bitting is a continual process of training, which through repetitive and step-wise training, teaches horses to accept bits and properly respond to bit pressure.
The goal of the bitting process is to train the horse to respond from as little pressure as possible to perform a given task. As such, cues should employ as small amount of rein pressure as possible.
Bit pressure should be short termed and immediately followed by a release period. If more rein pressure is needed for reinforcement, additional pull-and-release pressure should be applied instead of lengthening the duration of the initial cue.
Inexperienced horses are taught to respond from a direct pull of the reins. Young or inexperienced horses are expected to require frequent reinforcements following the horse's response to an initial cue.
Inexperienced horses should be trained in bits that apply mild intensity and direct pressure instead of bits that intensify pressure or work with leverage.
Curbs are used on horses trained previously to respond to direct and neck rein cues from earlier training with snaffles and/or hackamores.
Question of the Month
The goal of _____________ is to finish the race first and still have your horse finish the final fitness evaluation.
A) Competitive trail riding
B) Endurance rides
C) Orienteering
D) Trail trials
E) None of the above
Click here for the answer!
Photo of the Month
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This was the first meeting of our new horse Seamus with Blue and Rocket. Seamus is without an eye on his left side due to an accident 5 years ago. We rescued him from a neglectful situation.
Photo courtesy of Carol Jordan
Sesroh Tack Shoppe
Smithfield, VA
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Want your extraordinary equine featured in the next Photo of the Month?
Send your photo along with your name and a little background info to info@myhorseuniversity.com.
Write "Photo of the Month" in the subject line.
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September 2009
In This Issue
Gold Sponsor
Purina Mills is a proud sponsor of My Horse University and eXtension.
News & Updates
Bits and Bitting
FREE Live Webcast
Dr. Holly Spooner
September 22, 2009
7 p.m. EST
5th National Small Farm Conference
Springfield, IL
September 15-17, 2009
Equine Nutrition Course
Columbus, OH
September 19, 2009
Trail Riding 101
New course coming
October 2009
STAY TUNED!
Ask the Experts
eXtension invites you to Ask the Experts your horse-related questions.
Free Horse Learning Lessons
eXtension's team of horse experts have developed specialized lessons on various topics.
Online Horse Management Courses
Take an online course from My Horse University! eXtension HorseQuest participants can receive a 10% discount by entering the coupon code HQ1 when registering for a course.
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