Can I put a chin
strap on the basic snaffle bit? My horse tends not to want to stop. Would
this bit be okay to use? Thank you very much. Dorothea
Reply from trainer Tracy
Zadow:
A basic snaffle is not designed
to put on a chin strap. There are snaffle bits that are but there is
an easier solution and more effective that I recommend to get your horse
to obey your request to stop. First, you have to get him backing up
good. By doing this you need to first ask lightly by sitting down in
your seat and squeezing the reins back. Gradually increase the pressure
of the pull back until 3-4 steps are taken then release all pressure
on the reins. Praise. Repeat this until he chooses to back up on the
lightest pressure. Be sure to keep your hands down low just above your
knees when asking for back up.
Once you have this down then start at the walk. Ask your horse to stop
by sitting heavier in your seat, say "whoa" and squeeze the
reins back until the horse stops then immediately ask for the back up.
What these are called are Walk, Stop, & Backup Transitions. Repeat
these transitions until your horse stops when you sit in your seat and
say "whoa". This gets your horse listening to you and your
body language. After your horse gets this down then move on to trotting.
Same thing. You bring the horse down and into the back up until he is
stopping quickly and smoothly at the lightest pressure first given.
You are basically giving your horse the option how it wants to stop.
It can choose to stop anytime from the lightest pressure to most pressure.
Horses always choose the lightest pressure. Then move onto the canter.
Don't try doing all these transitions in one day. Make sure you are
calling it a day when he gets what your asking him to do.
