1.) My horse is fighting the bit; he fights every bit I have tried. He is not happy when I ride and shakes his head a lot. What can I do?

Find a good equine tooth dentist and have your horse's mouth examined. This is so important that there are now specialists in equine dentistry. It is surprising how important teeth are to a horse's well-being and behavior. So before you go buy every bit in the tack store, consult with your veterinarian or equine dentist and have your equine partner's teeth checked. This should be done once or twice a year, depending upon your horse, his activities and age.

2.) I am confused which bit to use on my barrel horse. I don't have much money to spend and I need a bit that will work on my well-patterned horse.

If I had only one bit in my barn, I would suggest the Short Shank Combination, B-273/B-110. This bit has the rope over the nose, a three-piece snaffle-type mouthpiece with the 'dog bone' center. It has a little gag action on the side and a 5” shank. Most horses really perform well and like this bit. It has been named “The Million Dollar” bit because it has won so much money for so many timed eventers. This bit is great for training and competition.

3.) I have a two year old that I'm starting to ride. I want to put him in a bit that I can use for training and slow work. What do you suggest?

One of our favorite training bits is the O-Ring Combination, B-279.  This bit works on many different horses. The copper wrapped mullen mouthpiece will help keep the mouth moist and is easy on the bars of a young horse's mouth. It has a rope over the nose to help bring the nose around. You can ride two-handed with this bit, since young horses are still learning to rein. This bit can be used in competition on a horse that is patterned and doesn't need a lot of "whoa". The O-Ring is also available in a three-piece snaffle-type mouthpiece with the 'dog bone' center, B-277 or with a chain mouthpiece, B-270.

4.) My horse will not rate the first barrel with speed. I seem to be blowing the first barrel most of the time. What should I do?

R. E. and I always suggest going back to basics—a lot of slow work that involves walking and trotting to the barrel, working on rate at the barrel. Trot to the barrels, sit down deep in the saddle, say “whoa”, and walk around the barrel. Then lope to the barrel and repeat the same sequence, this time at a trot. Repeat this with a little speed until your horse rates easily and turns as expected.

If you need a bit with more control, try a Long Shank Combination, B-273B, or a Rating bit with correction mouthpiece, B-P6, or a hackamore. Even if you don't run in one of these bits, they are great for training and working on the rate.

The Long Shank Combination, B-273B

The Rating Bit w/Correction Mouthpiece, B-P7

5.) My horse comes to the barrel and drops his shoulder. We either hit the barrel or I get thrown forward over the withers. How can I correct this?

Martha & Orange Smash demonstrate a bending exercise.

Martha used the Start To Finish Bit on Orange Smash. This bit is good for horses that don't need alot of rate..

Again slow work is needed here. Trot to the barrel and at the place where he drops the shoulder, break down your speed, and pick up the shoulder by keeping his nose so that he cannot drop. This is usually done in a bit that has a gag or lifter mouthpiece. I also suggest that you ride two-handed so that you can guide your horse between both hands. Trot to the spot where he wants to drop, then go on up to the barrel, raising the shoulder with your inside hand and leg. You are putting pressure from the inside leg and inside rein to keep the horse away from the barrel.

Our staff equine massage therapist also suggests checking your horse for muscle soreness in the shoulder area. A warm-up rub down on the shoulders will help your horse stay loose and lessen the chance of muscle spasms that can rob you of those sharp, snappy turns around the barrel.

REVIEW:

1) Bit problems can be caused by poor equine dental care. Have your horse's teeth checked at least once a year.

2) There are many bits on the market. The Short Shank Combination, “The Million Dollar Bit,” is a good all-around bit for barrel racing competition.

3) The O-Ring Combination is a good for training, slow work and competition.

4) Rating at the first barrel requires slow work, as well as a possible bit change to the Long Shank Combination, or a Rating Bit with correction mouthpiece.

5) To pick up the shoulder, use the correct hand and leg aids, and a gag action or Lifter bit.