Poor Acceptance of Bit Pressure? 5 Things You NEED to Consider

“My horse is behind the vertical”

“My horse is behind the bit”

“My horse is reacting badly when I apply rein pressure - help!”

These are comments we see regularly on horse forums, in lessons or even when you start typing into google!

Horse’s don’t wake up one morning and decide to not do something. They do, however, try to communicate discomfort and confusion the only way they can - through behaviour.

But what could it mean for you if your horse is showing these behaviours?

1. Dental Issues

Check whether your horse is coming, due or overdue for his or her next dentist visit. These symptoms above may be simply caused by discomfort or pain, and is something your dentist can help you with.

2. Saddle Fit

Believe it or not, an incorrectly fitted saddle can create pain and tension that reverberates through the shoulders, the poll and eventually the jaw. Simple movement restriction and tension can create poor receptiveness to your aids, or can create poor posture, resulting in the horse ducking out behind the bit.

3. Body pain

As with a poorly fitted saddle, body pain, even that of the back legs, can translate into bit evasion. Remember - our entire body is connected, so when one area is not working well, it will influence the rest of the body. Seek out advice from your professional body worker.

4. Bridle & Bit Fit

Is the bridle correctly placed? Is the nose band too tight? Does the bit move around in the mouth? Are you using the right bit for your horse? (having just been to a bit fitting session, that is a whole other topic that needs more professional advise!). These could all be reasons that your horse reacts negatively to any changes to the bit pressure. Make sure to use someone qualified to ensure your horse has the right bit, and that all the bridle and associated parts are not causing undue pain or cutting off circulation of the major vessels.

5. Training

Finally, if your horse is displaying these behaviours, consider the training that has gone into that horse. Does the horse actually know what you mean when you apply rein or bit pressure? Have they learnt to duck behind the bit to get out of working correctly? Work with a reputable trainer, or sign up to learn about our Green-to-Self-Carriage course.