Finding THE perfect bit to start training

Question
I have a gorgeous 3 yr old red dun QH. This is his shinning year to become a "big boy" finally! I want to start him on a very easy bit nothing aggressive at all I cannot stress that part enough. I was wondering do you have any ones that you highly recommend?

Answer
Hi Jennifer!

This is a pretty simple question...a smooth snaffle.  I like just a plain "D" ring or eggbutt smooth snaffle.  It is all you should EVER need.  Do NOT believe ANYONE that suggests that a bit will solve ANY sort of training or behavioral problem, it won't.  People today do not understand or grasp the progression of education for the horse from snaffle bit to hackamore to straight up in the bridle and the progression to the signaling bit.  

A green horse of any age, starts out life in a smooth snaffle.  It is NOT the bit that makes the horse, it is the communication, partnership, caring and FEEL of the rider that makes the horse.  When the horse has mastered smooth transitions in all gates, backing softly in circles and serpentine's, simple changes, half pass, full pass, shoulder and haunches in and out, then it is time to move to the hackamore and master all of these skills again but this time relying more on the body, legs, feet and weight and FAR less on the hands and rein.  This time adding interrupted changes and flying lead changes all the while working in the body and making the move toward being straight up in the bridle.  

A finished bridle horse uses a signaling bit.  This can be any sort of spade bit or fixed bit with a shank.  The reason for this type of bit is that is allows for VERY small and subtle cues.  The horse is ridden in one hand and the hand should NOT move more than just a few centimeters from its position over the top of the horn.  At this point, it should be next to impossible to see ANY cues from the rider to the horse.  THIS is the purpose of the spade bit and being "straight up" in the bridle.  It is a LONG rode to get to this point and when done properly, it a thing of beauty, subtlety, partnership and grace.  I hope to be here...someday!!!

Great question.  Glad you asked.

Smiles!

Denise

PS Buck Brannaman also makes the "Making of a Bridle Horse" series.  Very cool and great to watch.