From the Archives: Pat Explains the Missing Link Snaffle

We've gotten quite a few questions lately about the Missing Link Snaffle. From how to introduce it to your horse to how to ride in it, how it differs from a broken snaffle, and which horses benefit the most from it. So, since Pat is currently on the road and unable to address these questions, I searched high and low and found this old video from waaaaaaay back when we were just starting to sell quite a few of them. This video features Styx as a 4 year old. Pat had just restarted him and gotten past his racehorse training. He used the Missing Link Snaffle as a bridge to being able to ride Styx in a bosal. I hope you enjoy this blast from the past and I hope that it answers all of your questions. For more information, visit our website, www.thediscipli... . Please take a moment to hit the Like button, Subscribe to our channel, and Share with your friends. As always, thank you very m much for watching!

[@vicki1141]

There is always a comment from Pat that makes me chuckle . "If you don't like riding, don't ride ". Thanks Deb for sharing this from the archives. It sure does fill in some holes for me about getting my horses back to learning with your bit as spring opens up here in Nova Scotia. Take care.

[@mikelowrance1016]

Thanks 🤠

[@emersontayten]

I can't tell you how excited I was to see a new video from you guys! I ordered the Snaffle bit about 2 weeks ago and I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival. I was thinking I may order a few more so that I've got them for the rest of my life.

[@melaniebarber9924]

Just started watching your channel a couple months ago. My Missing link snaffle just came in the mail yesterday 5-8-23. I can't wait to try it out! Very well built and nice looking snaffle. Thank you!

[@guillaumevalat8061]

“If you are a true novice, you don’t Know all the bad things we do Know “😀 “If you don’t like rinding, we’ll… don’t ride” 😀😀 It’s deeper than it first sounds!! Un abrazo👋

[@KingsMom831]

Thanks for all your efforts in bringing us these videos Deb! Always love learning from Pat. 🙏😊

[@rockinglsaddleryoftexas4399]

I was very fortunate to attend Pat’s clinic in Granbury. And he truly is a treasure trove of knowledge. Highly recommend you take in a clinic if he is in your area.

[@lesliejacobs3002]

I really needed that..I bought the bit over a year ago…my horse got injured ( put her hind leg through a perfectly good metal gate) and didn’t use the bit but 3 times before that.. now I understand it better..oh and after $$$ confinement, she is ok..

[@joelfoster3576]

Honestly, I do not think you can REPEAT ANY of this Too much ... It is as much HORSE Physiology as it is a PHYSICAL effort, MAYBE MORE Mental than physical ??? And like I said YOU CANNOT REPEAT THIS INFO ENOUGH... ..This bit is a MUST HAVE IF you are going to train in this fashion ... Thank you both VERY MUCH for showing us this .....

[@bhagmeister]

You’re a good teacher, Pat. thanks

[@joelhamilton6720]

Great Bit

[@TristanBanwell]

Thank you folks! Looking forward to working with mine this season. I've got a lot to learn!

[@rontittel2425]

Thanks Pat I always enjoy your common sense Training.

[@meretefrandsen9340]

So wondeful to watch and here - beautiful - thank you for you’r videos🙏

[@ghettoyeti50]

We are getting a handle on self carriage thanks to your help. Our tarp and flag still lag. Increments as you said take time. Cracker/Arab mare and Florida girl are thankful for you. Trainers are tough to find

[@madonnabach90]

I ordered this bit it is exactly what I've been wanting I can't wait to receive it my trainer is currently using this bit on my horse an my horse loves it my trainer bought one after he took my horse to one of your clinics

[@redneckgirl3326]

I was riding a friend's barrel horse the other day. She's a terrific horse, but she likes to play with the bit, constantly. She's always been like that. She's thinking of trying her with the cricket.

[@cmcernetisch9780]

You’re the best.

[@BlackKettleRanch]

I love that bit.

[@Cecilyeg]

My horses love it!

[@clayoreilly4553]

Great video. Thanks, Deb.

[@JohnDoe-qu8ny]

Nice 👍 thanks Pat

[@HomerEscobar1]

Thank you for the videos

[@shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiift]

Deb, any chance Pat would do a clinic in Canada?

[@carlaperry1784]

Yes when things calm down would love for you to come. I’m east of Calgary.

[@modocroughstock5700]

Alright.. have a great day.

[@josealvor2677]

Que bonito Caballo

[@magdielperez2219]

Nice trot

[@chryslertechnician3439]

Personally I love the missing link snaffle

[@NottaTrace]

I'm looking to order one from you guys soon! Do you measure the same as you would for any other bit or snaffle?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Check out our playlist on the Missing Snaffle: kzbin.info/aero/PLqolZu7D-bMOITvf8dN1RmjpcHec_a_3a And this recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaqWZ6mna8aIY7s

[@Cottonmouthcreekkennels]

I’m looking into getting pats saddle can y’all go over what measurements I need for this saddle on your website as far as true inseam thank you for your time GOD bless y’all’s family take care and adios

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Here is how to measure your inseam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqTRmIWjf6yfgdk

[@jeffdunn9865]

If I had the pick of Pats horses it would be Styx.

[@affinnityaffinnity789]

I'm curious about the name Missing Link Snaffle.

[@shyinapril710]

im sorry if i missed it but could you tell us what breed your horses are? thank you for the great videos!

[@kidstuff44555]

The horse in this video is a thoroughbred (race horse)

[@angeliquecoppolino1433]

Ive been working my colt slowly in rope hackamore and working on my timing. Soon we will be ready to play with your bit 😊

[@ainsleynickel5682]

Do you use your hands together or separately with this bit?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

It depends on the level of your horse. If you are still teaching him lateral work, you would ride with two hands. When the horse understands lateral work, you would pick him up into collection with one hand and ride him off of your body. Once you reach that level, you would transition to a western bit if you're a western rider.

[@ainsleynickel9638]

@@PatnDebPuckett thank you! I do have a green, older horse that I am bringing back into work. He is 12, hasn't been rode consistently since he was 2 or 3. He did have a good foundation back then, but I will be approaching his return to work as if he knows nothing. Would you recommend starting him with this missing link snaffle, or a traditional type jointed snaffle, then moving into the missing link snaffle?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

@@ainsleynickel9638 We restart horses by roping them in a round pen and then riding the first couple of weeks in a rope halter. Followed by the Missing Link Snaffle and then the Western Bit. If you'll go to our channel, you'll find hundreds of videos with many broken into playlists. Here is the playlist on roping horses: kzbin.info/aero/PLqolZu7D-bMO24uJnwxKZxVsd5DgeJQMN&si=AdAABXRGlFGRKWY6

[@ainsleynickel9638]

he's not that green that he needs to be roped - he's handled nearly daily and is a good, respectful guy. He's just been a breeding stallion most of his life, and his riding was never maintained consistently. I'll check your suggested videos out though! Thank you.@@PatnDebPuckett

[@PatnDebPuckett]

We rope older horses that have been used for years to check them out. If there aren’t any holes in his training, it won’t take long. I wouldn’t skip this step with a horse that had been used as a stallion even if he has been gelded.

[@jgambrell10]

So your plan is Lighten him up in your missing link then hackamore until transition to halfbreed or spade ??

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Each horse is a little different. This particular horse was on his way to the track but never actually raced. Racehorses are taught to push through the bit with the jockeys basically balancing off of their mouths. This is completely counterproductive to our style of horsemanship. But this horse was so special to Pat, who saw the incredible potential in him, that he decided to try to restart him with the halter, then the Missing Link Snaffle, and then the bosal. Now, Styx rides well in a Half Breed with a Las Cruces cheekpiece. He can be ridden English over fences, drag calves at a branding, and he is gentle and kind enough for me (Deb) to gather cattle on in rough country. Here’s a video of Styx in the bosal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6qm56EeJh7a5o

[@PatnDebPuckett]

And here he is 7 months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6CYn6GKhNSLfZI

[@jgambrell10]

Understood I’ll been following Styx as well currently in the same boat with a Thoroughbred from race farm interested on following this horses journey an seeing the direction I will be able to go with mine thanks another good video 👍🏽