Introducing Training Principles related to Bit Use

Bits provide one of the major points of control when riding horses. Knowledge of horse behavior and training principles used to modify behavior must be considered when selecting and using bits. Bitting is a continual process which, through repetitive and step-wise training, teaches horses to accept bits and to properly respond to bit pressure.

The goal of the bitting process is to train the horse to respond to as light a bit pressure as possible to perform a given task. Therefore, rein pressure should be as light as possible when used as a cue or to reinforce a cue. Applying large amounts of rein pressure when cueing a horse for an initial response, will increase the frequency of undesirable responses from the horse and limit his ability to learn additional tasks. Therefore, inexperienced horses should be trained in bits that apply mild, direct pressure instead of bits that intensify pressure or apply large amounts of leverage.