A Bit About Bits Part 3: Leverage Bits, Tongue Relief, Shanks and Balance

Are you a bit geek? Do you just want to know enough to be able to confidently choose an appropriate bit for your horse? Daniel has come out with a new online course that will give you an unprecedented understanding of the world of bits. The Bit Course 2.0: Understanding How and Why Bits Function is like nothing you've ever seen or heard about. It's the definitive source for truthful and unbiased understanding of the how and why behind bits. Check out this free video on the foamy mouth and what it really indicates is going on with your horse.
thebitcourse.c...
If you’d like to learn more about bits and bitting, we suggest our new DVD, “More Than a Bit… o’Information”. It’s the most comprehensive and thoroughly vetted information available today. You’ll understand how to communicate better with your horse and understand his side of the reins more fully. This is not an infomercial and it isn’t discipline specific either. In fact, we describe things from the basic English and Western views as well as Dressage and Vaquero stuff. Novice to Pro, there’s lots of good info provided that will benefit your training and relationship with horses. It will pay for itself the very first time you don’t buy the wrong bit.
www.dauphinhor...
Here is the Final installment in our Bit About Bits Series. This video is about finished horse bits. Never randomly buy and try bits again once you watch and understand these videos. Learn the methods and mechanics rather than myths and misinformation. By the way, the proper spelling is"palate", not "pallet", my bad.
We explain those big bits for the big boys and girls that have attained a high level of training and riders who have highly developed hands on those reins.
Please like and Subscribe and check out our Dauphin Horsemanship Facebook page!
/ ddauphin77
This is a forum that I contribute to from time to time. Several very knowledgable posters on here.
www.horseforum.com
First 6 minutes are review and summation of material from previous videos.
I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@DanielDauphin]

If you’d like to learn more about bits and bitting, we suggest our new DVD, “More Than a Bit… o’Information”. It’s the most comprehensive and thoroughly vetted information available today. You’ll understand how to communicate better with your horse and understand his side of the reins more fully. This is not an infomercial and it isn’t discipline specific either. In fact, we describe things from the basic English and Western views as well as Dressage and Vaquero stuff. Novice to Pro, there’s lots of good info provided that will benefit your training and relationship with horses. It will pay for itself the very first time you don’t buy the wrong bit. www.dauphinhorsemanship.com/mercantile/

[@mm25937]

Can i order these DVDs also for Europe?

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for your question. The video has gone out to every continent except Antarctica, so far. It would be easiest/cheapest/quickest to get the 3 part digital download version instead. If you really do want the dvd package, contact me through my website with your address and we’ll figure out shipping.

[@mm25937]

@@DanielDauphin thank you for your answer!

[@aprildippel190]

Thank you!!!! Sounds good!

[@clayshelton]

This is the best information regarding bits on KZbin. Thank you for your efforts! Much appreciated!

[@wendyandersen8241]

Wow, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. My horses thank you as well.

[@IamtheAnimalLover]

I'm so pleased I stumbled upon you and your videos on bits. What a tremendous amount of information, most of which was new to me (after owning horse for 40+ years). Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@emi079]

Daniel, you talk about the importance of gentle hands, please consider doing a video explaining it. How to handle horse (rains) in the correct manner. Thanks.

[@ac12201]

Man, I'm hooked on your videos, lots of great information. Thank you very much.

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you’re liking them.

[@affinityhorsemanship9808]

Fantastic series I have learnt a few things that will change the way I do things so thank you

[@beatlejuice42]

The best information I have ever gotten

[@rebekahabbott5078]

I've been searching for an in depth lecture like this for a long long time and my only regret is not having found it 2 years ago when Daniel Dauphin first put it out. After riding for 21 years and spending the majority of my time in the arena , I've never felt confident in understanding all the mechanics with curb bits. I've asked all kinds of people and have gotten really inconsistent answers or answers that just weren't explained in depth enough for me to fully understand. I've had friends reassure me, "No, you know what your doing," when honestly I knew I was missing out on understanding the bigger picture. I've always been super self-conscious about having soft hands, but now, after watching Dauphin's lectures, I can really REALLY understand EXACTLY how that comes into play. I can now understand how to choose a curb bit that will best match the horse's level and temperament, match the way I apply my hands, and match the frame I'm looking to encourage out of a horse. THANK YOU DANIEL DAUPHIN!!!

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you got something from our videos.

[@deborahluper6235]

I invested almost my entire day and watched all three of your understanding bits videos. Some of the best education I have ever received as it pertains to horses! Thank you so much!

[@dan-iy7uk]

Thank you for the information you share here.

[@scottdouglas518]

Again, having watched your four or five 'bit' vids several times, you've provided a tremendous resource for beginner to graduate level horsemen. Much appreciated!

[@pamelachace3205]

This has been BY FAR the best information ANYone who rides - needs to watch,, like 3 times! Thanks for this video!

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words! Share it with your friends!

[@pamelachace3205]

Already on my FB page! I am also riding a horse that chomps the bit, he's getting better?, but the chomping and ears go back especially asking for lope departures. I realize it's an anticipation of an unpleasant experience... any ideas of , other than the obvious, to lessen this? I use an elevator bit w a lifesaver, purchase/shank same, and he seems pretty happy, have used a snaffle with the same...thanks

[@DanielDauphin]

Is he doing this behavior only while you are in contact with him, or does it persist at other times as well?

[@pamelachace3205]

For the most part?,, and overreacting to canter cues,, I mean I put my leg on and ears instantly go back and the chomping starts..

[@DanielDauphin]

Sorry that I didn't see your response earlier. Your horse is indeed anticipating something that they don't like. This can be one of those times where changing things up can be just the ticket. Some horses are extremely sensitive to our feet and this is usually the case in this instance (I'm not seeing you ride, of course). Most of the time, using a different aid, like a dressage whip, or the end of a bridle rein to get the "umph" needed to strike the canter will avoid this problem. After the transition is fixed, you being using your leg again, softly, and weaning them off of the other aid. I hope that helps. If there's more going on, I'd be happy to delve deeper.

[@cowgirlaz5338]

Absolutely the best and most informative video on bits I have found. You are a great at explaing the differences with good illustrations. If people understand bitting technically, it makes it easier to make your corrections. I learned more watching your 3 videos than I thought I knew after 50 years of riding 5 different disiplines. Well done! Subscribed!

[@whipinwildrags]

All of information in this series has been priceless from the basics to the complex features this 3 part series has blown my mind! The section on bit balance was by far the best explanation of why and how horses get in front of or behind the vertical. This series is definately worth the watch and worth of a DVD series! Thank you!

[@DanielDauphin]

Your comment was fortuitous. We took your advice and made a DVD!

[@Cecilyeg]

I enjoy your comment about different disciplines needing different body carriage and headsets. My husband is a cowboy and works in a feedlot. His horses have to carry themselves and their heads far differently than my carriage driving horses. We ask for the same ability to move and be able to change direction in a heartbeat but we go about it very differently. My driving horses seem to like the Myler bits while when they go to work for Dave they go into what you call transition bits. For the most part they stay in the transition bits as he can get everything he needs with one. My horses transition from a French link smooth snaffle to a slow twist French link to a solid mouth bit. I love how our Morgans are able to make the change from being my horse to his and back again seamlessly. I love your videos! Thank you for making them and it is a pleasure to listen to it all explained so grammatically and scientifically!

[@mayac218]

This has really encouraged me to watch my hands. I'm not saying I'm yanking on the horses mouth, I'm just saying I'll be super light and ask the horse, then tell him. Aka give him a chance on something he knows, THEN get after him

[@DanielDauphin]

M Chom an excellent plan!

[@mayac218]

Daniel Dauphin I really love your videos about bits though. They have taught me so much! Before I never knew what leverage really was; I had just thought the shank was a fancy part of the bit. But now I understand the different areas leverage will focus on.

[@barbaraschutter582]

Great detailed information, and information that is needed !

[@phoenixc7245]

Agreed people complain how bits are abusive but they're not if anything hackamores do the same thing it's just on the nose

[@taft9317]

Thank you for putting these videos on KZbin. I have learned a great deal about bits, most of your information was new to me and certainly makes sense.

[@millsix999]

44:58 yes!!! Thank you. Horses need to SEE where they are going. Not look down. Reining and Western Pleasure horses look so miserable, as if sniffing the ground.

[@aprildippel190]

Absolutely a great 3 videos series!! I finally understand bits and appreciate how you teach. Now I won’t be lost the next time I’m looking at a wall of bits! Thank you so much! :)

[@DanielDauphin]

Keep looking. There are 5 videos here and a 5.5 hr video we sell that’s even more in depth, a collaboration of other experts and is used as a teaching resource in 25 universities.

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@kaylanyce5930]

I just finished all three "bit about bits" and cannot thank you enough! I've grown up around starting horses but rarely had the opportunity to finish them. I'm switching gears at this point in my horsemanship journey and this was a wealth of knowledge!

[@TWest-ec4qw]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the public through your videos! I was beyond thrilled to view the bit demonstration using the equine skeleton - very informative! We are trail riders and often camp with our horses (currently all of our horses are Mustangs). We use mecate reins with slobber straps and we've paired them with smooth, single-jointed snaffle bits. My understanding is that the mecate reins should only be used with a snaffle bit. None of our horses run off; however, we have been critiqued for not "advancing" and "transitioning" our horses to "finished bits." We are not trainers and we do not show our horses, so in all honesty, I didn't even know this was an objective of riding. The other comment we receive is that riding without leverage in new terrain is just asking for trouble. Personally, I really like the mecate rein setup for trail riding. First Question: I would love your thoughts on trail riding in a snaffle bit (again, no current behavioral problems with our horses), as well as if there are any leverage bits that can be used safely with mecate reins & slobber straps? I was looking at the Dutton Teardrop bits (for slight leverage) as it would fit the slobber straps but not sure if that would be inappropriate for mecate reins. Thank you in advance for your help!

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words. As far as "having" to graduate up in bits, of course you don't. If you and your horses are safe and happy, I'm happy. Minding your own business is a lost art. Using a mecate setup on a leverage bit would certainly be atypical, but I suppose if you could find a rein loop big enough to accommodate, it'd work out alright. Lots of folks wind up simply using a loop rein with a quick release snap on the right bit ring. You can also use a leverage bit, but always keep the reins up (different ways to do that depending on bit and rein styles) but use a get down rope for leading. Again, if it works for you, no opinion should matter more than your horse's.

[@twest5762]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonsandoval9839]

This has really helped me. Thank you for being so thorough. I've learned that one of my horses has the right bit for him. The other I will have to figure out which is best for her. She knows more that I so will have to figure that one out somehow. Again Thank you so much.

[@rosemarynapier4916]

Great, informative video, as always! Just wanted to say how much I appreciate you creating this series- as you mentioned, there's a lot of misinformation out here on the web, so it's great to finally have a detailed explanation that logically explains exactly why the other stuff is misinformation without being unduly hostile (which is also unfortunately common). Long story short, thank you!

[@emi079]

This series is the most informative set of videos I have found. Thank you.

[@MrsTonySoprano]

Watching this has been so educational for me. I have a finished horse. We're beginning to compete in fun ranch shows where we need to go in a shanked bit. I'd like to ride in his bosal forever, because he seemed to get fast in my snaffle, but was surprised to find that he goes calm and soft in a Myler 6 inch shanked bit. We're getting help from a cowboy. Barely need to touch the reins, as long as I'm using leg and seat properly. Your video is very helpful, thank you. Excellent channel.

[@DanielDauphin]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@kellysmith2739]

I really like the videos. Learned alot

[@magic-catt98]

At around 18:55, when you're asking what someone thinks when they see a person frothing/drooling at the mouth, the FIRST thing that popped into my head was ... RABIES!!! 😂 LOL! BTW, I really like your videos. Not only are they packed with practical and useful information, you also explain things extremely well. I also like that you explain things in more than one way, which results in a much more thorough understanding (in my opinion). And I think my horse would probably be pretty thankful too, since your videos have occasionally saved HIM from ME making a poor decision due to not having enough knowledge about something! In short, I'd like to say thank you from both of us! Your hard work, your skills, and your extensive knowledge and experience are immensely appreciated! You and Rick Gore (Think Like a Horse), are my go-to guys whenever I need, or want ANY info in regards to my horse! 💞 from 🍁❣

[@carolyneppler191]

Thank you for your quick response! I have not discussed this yet with my trainer, but with your info I'll have a better understanding of the different options for us when it is time to graduate into a finish bit.

[@Kreekey71]

Uuugh!! The way i really have been needing to hear this

[@katiem.turner1647]

Such good information! Thank you.

[@epona9166]

Thank you for the video. Yours are by far the best on YT. I stopped (temporarily) at about 6:00 because it seemed like you contradicted yourself right there. After explaining that it's not the overall length of the cheek that determines the amount of leverage, but where the mouthpiece is attached to the cheekpieces that determines the amount of leverage, you said that a 1:1 ratio (mouthpiece in the center of the cheek) amounted to no leverage. It seems like that would be more leverage than any of your examples, including the 3:2.

[@DanielDauphin]

Epona I did not misspeak. The location of the mouthpiece determines the leverage ratio. That’s a fact of physics and not my opinion. The math is about 2400 years old.

[@SDav612]

What about a sweet water mouthpiece? I’m watching all of your videos, they’re great!

[@DanielDauphin]

Can you be more specific? What about a sweetwater mouthpiece do you want to know. Basically a low, very wide port. Lots of tonguecrelief. Usually used on greener horses.

[@lindagiron7088]

Excellent info. Thank you so much. Subscribed.

how very educational I learned a lot. when I ride I use a very very loose hand. however my daughter thinks she must hold constant pressure. ( she barrel races) I am forever after her to lighten up her reigning . she currently runs a short shanked snaffle . but I am considering trying a bar bit with over compensated balance forward to try to absorb her reign. while trying to get her to lighten up . I have always used a simple bar bit with tounqe relief and no roller or hinging. I always had good luck with them. I never thought about balance forward or proper calculated ratios on leverage.

[@elisefank2977]

Thank you for such a huge amount of information !!!!!

[@bhi147511]

Great video, thank you

[@barbw4648]

I think a lot of horses will be a lot happier after their owners watch these videos and apply that knowledge!! Thank you for the clarity. I am researching vaquero practices and for the life of me, I don't understand what a horse learns in a bosal, which will allow him to learn what a bit's motion means. How does pressure on nose and sides of jaw teach him as signals? Referring me to a book, or several, is OK. Thanks so much.

[@DanielDauphin]

Hackamore Reinsman by Ed Connel is kind of the instruction manual on them. I believe Benny Guitron also wrote a book that should be great. Basically, horses mouths change every year until they are 6. Way back when, equine dentistry didn't exist so they just avoided the mouth. The hackamore simply teaches yielding and obedience. While the signal is different from a spade, the reins and your legs and body are the same. Thus going through the two rein and transitioning to straight up in the bridle is not that different. Lots more that could be said, but I hope that helps.

[@barbw4648]

Thanks so much. I get it.

[@tronevensen8172]

realy good wideo... getting a lot of information .

[@patriciabehrens6877]

excelente!!

[@carolyneppler191]

I so very much appreciate the information in your videos. As someone who has become an owner again 2 years ago after a long break, I am a sponge absorbing as much info as I can, and your videos are clear and concise explaining the biomechanics of the horse and bit, which frankly, I have been reluctant to use. We are currently in a transition bit. My question is....how in the world would a novice know which finish bit to take my horse to out of a transition bit? He is now 9, but only been in training since I purchased him at 7. he is a warmblood mix that has a natural vertical head carriage and a little lazy. Tends to drop his left shoulder. Another question is how do headstalls play into this? because of his large head, my western headstalls do not allow for him to "carry" the bit, and it is virtually impossible to find a warmblood western headstall. Thank you so much for your series.

[@DanielDauphin]

Great questions! Think of the bits like this: 85% of the training.is done in the snaffle or Bosal the next 14% of training is done in the transition bits true bridle bits are for that last 1% All of the other stuff was the investment. Finished bits are for reaping the rewards. So, I go from a transition bit to a bridle when I already have a very sharp knife and I want to take the edge to that of a razor!

[@DanielDauphin]

As to which bit to go to, the shanks will determine the bit's neutral position, which should greatly affect the horse's head carriage. So, depending on your style and desired head carriage pick the shank balance that makes sense. As to the mouthpiece, that will be your horse's preference. Some horses have very coarse, thick tongues and a mouth with a wider a area of tongue relief will make them more comfortable etc. To get up to the finished bits, I would have done a reasonable amount of experimenting already. These videos are fairly general but hopefully they will help you to see large groups of bits that your horse should or shouldn't like for his own reasons.

[@DanielDauphin]

As to the head stall, you maybe best to take some measurements and have a custom one made. Call around and I'll bet it isn't as expensive as you'd think. Also, lots of folks in the northwest and Canada ride draft crosses. You may well find a dealer on the net from that area who stocks larger head stalls.

[@DanielDauphin]

What does the trainer who rose him for 2 years think? If you really aren't sure, I'd advise finding a trainer in your area who will let you try some different bits and listen to what your horse tells you. Even if they charge you for a lesson for their time, it'll be much cheaper than buying and trying!

[@marykateroberts3685]

I absolutely love all of your videos. I have watched them multiple times! Can you share which exact bit you are showing for your general port correction bit? It’s hard to find a perfectly balanced one like that. Thank you!

[@DanielDauphin]

Thanks for the kind words. As that sort of thing gets into endorsement/sponsorship territory, I don't talk about specific brands publicly. If you'd like to contact me through my website, I'll email you a few places you can look to find a good one.

[@TheTeapotte]

The thing about sucking is why I don't think thicker bits are necessary less severe. If the bit is too thick it breaks the seal in their mouth and stops them being able to swallow

[@DanielDauphin]

hannah there’s a sweet spot in there for sure. Somewhere around 1/2”-7-16” is about max thickness for most horses.

[@TheTeapotte]

@@DanielDauphin definitely. My horse won't take anything thicker than 16mm. I don't know what that is in inches but it's usually the standard dressage bit thickness. I tried a rubber bit thinking it would be kinder but it was just too thick and he couldn't close his mouth properly. I have him in a bombers happy tongue now, he seems to like that

[@victoriamorris7619]

After watching all of these videos, I’ve learned so much! I still am very unsure of exactly which bit to transition into from a snaffle. He’s almost 9 and never tried a different bit but 4H horse shows are requiring us to use a leverage bit. My daughter is the main rider. She’s 14 and tries to have quiet hands, uses mostly leg pressure, which he responds to very well but they’re still working out some issues maintaining his gait at a trot. I know the hands are the most important part but is there any transition bit you feel is most “safe” over another? We definitely don’t want a bad first impression! Love your videos. Thanks.

[@DanielDauphin]

There really isn’t 1 correct answer. It’s fine to try a few different bits for 3-8 rides each and see what works best. Just go slow and keep it all low key to start.

[@RLB-wb4ms]

these videos have been so great and informative...can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge! was wondering if you could advise on a good bit for walking horses? we don't want their head vertical...would a ported or "correction" bit be a good option?

[@DanielDauphin]

I still like to start them in a snaffle and get them soft. I've posted this question to Mr. Larry Whitesell, who is a gaited horse guru, and he seemed to agree with my way of doing things. I've never understood the need for the way gaited horses are typically bitted up. whitesellgaitedhorsemanship.com/

[@RLB-wb4ms]

+Daniel Dauphin Thank you, I'll check him out. The horse in question is an 15 year old twh, who was a rescue....so I have no idea how she's been handled or rode in the past. But being in the walking horse world for a long time, I can imagine. She already has vices...sucking up her tongue/sticking it over the bit..she's just busy with her mouth all the time. I don't have a snaffle, but would like to try something without 8" shanks....I feel like maybe a ported bit with a roller??

[@DanielDauphin]

+Rachel Crutchfield exactly the style I would recommend for what you are describing, and don't shy away from a taller ports.

[@RLB-wb4ms]

+Daniel Dauphin the ported roller bit did the trick! it's amazing... the head tossing stopped, her tongue stayed under the whole ride! thank you!!!

[@princessnash1838]

Never mind I found the curve bit video

[@princessnash1838]

Thank You so much!

[@MarissaZC]

Do you have any advice to "teach" a horse to self carry/get them into frame, or a bit that would help "translate" what you're asking them to do? We mostly do trail, but she giraffes and hollows out her back out of having developed a bad habit, and her topline is lacking.

[@DanielDauphin]

M V the taller ported curb bits are the ideal realm for self carriage, but they require a lot of preparation before a horse is developed enough for them. I’d probably be using a simple snaffle and REALLY be concentrating on driving the hind up under the horse with my seat and legs rather than pulling or holding the horse in frame.

[@kkbailey8357]

Love your videos! Thanks. They have made me rethink my bit choice. Please help. In general my horse who is a retired barrel horse responds well to my seat and leg. We trail ride and do arena work. I currently use a double jointed O ring snaffle with a copper mouthpiece on him. After watching your videos I'm worried that I should move him out of a snaffle because it seemed like you aren't in favour of prolonged riding in a snaffle. Is there any reason for me to switch that up if he is doing everything I need in the snaffle? The worst thing he ever does is not immediately listen to my seat for the whoa and I wouldn't use a bit to correct that anyway. I've also wondered if I should switch to a fast twist snaffle (or a snaffle with a little more bite) so that I can give him a bump with the reins if he isn't listening to my seat for the whoa. Thanks in advance for any input.

[@DanielDauphin]

I have nothing against prolonged riding in a snaffle. Your horse is the best judge of what works for him. If you're happy, and he's happy, and there isn't another reason, like a breed show rule, to move him to a shanked bit, then stay with what works. Your horse's opinion should matter more than mine, and I'm sorry if I left you with the impression that I'm preaching that you SHOULD OR MUST move up to a bridle. I've got several aged horses around here that are mostly used for novice riders and they pretty much always go in a plain Jane snaffle.

[@kkbailey8357]

Thanks! I'll leave him in the snaffle as it does work for both of us. I didn't think you were preaching at all. I was probably over-thinking it. I learned a LOT from your videos and feel much better informed about bits and their uses. Thanks again!

[@kristimegli2373]

I am listening again. Question? the angle of the port to keep the horse a little in front of the vertical. does the port lean forward or backward in relation to the purchase? thanks.I will be listening to all of your videos again

[@DanielDauphin]

Honestly, it could be either, but those styles are fairly rare. The majority of the time, the port is in line with the purchase.

[@angelacourtney1123]

Great video series on bits. I've learned so much. I do have a question. If I've a horse that's trained in a discipline like reining, and use to a more advanced bit, but has a green rider. Is it safe to say the bit used needs to fit the riders ability learning soft touch and feel and not the horses abilities of training?

[@DanielDauphin]

Angela Courtney absolutely. One mistake people often make is to put a bit with lots of signal in the hands of a rider who is nowhere near subtle enough to use it.

[@sassy6292]

Do you have a book on this subject?

[@DanielDauphin]

For now, we have a more comprehensive video for sale on our website. The link is in the description. It goes even further in depth, is a collaboration of other experts including equine vets specializing in dentistry, engineers, and others. I don’t think that video has an equal.

[@keithsmith8250]

good video .. thoe i think you missed one point... as you stated in the 6 inch pull on the shank ... thoe it states in old dressage books . the straight shank should not go pass the the 45 degree angle .. meaning on any length of shank..... the vertical you talk of ? we call it the perpendicular ....

[@DanielDauphin]

Admittedly, I am not 100% sure what you are saying, but the degree to which the shank can rotate is determined by the adjustment of the curb chain. That is simple mechanics and is not my opinion. It 's physics. If you want only a certain degree of rotation, simply adjust your curb chain to come fully tight at that degree. Thanks for watching.

[@DanielDauphin]

Btw, old dressage books aren't necessarily correct. They thought the earth was flat back then too...

[@keithsmith8250]

funny comment haha.. im talking about books writen early 19 century...and yes you are correct angle of rotation ... your vids are worth whatching .. great job . these vids helps me explain to others so there a great educational tool.. so thanks for the uploads

[@keithsmith8250]

reading some of these books might humble you.. writen by cavalry generals on the art of war on horse back n swords... some Spanish n french books date back before the USA was founded.. theres even one book that dates back to roman period n that was a shank bit too. so no need to be narrow minded on the subject.. best regards

[@DanielDauphin]

+keith smith I am not trying to be confrontational in the least, but it is a pretty big assumption on your part that I haven't read and studied at length on this and other subjects. I do, however, get tired of dogma passed down for decades without being questioned. I have explained and shown my version at great length. I still don't understand what point you claim I got wrong. All of my videos are based on physics and mechanics. If and when I venture into my opinion, I carefully liable it so. Sorry if you think I lack humility. I was just trying to be funny, BUT just because it's old, or foreign, or written by someone called a. "Master" doesn't make it right and me wrong.

[@debbiefalconer2756]

In

[@stephaniedeprima]

...I am not into "leverage" bits.... I don't understand why they are needed... Your horse will respond to you without a bit, if she is trained to your verbal or body cues, but if you MUST, a snaffle is all you need if you fit it properly... But if you choose to use a bit, remember...a bit should not be "control" of your horse... It should only be communication...