Re: [IceHorses] Bits
Forgot to mention: Here's a bit that I and it seems many horses really take to and like, and it's very mild as long as the riders' hands are (like any bit) : http://tinyurl.com/64raef Be sure to use bit keepers if you get it in the full-cheek model. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
Hi Jennifer, How about no bit at all?I think many of us have started horses with sidepulls, bitless bridles, even halters and lead ropes.I think something bitless would be my first choice. By the way, and excuse me if you've mentioned this already or someone else has asked it and you've answered, but have you had her teeth checked before bitting her? That's always good to do. I'm restarting a little pony mare (approx. 4-5 years old) who was ridden much too young. She may or may not be part Icelandic. (Her temperament and the way she views the world says "yes", her build says no.) I have no idea what her training was previously, so I'm starting from scratch. I'm using a halter and long lines instead of a bridle. -- Renee M. in Michigan
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
>>> What's a good bit to use on an Icelandic? I'm trying to "restart" Trilla >>> over again. >>> I don't know what bit was used on her before, and I was thinking of getting >>> a loose >>> ring snaffle. I want to find something comfortable and gentle :) I don't think the type rings are nearly as important as the mouthpiece, but of all the types of snaffle rings, I like loose-rings the least. As they wear, they tend to the most likely type to pinch the corners of the mouth. Ideally, the horse should know how to bend and flex and do lateral work softly without leaning on the bit, but if you are restarting a horse, you may find that type of training has gaps. If the horse doesn't know how to flex and bend softly, you may find that the horse will learn to open his/her mouth and let the loose ring slip through his mouth as a way of evading your request. I try to make sure that sort of training is covered from the ground in the earliest training of a young horse so that I don't go there, but just in case, I still prefer to use either a d-ring, eggbutt, or full-cheek (in that order of preference) for the rings. I do use sidepulls for some of my horses, but I also use snaffles. The most common mouthpiece I use is the French Link snaffle, the kind you can find in about any English tack shop for about $22-30. I've tried a couple of Mylers, but I can't tell that my horses like them any better than a plain French link,and a couple of horses didn't seem to care for them, so I don't spend the extra money. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
2008/6/21 Jennifer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > What's a good bit to use on an Icelandic? I'm trying to "restart" > Trilla over again. I don't know what bit was used on her before, and I > was thinking of getting a loose ring snaffle. I want to find something > comfortable and gentle :) Hi Jennifer: Good plan. What are your issues with restarting her? What are you working on? > I don't know how to attach pics yet so I can't show you my beautiful > girl ;) Oh well.we love seeing pics. Wanda
[IceHorses] Bits
What's a good bit to use on an Icelandic? I'm trying to "restart" Trilla over again. I don't know what bit was used on her before, and I was thinking of getting a loose ring snaffle. I want to find something comfortable and gentle :) I don't know how to attach pics yet so I can't show you my beautiful girl ;) Thanks a bunch ~ Jennifer inCT
Re: [IceHorses] Bits Icelanders Use
like Liz Graves says, for every inch of shank it means a mile of skipped training. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Bits Icelanders Use
> My question to the group is: what kind of bits are those that one so > often sees on horses ridden in Iceland? In the Icelandic Horse > Quarterly, Issue One for 2008, on page 31 it looks like Bernie Wills is > holding one. Are they harsh? How do they work? Or is the long metal > piece just decorative? I think a lot of people do not get the Quarterly. Is this the type of bit used (attached)? (if you can't see the picture, go here) http://iceryder.net/icelandicbit.html Yes, it is a harsh bit. A good horseman will not need a bit like this. This is a good example of the way things have gotten established in regard to tack and the Icelandic Horse. The icelandic-style riders and trainers are not educated in regard to equine biomechanics and the mechanics of tack. The ignorance has been perpetuated, with no one asking questions along the way. There is no horsemanship involved with this type of bit, in my opinion; it is used for domination / control and pain. Check out the Nanna videos; gaiting treeless, bitless, barefoot: http://iceryder.net/videogaitnanna.html Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com <>
[IceHorses] Bits Icelanders Use
My question to the group is: what kind of bits are those that one so often sees on horses ridden in Iceland? In the Icelandic Horse Quarterly, Issue One for 2008, on page 31 it looks like Bernie Wills is holding one. Are they harsh? How do they work? Or is the long metal piece just decorative? Donna Nelson
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:42:21 -0800 (PST), you wrote: >What is a peanut? The middle joint is shaped like a peanut. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ---
RE: [IceHorses] Bits
> > One like this: > http://www.saddleuptack.com/webcat/items/item978.htm > That looks like a nice one. Lorraine Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
RE: [IceHorses] Bits
>>> "peanut" in the middle. >>What is a peanut? One like this: http://www.saddleuptack.com/webcat/items/item978.htm Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.1/1181 - Release Date: 12/11/2007 5:05 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
> "peanut" in the middle. > What is a peanut? Lorraine Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
> > Plus a Lindell sidepull, Parelli hackamore, Dr Cook > etc etc. > Not too confusing. I tried a french link snaffle on Dagur today. He played with it alot. Lorraine Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
on a serious note... i read somewhere that wolf teeth or canine teeth can be like human wisdom teeth and not fully pop thru the gum and stay right under the gum and are sore so that when the bit hits they are in a lot of pain. ! Yes, those are called blind wolf teeth. Also, not every horse has wolf teeth and another common problem is broken wolfteeth where the bit banged against the tooth and broke it and now only the root remains. Christine
[IceHorses] Bits
>>...my most tendermouthed horse likes a D ring myler mullen with a >>barrel...>>janice Does it look like any of these bits, Janice? http://www.stcroixsaddlery.com/Myler_D_Ring_Bit_p/mb_tok_89-2102.htm http://iceryder.net/bitstyles.html Trish
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:04:17 -0800, you wrote: >For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use I have an assortment but my favourite (and one which nearly all the horses love) is a KK aurigan snaffle, 3 piece French link with a "peanut" in the middle. Others I use sometimes: Myler comfort snaffle (horses either love it or hate it) Straight rubber coated unjointed snaffle (OK for ones with bigger mouths) Sweet iron French link snaffle with a copper middle (most love it) Kimblewick (I had one horse who preferred this to any other bit, but I haven't used it since he died) Full cheek French link Plus a Lindell sidepull, Parelli hackamore, Dr Cook etc etc. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ---
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
> I use a Myler. It is a snaffle with two joints that operate independantly > of one another (so if you pick up the right rein, the left side of the > mouth > doesn't feel it (much). The mouth piece is sweet iron with copper inlay. > The mouth piece has a slight curve to offer some tongue relief but not so > much that it pushes on the roof of her mouth. D ring (I don't like loose > ring snaffles as they often pinch the corners of the horse's mouth - have > never had one but have seen it happen too many times in other peoples' > horses mouths). Drifa seems quite happy with it. > > Penny > P.S, I don't use a noseband. If I did, I would use a cavesson and not a dropped nose band. In my opinion, it is too easy to get the dropped noseband too tight and thus prevent them from relaxing their jaws and opening their mouths, and also cut off some of their nostril flaring capacity. I want my horse to ba able to open her mouth if I am getting too heavy handed - useful feedback for me. Penny
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
> For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, which > bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's mouth (without > relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). > > > Judy Hi I use a Myler. It is a snaffle with two joints that operate independantly of one another (so if you pick up the right rein, the left side of the mouth doesn't feel it (much). The mouth piece is sweet iron with copper inlay. The mouth piece has a slight curve to offer some tongue relief but not so much that it pushes on the roof of her mouth. D ring (I don't like loose ring snaffles as they often pinch the corners of the horse's mouth - have never had one but have seen it happen too many times in other peoples' horses mouths). Drifa seems quite happy with it. Penny
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
> Wolfteeth are usually the size of a human's babytooth, so yes, they > usually > pop out quite easily, unless they have been damaged by the bit, which > happens quite often. We always have them taken out before the horse ever > carries a bit. More info and picture of location of wolf teeth: http://iceryder.net/wolfteeth.html Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
>>> >> For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, >>> >> which bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's >>> >> mouth (without relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). We use a lot of double-jointed snaffles too, some with French link centers, and some with the peanut/oval middles. Melnir likes the three-piece Happy Mouths, but I mostly use stainless steel. I also have one of the mullen-mouth snaffles like the picture Wanda sent in - that's often the first bit we put in a horse's mouth. I also have a couple of mullen or low-port Kimberwickes, and some short-shanked mullen mouth Pelhams, but at the moment, I'm not using a Kimberwicke or Pelham on anyone. Saga seems to do better in a sidepull, but she's not too picky. I don't think the side-rings make too much difference - except that the full-cheeks can be weapon if your horse moves quickly, so they aren't my favorites. I guess I prefer d-ring or eggbutt bits, since they aren't as easy to pull through a horse's mouth during early flexing/bending training as is a loose-ring. (Of course, we try to teach the flexing/bending stuff first from the ground with a halter, so I don't really think that's a big deal. Plus you can always use a chin strap with a loose ring.) I also have several nasty bits that came with some of my first horses, as well as some bits I've bought in lots on ebay over the years. Sometimes bits look better in the catalogs than they do in person. I never use nosebands, but I'm a big fan of the halter/sidepull/bridle combinations, like the Moss Rock Freedom bridle and the Nicker's Saddlery Harmony Bridle. I like the convenience of being able to switch to a halter or sidepull while I'm out on the trail if a reason comes up. I have a thing about not leading a horse by the bit, so even if the bit is still in the horse's mouth and I have to get off, I move the rein snap to the halter ring. Anyway, I tend to be very much a "less is more" type when it comes to tack, especially bits. Karen Thomas, Nc
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
on a serious note... i read somewhere that wolf teeth or canine teeth can be like human wisdom teeth and not fully pop thru the gum and stay right under the gum and are sore so that when the bit hits they are in a lot of pain. maybe someone on here said it! I think that would be true about the wolf teeth, but not the canines. They aren't the same teeth. Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [IceHorses] bits
> > > Liz Graves has a video you can get from her website > that explains what > bits are used for what. > janice > -- Cool. Thanks. I have been a hackamore girl for so many year. Lorraine Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On 12/11/07, Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Wolfteeth are usually the size of a human's babytooth, so yes, they usually > pop out quite easily, unless they have been damaged by the bit, which > happens quite often. We always have them taken out before the horse ever > carries a bit. > Christine on a serious note... i read somewhere that wolf teeth or canine teeth can be like human wisdom teeth and not fully pop thru the gum and stay right under the gum and are sore so that when the bit hits they are in a lot of pain. maybe someone on here said it! Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On 11/12/2007, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Say, Christine, how is your arm? > > Wanda Rats! Sorry, I meant to send that privately. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On 11/12/2007, Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Wolfteeth are usually the size of a human's babytooth, so yes, they usually > pop out quite easily, unless they have been damaged by the bit, which > happens quite often. We always have them taken out before the horse ever > carries a bit. > Christine Say, Christine, how is your arm? Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On 11/12/2007, Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Wolfteeth are usually the size of a human's babytooth, so yes, they usually > pop out quite easily, unless they have been damaged by the bit, which > happens quite often. We always have them taken out before the horse ever > carries a bit. > Christine Our boys all had their wolf teeth pulled as they were being gelded. I had Gusti and Peppy's teeth looked at this past fall. Gusti had a small ulcer starting. I knew something was wrong because he was so fussy about his mouth. But the vets were surprised he was reacting at all because the ulcer was so small. So I'll have to remember thatGusti will fuss almost immediately when something isn't right. Dagur and Solon are next on the list. I will have them checked in the spring before their serious training starts. Wanda
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
Wolfteeth are usually the size of a human's babytooth, so yes, they usually pop out quite easily, unless they have been damaged by the bit, which happens quite often. We always have them taken out before the horse ever carries a bit. Christine Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 04:34:47PM -0500, Karen Thomas wrote: > Ok, sorry - I should have kept reading. Yep, maybe she meant canines, not > wolf teeth. i'm sorry, but i don't know my equine jaw anatomy well enough to say. the dentist called them "wolf teeth", fwiw. --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 04:33:36PM -0500, Karen Thomas wrote: > I do believe that's the first time I've ever heard the removal of wolf teeth > termed surgery - they just pop 'em out most of the time! uh huh. i've had eight teeth "just popped out" myself. --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On 12/11/07, Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, which > bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's mouth (without > relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). I use a loose ring 3 piece snaffle for Doppa that has "sweet iron" bars and a copper knob (?) in the middle. She definitely likes this bit and I don't use any noseband. -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
>>> i've talked about it with my equine dentist, but since there is plenty of room for a bit with stjarni's teeth intact and they aren't rotted or pressing into his gums anywhere, we agreed it wasn't necessary. and I am very, very against unnecessary surgery of any sort. I do believe that's the first time I've ever heard the removal of wolf teeth termed surgery - they just pop 'em out most of the time! Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.0/1180 - Release Date: 12/10/2007 2:51 PM IceHorses Community for Photos and Videos: http://kickapps.com/icehorses "The greatest enemy of the truth very often is not the lie- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic." "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer [] Lee Ziegler http://leeziegler.com [] Liz Graves http://lizgraves.com [] Lee's Book Easy Gaited Horses http://tinyurl.com/7vyjo [] IceHorses Map http://www.frappr.com/IceHorses Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
Christine here = Robyn and Phil are on their way to California delivering some horses and visiting their daughter Mandy who is training horses in Modesto - Taking the wolfteeth out was my first thought as well, but when I kept reading and saw that the problem was solved by raising the bit I bet she meant canine teeth, not wolfteeth. The wolfteeth are really small and tucked right against the molars. The visible ones that are usually by themselves halfway between the molars and incisors are canine teeth. Ok, sorry - I should have kept reading. Yep, maybe she meant canines, not wolf teeth. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.0/1180 - Release Date: 12/10/2007 2:51 PM IceHorses Community for Photos and Videos: http://kickapps.com/icehorses "The greatest enemy of the truth very often is not the lie- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic." "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer [] Lee Ziegler http://leeziegler.com [] Liz Graves http://lizgraves.com [] Lee's Book Easy Gaited Horses http://tinyurl.com/7vyjo [] IceHorses Map http://www.frappr.com/IceHorses Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [IceHorses] bits
On 12/11/07, Lorraine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > There are so many bits it makes my head spin > > Lorraine > Liz Graves has a video you can get from her website that explains what bits are used for what. janice -- yipie tie yie yo
RE: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
> a bit, and the bit contacted one of his wolf teeth, and that made him > cranky; > i fixed it by going up one notch on the buckle. Have you thought about having his wolf teeth taken out? Christine here = Robyn and Phil are on their way to California delivering some horses and visiting their daughter Mandy who is training horses in Modesto - Taking the wolfteeth out was my first thought as well, but when I kept reading and saw that the problem was solved by raising the bit I bet she meant canine teeth, not wolfteeth. The wolfteeth are really small and tucked right against the molars. The visible ones that are usually by themselves halfway between the molars and incisors are canine teeth. Christine
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
On Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 11:10:37AM -0800, Judy Ryder wrote: > > a bit, and the bit contacted one of his wolf teeth, and that made him > > cranky; i fixed it by going up one notch on the buckle. > > Have you thought about having his wolf teeth taken out? i've talked about it with my equine dentist, but since there is plenty of room for a bit with stjarni's teeth intact and they aren't rotted or pressing into his gums anywhere, we agreed it wasn't necessary. and i am very, very against unnecessary surgery of any sort. --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits / Wolf Teeth
> a bit, and the bit contacted one of his wolf teeth, and that made him > cranky; > i fixed it by going up one notch on the buckle. Have you thought about having his wolf teeth taken out? >>>so as with any other > tack i'd suggest rechecking fit now and again, esp. if the honey seems > unhappy in any way. Good suggestion. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] bits
There are so many bits it makes my head spin Lorraine Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:30:39AM -0800, Judy Ryder wrote: > For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, which > bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's mouth (without > relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). i use a french-link full-cheek snaffle. i don't use a noseband that comes anywhere near stjarni's mouth, and he opens it sometimes, so i'm pretty sure that's not doing much :) i *think* it's 4 and 3/4" and the mouth is one of those coppery-looking alloy types. stjarni is -- i should say, "has become since i got him" -- a horse who really loves being massaged. this includes my massaging his gums and tongue and lips and palate. i've done this with and without his bit in his mouth, and have found no particular pressure points or sore spots, and he seems comfortable either way. (his favorite spot is the gums in the back of the jaw, far behind the bit.) so i think it fits him. at one point though my crownpiece/cheekpiece arrangement seemed to stretch a bit, and the bit contacted one of his wolf teeth, and that made him cranky; i fixed it by going up one notch on the buckle. so as with any other tack i'd suggest rechecking fit now and again, esp. if the honey seems unhappy in any way. --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On Dec 11, 2007 10:30 AM, Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, which > bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's mouth (without > relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). my most tendermouthed horse likes a D ring myler mullen with a barrel in the middle so much we tried it on Traveller and he likes it too. I might try it on Tivar altho he seems best so far in his sidepull. janice -- yipie tie yie yo
[IceHorses] Bits
For those who use bits with their IceHorses, which bit do you use, which bits seem to fit the interior structure of the Icelandic's mouth (without relying on a noseband to keep the mouth closed). Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Bits
I can't believe that there are so many types of bits. It is over welming. I must have 20 of them so I can try them. I have always been a hack girl. Lorraine Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/
RE: [IceHorses] bits
Hi Nancy, >>>I like the Lindell sidepull that Linda Tellington Jones sells. US site is: http://www.ttouch.com/productsEquipment.shtml#horses The Sidepull on Linda's website is the basic pattern that Kaaren Jordan's husband, Crit, used to make the sidepulls that Kaaren sells. The difference is that Crit has made a leather nosepiece and I really like them and have a couple. They have a nice form fit over the horse's nose. We also use a couple of different Myler bits. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> people have manufactured gait--- rack which is tolt--- in QHs, > saddlebreds, standardbreds, and all breeds of gaited horses. More than a couple of strides? I mean can you really get a non gaited horse to do a couple laps in gait? Cheryl ToltallyICE at Sand Creek Icelandic Horse Farm Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.toltallyice.com
RE: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
I am thinking if you did all of that to a QH you still would not have a horse that gaitedso I am trying to see how the gait is MFG on the Icelandics that are ridden in that way. If you do all those things to a 3-gaited horse, it will most certainly (at least) have an effect on the quality of the gaits, and certainly on the freedom with which the horse performs the gait. And yes, you CAN make even a QH gait, btw. Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
people have manufactured gait--- rack which is tolt--- in QHs, saddlebreds, standardbreds, and all breeds of gaited horses. Through pain. enough pain and i could probably even get you to rack :) Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> If I'm riding, I want my horse to "be with me". If I stop riding, > I want my > horse to stop moving forward. I want him to "want" to be with me. > I want > him to freely allow me to use his legs as my own. > > I don't want to obtain the use of his legs by force (thru a bit), > but thru > his mind. I want to create the *want* for the horse to cooperate. > > This is probably not for everyone. We are all different; some of > us want a > relationship with our horses, some of us are OK with using the > horse as an > ATV. > > > Judy I love that Judy! We had a client who wanted an Icelandic horse for their family, and most important for their daughter. She had a pasture incident with their horse, she haltered him out in the pasture, something happened and he spooked and took off with her, she was holding the lead rope improperly and the rope looped around her leg and she got dragged through the pasture behind him, untill he stopped. Now, amazingly she had no injuries. Anyway, after that they wanted an icelandic, but they wanted a gaurantee that the horse would be perfect, that nothing would ever go wrong. Well we backed out of finding them a horsenobody in their right mind can gaurantee that...so I told her she should get her daughter a solar pwered golf cart, she could possibly be safe on that. (She thinks my Kawasaki Mule is very very dangerous) Anyway, some people do want an ATV when they ride a horseI want a partner We train our to stop with our seat, we flow with their rythym and stop our bodies when we would like to stop. They get it from the beginning.I do not like being on a horse that will not listen to my seatthe bit is for other things preferably. Skye Fire Island Farms Breeding Quality Icelandic Trail Horses Certified Farrier Services 'Natural Balance' Shoeing and Trimming. Founder, Navicular options for your horse. 808-640-6080
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> Scoring the horses for gait, but it's manufactured gait for the > most part, > obtained by the narrow saddles, severe bits, ill-placed and tight > nosebands, > boots, heavy contact... when is the horse ever scored on natural > gaitedness? > > > Judy Now, please do not misunderstand me, as I do not like ill fitting saddles, heavy bit contact, yadda yadda yadda, however I am thinking if you did all of that to a QH you still would not have a horse that gaitedso I am trying to see how the gait is MFG on the Icelandics that are ridden in that way. Again, not saying I like it, but the horse must have a natural gait, cuz a noserband and tight saddle are not going to get a horse to gait that does not have it. I just spent more money on saddles becuase we still had our original saddles, and we do not have our original horses...so we had do do some saddle shopping, and got some new softer bits, a french link snaffle now for my mare, with a perfectly fitting saddle for her and my butt. She tolts uphill on a loose reinI just love her! Her sire is Pruther fra Nedri AsiI would breed to him if I could, her gaits are everything I would want in an Icelandic. Skye Fire Island Farms Breeding Quality Icelandic Trail Horses Certified Farrier Services 'Natural Balance' Shoeing and Trimming. Founder, Navicular options for your horse. 808-640-6080
RE: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
How about the professional riders that use the icelandic bit on the horses in evaluations or competitions? Let's get specific. There have been some pictures posted on other lists taken at the evaluations held in the USA a couple of weeks ago. I saw nosebands digging into the soft tissue of the horse's noses - a couple of the pictures were posted by the horse's owner, who apparently saw nothing wrong with that. I saw pictures of horses ridden with contact in long shanked bits (probably broken mouthed) WITH dropped nosebands. The last time I checked the FEIF rules, that's illegal, but judges have been turning a blind eye to it for the past couple of years. I saw riders sitting on the cantles of saddles - saddles that were already placed too far back. These offenses are not some relic of the distant past - this was just a couple of weeks ago. Many of the pictures were posted to public websites, available for anyone to see. If you have the links, I encourage you to look at them...REALLY look at them. Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
Amen! Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
On Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 10:24:38AM -0700, Judy Ryder wrote: > The icelandic training method has lacked the ability and knowledge to teach > a horse what a bit is for (communication), and basically the bit is used to > inflict discomfort or pain with the horse reacting to that, not > communication. er. i have to object to this. i have a bona fide, fully-accent-endowed icelandic trainer. she learned to ride as an ordinary kid in iceland. she has NEVER inflicted, or suggested i inflict, discomfort or pain on my pony. she does like to see me ride with contact, but i find that contact helps me and stjarni "keep in touch"; when i ride on the buckle he is more "on his own" (as in difficult terrain when picking the footfall spots is up to him) than when i take contact (as to say, "yes, i do want you to go to the rail there, and i take responsibility that it will not harm you"). (we're using a full-cheek french-link snaffle bit, recommended to me for my horse by another native ethnic icelandir.) honestly, i understand the purpose of the bit, but i don't see the reason to get down on an entire country about it. i'm sure there are gobs of americans who use bits in crappy ways too; don't we talk about that from time to time? how would you feel about being lumped in with twh trainers who sore their horses b/c you're "north american"? --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
On Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 10:02:17AM -0700, Judy Ryder wrote: > > I just know this--- if i have to put a severe bit on my horse i dont > > need to be riding him. or as we say at my barn, bits don't stop horses, horses stop horses. or not :) > How about the professional riders that use the icelandic bit on the horses > in evaluations or competitions? i haven't watched this, but is it like western "bridle horse" training, where there is next to no contact and the (scary-lookin') bits presumably allow a range of very sensitive slight touch? (i wouldn't know, i teach english riding with a snaffle and constant light contact...) --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
>> I think probably some of Scooter's training was >> missed. It should not take >> a bit to stop a horse. >> > > What do you suggest Judy? By the way. My Dagur is > coming in a couple of weeks. I watched a video of > him. He looks great. Lorraine I can't wait to see pictures of them side by side!! In regard to Scooter needing a bit to stop if you stop and think about it, horses want to get along really... they have no reason not to do so. Why would he want to continue going if you want him to stop? Maybe because he doesn't understand? The icelandic training method has lacked the ability and knowledge to teach a horse what a bit is for (communication), and basically the bit is used to inflict discomfort or pain with the horse reacting to that, not communication. We want our horses to communicate with us (and have two-way communication), not only through the bit, but through our bodies, with subtle cues, and work almost from a mind-to-mind in-tuneness. I think the Passenger Lessons are a great start in getting to this point. http://iceryder.net/passenger.html Another step to reaching in-tuneness is doing lots of groundwork, which also transfers to under saddle. http://iceryder.net/7games.html If I'm riding, I want my horse to "be with me". If I stop riding, I want my horse to stop moving forward. I want him to "want" to be with me. I want him to freely allow me to use his legs as my own. I don't want to obtain the use of his legs by force (thru a bit), but thru his mind. I want to create the *want* for the horse to cooperate. This is probably not for everyone. We are all different; some of us want a relationship with our horses, some of us are OK with using the horse as an ATV. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> I believe what Liz Graves says is true, for every inch of shank you > have skipped a mile of training :) Oh, this is good!! > I just know this--- if i have to put a severe bit on my horse i dont > need to be riding him. Interesting! How about the professional riders that use the icelandic bit on the horses in evaluations or competitions? The whole thing is sort of an oxymoron type of situation, isn't it?!?! Scoring the horses for gait, but it's manufactured gait for the most part, obtained by the narrow saddles, severe bits, ill-placed and tight nosebands, boots, heavy contact... when is the horse ever scored on natural gaitedness? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
I prefer a pelham with reins attached to lowest ring which ends up being about a two inch leverage. I have changed my jaspar to a plain myler d-ring snaffle and he just gives me fits wanting to snatch bites of trail vegetation so i am switching to a french link happy mouth with full cheeks. I have found full cheeks work best for this bite snatching problem. (I am so very grateful this is my hugest problem at this time, thank you god) I started using this bit on my stonewall on suggestion from Lee Z, and her and Liz always sorta liked the Lil Missoula bit also, which is a sort of mild port grazing curb with some curving shanks which i think are probably mechanically very similar to the two inch "shank" on my mullen pelham, the way I use it. I believe what Liz Graves says is true, for every inch of shank you have skipped a mile of training :) so I guess stonewall has skipped two miles of training. which is amazing really since i trained him myself. You would think with all i know about training he would have a bit with the shanks dragging in the dirt :() I just know this--- if i have to put a severe bit on my horse i dont need to be riding him. I had to borrow a bridle one time for stonewall and it had a tom thumb on it and when he started wanting to take off too spritedly, we were still in the parking lot, and I put a whoa on him in that tom thumb he bowed his neck and started sorta running backwards and almost sitting down like francis the mule. so I said kay, not gonna use this bit today theenkayeww. he woulda killed me and i know it. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
Oh gosh, I always forget about you youngsters and the cowboy talk. Nobody understood the "wet saddle blankets" concept either. An outlaw would be a horse that bucked, reared, did nasty athletic sideways spooks or wore a black mask with eye-holes. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> Remembering, of course, that I am now in my > mid-sixties and wouldn't have > bought an outlaw in the first place. > What is an outlaw? Happy Trails from Lori Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
When I buy a new horse whose training is different from what I would expect in a mature horse, I just go back to the beginning and start over. Remembering, of course, that I am now in my mid-sixties and wouldn't have bought an outlaw in the first place. Occassionally I get in trouble. Hunter, my TWH, is primarily an endurance horse, but he certainly could use some work in the arena. One winter day when it was icey on the trails, I friend and I decided to work in the arena instead. I asked Hunter to step over a cavaletti made from PVC pipe. That was my first mistake. A cavaletti should be heavy enough that when bumped, it doesn't move freely. Hunter dropped his head, took a good look, stepped bravely over, touched the cavaletti with the back of a front foot, whereupon it rolled backward into his rear feet. He leapt straight up and spun, still tangled in the cavaletti, then (now facing in the opposite direction) did two huge leaping bucks. He might have kept going, but at that point I had becone airborne. Helpful hint to younger riders: if you're 65, you should not land hard on frozen sand. Dumb DUMB mistake - sorry Hunter. It was weeks before he stopped freaking out every time he bumped a twig or branch on trail. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
On 17/06/07, Lorraine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I think probably some of Scooter's training was > > missed. It should not take > > a bit to stop a horse. > What do you suggest Judy? That's a qood question. This isn't just a question for you Lori, but for anyone that's found themselves in this situation. You've purchased a horse and you begin to find areas where extra training is needed. What have others done that have found themselves in this situation? Personally, I took lessons on Hreggur from a local trainer. It made a world of difference to both of us. He was 22 years old and didn't know anything about yielding to my leg... Anyway The main thing is to stay safe. I know a woman who had a horse that had a rough start...rough training. He had learned in his early days that when in doubtGO...and when he was confused he would do the thing he knew best and would take off... She finally resorted to using a Myler combination bit when she took him out on the trail. He gradually learned that stop means stop and she has switched back to a regular Myler. But she spent hours and hours in the ring with him. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
> I think probably some of Scooter's training was > missed. It should not take > a bit to stop a horse. > What do you suggest Judy? By the way. My Dagur is coming in a couple of weeks. I watched a video of him. He looks great. Lorraine Happy Trails from Lori Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC
Re: [IceHorses] Bits and Leverage
>> Can you ride without leverage? > > I need it with Scooter. A snaffle is too hard to stop him. I think probably some of Scooter's training was missed. It should not take a bit to stop a horse. When you work on relationship and communication, the horse should be working off your body. He should feel when you want to walk, turn, trot, backup, or stop. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com <>
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
Thanks, Laree! Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
> I'll probably order it, but does anyone know where I could buy a sweet iron > snaffle with a copper lozenge in a 4 1/2" mouth size? > I think you're talking about the same bit I use with Doppa and I bought it from Eileen at Dunne and Krumm - she has all sizes. www.dunneandkrumm.com Very reasonable price -- Laree
Re: [IceHorses] Bits
On 5/24/07, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I went bit shopping on-line last night and found just what I was looking for > - in England. > > I'll probably order it, but does anyone know where I could buy a sweet iron > snaffle with a copper lozenge in a 4 1/2" mouth size? > > I was able to find a few 4 1/2" snaffles, but none quite like this one. > > Nancy > did you try www.saddleuptack.com or jeffers? Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
[IceHorses] Bits
I went bit shopping on-line last night and found just what I was looking for - in England. I'll probably order it, but does anyone know where I could buy a sweet iron snaffle with a copper lozenge in a 4 1/2" mouth size? I was able to find a few 4 1/2" snaffles, but none quite like this one. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
i know this works... because Tivar is so awesome. He rides in a sidepull, then today I just grabbed a bridle with a myullen pelham bit and the only time I had to use just the slightest rein was when I was turning him fron to back or getting him to flex because I dont know the leg cues for that and when I did all I did was crook my finger. So I think I could ride him in anything! Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> Ok. I will let you know what happens. If I live > through it. > > Happy Southwestern Trails Go somewhere safe like an enclosure or fenced area and practice achieving softness and remind your horse what leg cues actually mean. To help you achieve subtle rein cues, hold the bit in your hands and have someone stand behind you (so you can't see them)give you rein cues. It's amazing what you can feel. The tiniest tweek of the rein is quite obvious. Just imagine what a horse can feel when he has your whole body to talk to... Good luck... Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> > Ray Hunt would say that if you can't stop your horse > with bit, go to a > halter; and if you can't stop him in a halter, ride > bridleless. > > > Judy Ok. I will let you know what happens. If I live through it. Happy Southwestern Trails __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> I agree with that, however what Ray hunt can do, I certainly can not > do, and since I am not a professional and do other things in my life > besides ride and train, I will not ever be the rider he is... > > That said, I think it is a process Definitely. And I think maybe Ray had some meaning of that in there. With riding with less equipment, you can focus on the communication between the horse and rider thru aids (physiological responses) and getting to the mind rather than trying to control the horse thru equipment. (I don't think he meant take that crazy-unstoppable horse out on the trail and try to survive with no reins, no bit. In his simplistic words, I believe he had a whole lotta stuff behind them, such as, in this case, try something different, a paradigm shift.) >>>but the horse and rider need to be matched > appropriately, period. Without that good match, both are > frustrated. Wise words! I just said to another lady who has a bolting horse why? Why, when horses should be a nice hobby, for relaxation, would you keep a horse that bolts? Granted, some people, trainers, like a challenge and want to work with horses like that. But for the recreational owner, find what you want; a horse that already has all of the attributes you need, and forget wasting the time to try to mold a horse that may not be able to change. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
On 4/12/07, Storme Lee~Fire Island Farms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > When a rider is having issues with a horse, they almost always (they > meaning the 3 pro's that I am in contact here on this island) say the > rider just needs to relax, that horse is fine. > > And yes they horse might be fine, mabye for them, as a pro, but most > horse do not belong to professional riders. > > > S. Lee > I agree with this Storme! Liz told me when I asked her what should I do when stonewall got all hyped up, she said as hard as it is to do, you are going to have to relax so your calmness will relax him. So then I was sitting on him so relaxed I was a tub of butter and something went chink and he spun front to back in a split second and I hit the ground so hard I thought i broke my back and my husband called an ambulance. s. now what??!? I am too old to be doing much falling, and stonewall is my only horse that if not ridden, becomes completely depressed and even angry. So now I am thinking... I dont want to be one of those people either, that only ride horses and dont ever train them or work thru issues. If a horse has an issue and then a year later has the same issue, hel he needs some work on it! Or whatever I am doing isnt working. If I put a sidepull on him and rode him out the gate I would end up in canada. or dead in about a block. If I put a sidepull on him and rode him in the roundpen he would be soft and responsive. So what the heck?!? There is just a huge training gap and mystery here that is driving me nuts... If you had seen him last nite in the dark standing on a tall tall pedestal proud and tall, licking and chewing, so proud to be doing something obediently, you would never dream he is a horse that could almost kill you spooking over a PILE OF HORSE POOP on the trail hel how often does he see a pile of horse poop?!??? I am just ranting to myself here. ignore me :) but I feel desperate to help him! he is a horse that craves being with me, my company, being ridden, going out and about. It is just a pure waste and a shame to not get him past this, and ultimately my fault! I started and trained him myself. He is a proiduct of how I train a horse. so I need to get this figured out before I turn nasi into a nutcase too apparently... Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Which one would you recommend for a hard mouth? Lorraine > > > Ray Hunt would say that if you can't stop your horse with bit, go > to a > halter; and if you can't stop him in a halter, ride bridleless. > > > Judy I agree with that, however what Ray hunt can do, I certainly can not do, and since I am not a professional and do other things in my life besides ride and train, I will not ever be the rider he is... That said, I think it is a processif Sally had tried to hop on Bylgia and retrain using a halter or a bit less, she probably would have taken a few falls...not a fun thing, so she did it step by step, and used the bit for a very short time, and then transitioned. I find some horse professionals to be hard to listen to sometimes when it comes to the horse and the riding capabilities of the rider. When a rider is having issues with a horse, they almost always (they meaning the 3 pro's that I am in contact here on this island) say the rider just needs to relax, that horse is fine. And yes they horse might be fine, mabye for them, as a pro, but most horse do not belong to professional riders. I have found that sometimes the pros just do not listen to the issues that the riders are having, and the pro wants to blame the rider, because they are not confidant enough, or their seat needs work, and all that may be true, but the horse and rider need to be matched appropriately, period. Without that good match, both are frustrated. S. Lee
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > double twisted copper snaffle...I admit, she was a hard one to > stop > > Yuck! > > > > Sally retrained her, starting off with adding a hackamore > > She now rides in a very comfy bitor really a halter about 1/2 > the > > time as Sally rides her from her seat mostly now. > > > > had a lot of fun to get her horses mouth soft and subtle... > > Superb! Congrats to you and Sally! > > Have we seen a picture of this mare? > > > Judy I think so a few years back I might have sent one, but she was the skewbald pinto mare in my yard when you came over, the very pregnate one...she threw a beautiful silver dapple pinto fill about 8 weeks ago, so she is now out in our pasture in Ka'u, with 3 other mares with their babies, and 2 of last years babies...its a nice herd... Dis should be foaling soon out there, her second one..then we will bring her back home for awhile to start training her, she has only had about 30 days of work so far, she is so easy, I call it, point and shoot horse...get on go down the trail and take it easy, she is so couragous and bold and curios... S. Lee
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> double twisted copper snaffle...I admit, she was a hard one to stop Yuck! > Sally retrained her, starting off with adding a hackamore > She now rides in a very comfy bitor really a halter about 1/2 the > time as Sally rides her from her seat mostly now. > > had a lot of fun to get her horses mouth soft and subtle... Superb! Congrats to you and Sally! Have we seen a picture of this mare? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> Which one would you recommend for a hard mouth? Lorraine Ray Hunt would say that if you can't stop your horse with bit, go to a halter; and if you can't stop him in a halter, ride bridleless. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> 5" Double Twisted Copper wire (if someone here doesn't buy it for a > decoration, I'll keep it as a paperweight). Beautiful bit to look > at. > NWT $5 > Steph When we bought Bylgia almost 5 years ago, she came with Her bit...a double twisted copper snaffle...I admit, she was a hard one to stop for most people. Sally retrained her, starting off with adding a hackamore for the whoabut before she used it, she gave the cue that wanted to use for stop, which was a tightning of her seat and knees, if that did not work she cued Very slightly with the bit, then if needed used the hackamore... She now rides in a very comfy bitor really a halter about 1/2 the time as Sally rides her from her seat mostly now. I know that I could have not retrained her, but Sally was willing and had a lot of fun to get her horses mouth soft and subtle...it took an effort but was well worth it. I think we would sell the farm before we would sell bylgia...she is the #1 horse of ours that people want to buy because she is so much fun and easy to ride. S. Lee
Re: [IceHorses] Bits for sale
> I wanted to offer these here before putting them on > Ebay, since alot > of the bits I've collected are hard to find, older, > and I'd rather see > them with friends as with strangers. Officially, I'm > taking at least a > year off from horses, and only keeping Star. Which one would you recommend for a hard mouth? Lorraine Happy Southwestern Trails Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games. http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121
[IceHorses] Bits for sale
I wanted to offer these here before putting them on Ebay, since alot of the bits I've collected are hard to find, older, and I'd rather see them with friends as with strangers. Officially, I'm taking at least a year off from horses, and only keeping Star. 5 1/2" Loose Ring Happy Mouth French Link with Roller. NWT $15 5" Tom Thumb Mullen Pelham, older. $10 5" Hard Rubber Pelham. This bit is older and the mouthpiece comes out of hte mouth and goes up about an inch so the rings/cheeks can't pinch. I used it alot on Runner this year. $12 5" Rubber Mullen Loose ring. New $5 5" Eggbutt Mullen, NWT. $20 5" Double Twisted Copper wire (if someone here doesn't buy it for a decoration, I'll keep it as a paperweight). Beautiful bit to look at. NWT $5 4 3/4" Sweetwater mouth grazing bit. $10 Tooled shank 5" JP by Korsteel bean mouth loose ring $7 If anyone is interested let me know... Steph -- "Brutality begins where skill ends." "Correctly understood, work at the lunge line is indispensable for rider and horse from the very beginning through the highest levels." Von Niendorff
RE: [IceHorses] Bits Do Not Control Horses
>>> Indeed, as the author points out, bits do not control horses, but may I add that sometimes the bit is ADDING volumes to the horse's communications. That head-tossing and refusing to take the bit may not only be due to heavy hands and heavy bits but also soreness... I think that was a good post. I do think it's possible to communicate with more refinement with a bit than without one, but I sure don't want to depend on one for everything. And personally, when I DO use a bit, I try to use the mildest one I can, and I try to test my horse (and me) by riding at least a few minutes of each ride without reins at all. There are horses though, like Tivar, who just don't like bits for whatever reason, and if the don't like them and don't need them, why bother? Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [IceHorses] Bits Do Not Control Horses
> An article about bits: > > http://tinyurl.com/2xbmcl >From Annalee: Indeed, as the author points out, bits do not control horses, but may I add that sometimes the bit is ADDING volumes to the horse's communications. That head-tossing and refusing to take the bit may not only be due to heavy hands and heavy bits but also soreness... As an example, my horse had always foamed at her mouth when being ridden (whether in a jaquima or a bridle) but only one side. I asked lots of folks about this one-sided foaming. Everyone said it was nothing to be concerned about. Then I noticed a kind of thicker, "ropey" saliva coming from her mouth. Called the vet, who said she might have a slight injury, to rinse her mouth with Epsom salts. I did. Ropiness got better. But then one day she avoided the bit, something she hadn't done before. Finally I got the bit in her mouth...To make a longish story a little shorter, the vet was in the neighborhood so he stopped by to take a look, after giving her a light doese of sedative. WOW! was he shocked! She had a 4" gash on the side of her tongue and along her inner jawbone, so deep it was near the bone. He was shocked that she had allowed any kind of a bit at all in her sore mouth, and told me that I really had a keeper; a super gentle horse. He advised riding her bitless for a while (10 days) so we worked on better communication through the sidepull and achieved it. Now that we're back in a bit again, she is more responsive than before. Most surprising to me however is the lack of foam in her mouth when we ride. Her previous owner said she'd always noticed the foam. I wondering if she had an old injury? and that's why she was mouthing the water pipe (to kind of soothe the inside of her mouth) when she got startled and jammed the pipe in her mouth? Guess we'll never know, but the foaming was a signal I think, as was some of her head tossing. She still lifts up her head when she wants a better look at something (kind of a quick lift up) and I'm thinking some of that head lift is a remenant of her old tossing to avoid discomfort--not from the hands holding the reins but from the mouth with the bit inside! Annalee Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Bits Do Not Control Horses
An article about bits: http://tinyurl.com/2xbmcl Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
