In my last blog I focused on saddle fit and a few of the pads that I prefer to use. This post will give you a brief overview of the type of head gear we use and why. That seems kind of a funny description, “head gear.” It does make sense, I suppose. Sure, it is gear that's worn on the horse's head. But the big question is why? Why do we put a bit in a horse's mouth or a halter on their head? Are we trying to control their heads? Do we put stuff in their mouths to pacify them like babies?.... NO! That's not it at all. We are using this equipment on their heads to communicate with the feet.

With signals applied through these aides (the bit and reins) we let our horses know where we want them to place their feet. These aides are our main line of communication with the horse. The gear that we use is in essence our translator. They transfer our thoughts and ideas to the horse. How clearly these messages are translated to our horses depends on a couple things. First and foremost are the signals that we give. Are we clear and consistent with our hands? Do we always use specific signals when we want specific results? Because the all too common occurrence with unaware riders is the use of inconsistent cues resulting in inconsistent results. Leading to frustration for both the horse and the human.

Another influential aid is the speed and timing of when we reach for our horses. The release of pressure is crucial in educating the horse. The rein becomes a vital information highway to let the horse know they were correct in moving right then and there. This timing is important in how the horse learns and ultimately responds to our cues. The aid ( a piece of equipment or movement from our body--in this case the hands) that is used to relay this information needs to be up to the task.

I prefer to use an O-ring snaffle bit on all of the horses that I am riding with the intent of educating or introducing new concepts. A high quality snaffle bit connected to ½ inch McCarty reins with a slobber strap of about nine inches is a nice, usable outfit. This setup is ideal for quick ask and release signals. The McCarty reins and slobber strap combination has a comfortable weight to it. Also, it does not require the need of shanks coming off the bit for increased leverage. To put it simply, an increase in leverage (i.e. pressure on the horse's mouth) decreases responsiveness (adding to dullness over time.)

I prefer to use McCarty reins that are constructed out of a material that holds it's shape well. There are three popular and easy-to-find high quality products on the market. They are a poly/Dacron blend, a braided horsehair style and a multi-colored parachute cord material. I prefer and recommend Double Diamond Halter Co. for reins and halters. They use high quality materials and stand behind their products. I like using the McCarty loop reins but a pair of high quality leather split reins are fine, too.

The bit that I use is a Tom Balding ball hinge O-ring snaffle. This is a top notch bit that eliminates a potential pinch point where the mouthpiece meets the ring. Most of the low end O-ring snaffle bits have a rather large meeting point. Be careful with this because it can really cause quite a pinch to a horses lip or cheek. O-ring's are my go-to bits, but a well mad eggbut style bit is comparable.

A horse well accustomed to the snaffle bit can truly be a pleasure to ride. They can advance to being a higher level riding horse and never wear anything other than a snaffle. Some of the bits on the market are quite decorative and beautifully designed. Observing a rider work with his horse instead of against it is considered a huge accomplishment and a real testament to the craft. To the untrained eye it seems the rider is hardly doing anything to get a lot accomplished. This becomes the realm of moving from a practiced craft to an effortless art form. Which is after all, a true gauge of a horseman. Happy Trails, Eric

Easton Horsemanship