I have spoken with hundreds of horse owners over the years, as
well as a number of Veterinarians and Equine Dentists. Many seem
to have all too simple solutions to very complex bit issues.
Let’s start with horse owners. Those of us who experience
problems with their beloved equine friends accepting the bit,
know first hand their own frustrations as well as the stress it
can have on their horse. It’s just no fun. Then, trying
to solve the situation often leads to a great deal of added frustration
and expense.
First, I’d like to start with the premise that each horse
is unique. They come to us with differences in breeds, genes,
experiences, locations, training, living conditions, physiques,
and more. Those of us who have children, know that each of one
of our children is unique. We bring them up the same way, we teach
them the same way, but each is different from their sibling. Well,
so are our horses. Finding a “one size fits all” solution
to resolving a bit issue for your unique and very special horse
usually ends up in disappointment.
I’ve heard lots of stories. I’ll start with my own.
I inherited a former show horse turned school horse. And now at
the tender age of 27, Ritz a registered Arabian gelding, has entered
his retirement years. He’s been turned out to nearly limitless
green pastures with mountain vistas with his friend Tifa, a 17
year old Paint mare by his side. Life was to be good for Ritz.
At least that’s what we thought until we went to take him
on a trail ride and had to get a bit in his mouth! No way as far
as Ritz was concerned.
First, we discovered that his bit was too small. Additionally,
although he had his teeth floated regularly, we were surprised
to learn that he had wolf teeth which could have caused problems
with the bit. After resolving these issues, we thought we we were
now all set to go. No deal…at least as far as Ritz was concerned.
I’m sure there were lots of other potential causes that
if Ritz could talk, he would tell us. Maybe it would be the child
that had been pulling on his bit way too hard when first learning
to ride. Maybe it would be the trainer who jammed a freezing cold
bit in his mouth when it was 20 degrees in the barn. Maybe it
was the very first bit that was ever put in his mouth which was
too harsh or didn’t fit. If only Ritz could tell us but
he couldn’t, or could he?
He was telling us however, through his behavior. Throwing his
head back, clenching his teeth and refusing to the take bit altogether
was the only way Ritz could tell his story. After all, Ritz is
a good boy about everything else. He has a big heart and does
anything his rider asks…except for the bit!.
We had now fixed all the wrongs that we had become aware of, including
purchasing different (and often expensive) bits. Technically,
we felt that things were under control…we had fixed a multitude
of problems and now we were ready to ride!
The one thing we weren’t ready for was changing Ritz’s
behavior. Ritz didn’t know we had fixed the problems. All
Ritz knew is that he wasn’t having any part of that bit!
Now it was time to change his behavior. Now we had to re-teach
him that the bit was okay…really okay.
This is where I went to work. How was I to get Ritz to look at
his previously learned behavior differently? I researched different
methods and tried several, but there was nothing he would have
any part of. A Veterinarian suggested that I try wrapping a fruit
roll-up around his bit. After examining the ingredients in fruit
roll-ups, I decided that I would not give roll-ups to my horse
because of their ingredients which weren’t particularly
horse friendly. However, the concept was a great one! I then remembered
when my girls were young, I had made them fruit leathers. Unlike
the commercially sold roll-ups, I made them with healthy and natural
ingredients…real fruit! Why wouldn’t this work for
a horse? It was worth a try. After many attempts, and over a year
later, I finally had my first Apple Bit Wrap ready for a horse…
just the right flavor and texture which would wrap around and
adhere to a bit. It was finally ready to test on Ritz.
First, Ritz didn’t quite know what this thing was. It looked
interesting and smelled pretty good! I gave him a taste. He loved
it and wanted more. After giving him a few more sniffs and tastes,
I wrapped one around his bit. At first he went into his normal
reaction of throwing his head back. I let him sniff the bit with
the Apple Bit Wrap on it which immediately got his attention away
from throwing his head and to the bit itself. The bit slipped
into his mouth…success! He clearly enjoyed the pleasing
apple taste for a few moments until it dissolved, and we were
ready to ride!
Since then, Ritz has gradually learned that the bit is not something
that will hurt him anymore and his bad behavior has finally resolved.
We’ve learned a lot from all this which I feel compelled
to share with others who have horses refusing to accept the bit,
or have young horses who are for the first time being introduced
to the bit, or even for those who simply want to say “thank
you” to their equine friend who willingly accepts the bit.
What lessons have we learned? Be humane. Start with being diligent
in your efforts to make sure you that you have the right bit,
the right size, that it is adjusted correctly, and that there
are no dental or medical issues which could be causing your horse
difficulty.
Once you have resolved the technical issues, now it’s time
to work on modifying the bad behavior. To do this, take a close
look at really trying to understand your horse by looking at:
What is his background, who trained him? If he could tell you
a story, what do you think it would be?
Pretend you are your
horse and write his story. Chances are if you really know your
horse, you’ll get it right. Then go from there.
Once you’ve fixed
the technical problems how should you change her bad behavior?
Be humane… start with being kind and gentle.
Examine your expectations
and set realistic goals. Most importantly, be patient. It took
many years for her to get this way and it will take time to change.
Now relax and enjoy the
ride!
A Note About the Author
Kathy Johnson is President of Tifa, Inc., manufacturer of Lickity
Bits™, a unique line of horse bit accessories. Lickity Bits™
products include Bit Wraps, Bit Butter, Bit Cleaners, Bit Warmers,
and Bit Bags. For additional information visit www.lickitybits.com
