TRAINING How to handle a bit puller

Q:I have a Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse with a sweet, can-do disposition. But he likes to chew and pull on the bit. When I bought him, he came with the bridle and bit, and he was trained. I have had the veterinarian check him out, tried lots of different bits, have had his teeth done, along with a chiropractic adjustment. I have ridden on a tight rein and a loose rein. Nothing seems to help. Looking for suggestions on what to try next.

Name withheld by request

A:This is a great question. Pain can often cause problems like yours, and I’m glad that you have done your research to ensure that this behavior is not a result of a dental or orthopedic issue. Since a physical problem has been ruled out, we can explore a couple of possible solutions.

First, look at your equipment, and consider how your bit acts on your horse’s mouth. Any kind of bit that collapses completely (you can fold the bit in half, touching the rings or shanks together), like a snaffle or a French link, can act like a nutcracker and pinch the bars of the mouth when you are in contact with both reins. In addition, these mouthpieces and similar ones that lie straight across the tongue can cause a horse discomfort and limit his ability to swallow. Some horses are very sensitive to this pressure. A ported bit---one that lifts up over the tongue between a quarter inch to three quarters of an inch--- will offer some relief and in some cases may make a big difference to the horse.

It is difficult to offer specific training advice without watching you work with your horse, but I can offer some general ideas that may help. First, rather than focusing on a loose rein versus a contact, think instead about having a “feel” in your hands and timing your release. Putting steady, continuous pressure on the reins will dull the horse and create a tolerance to that level of pressure. At the other extreme, if you avoid using the reins completely, your horse will become lost because you are not able to direct him effectively.

To help your horse soften and accept the bit, develop some yields at a slow speed. Ask him to move his hindquarters and then his shoulders, using one rein at a time and giving the horse time to respond. Remember to use your body first, and then your rein, so that your

Rather than focusing on a loose rein versus a contact, think instead about having a “feel” in your hands and timing your release.

horse begins to respond to your seat and the rein comes just after. Pretty soon you will be able to use less rein and more of your seat. This will create a much better connection while riding.

The important concept is to hold; don’t pull. To appreciate its importance, do a practice exercise on the ground with a friend. Each of you can grab an end of the rope and take turns being the horse and the rider. Start by having the “rider” pull on the rope so the