Pat’s Opinion On How Bits Work

In this video, Pat explains how bits work in a horse’s mouth from a grazing bit, to a half breed, to a spade bit. This video is in response to a question from one of our subscribers and we appreciate the opportunity that question gave us to respond. For more information, head over to our website www.thedisciplinedride.com . Please Subscribe to our channel, Like this video, and Share with your friends. Thank you for watching and take care of yourselves!

[@kaelannequinonez6554]

*flings silver half breed to the ground and picks up next bit * Me with one silver bit ever owned * 😳😳😳😳* Great video!! Simple yet complete explanation

[@lauramoy9940]

Thank you for the explanation of how the spade bit works and that a curb strap is needed to be adjusted at the right tension on the jaw.

[@Cecilyeg]

Not only do you make this easy to understand, your humor is a delightful part of your teaching! Thank you!! I couldn't agree more about the curb strap. Sad that so many don't get it.

[@we7438]

I just retired from 18 yrs. of teaching Religion and Philosophy. I always tried to find new ways of taking complex ideas and making them easier to grasp without oversimplifying them to where they loose their power and meaning. I've always thought that type of communication is at the heart of teaching. Pat, you are a Teacher. Outstanding. At times I've also preferred the "2 nails in a board" style as it gets to the heart of the matter without unnecessary distractions. You probably would believe how many extremely brilliant and much smarter than me scholars are unable to communicate in such a manner. The same minds exist in the horse world. Thanks again for your dedication to sharing this beautiful style of horsemanship with us. I hope to see y'al as well sometime when all this stuff blows over.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Thank you Eric. Hopefully we can cross the Ortega Hwy sometime soon and watch you sing while eating good BBQ!

[@michaelmccaffrey2731]

Grafted into Israel, Romans chapter 11 and almost all of Paul's letters. Rev 14:12 sums it up

[@cmykat7839]

Was it a good lesson? Well you tell me. I've never owned a horse, only been riding twice in my life (27 years old so far) and yes, I understand what you're talking about! I didn't know what a curb strap even was, let alone what it does. Now I understand how the horses end up comfortable in the spade bit.

[@scottc3165]

Would you please speak about the significance of the angle of the cheek piece to individual horses? My question is, is the angle important and if so, how to determine the best cheek piece or angle for a horse. You showed the different angles of the Santa Susana and the Santa Barbara cheek piece and I wonder if one or the other is better for a particular horse. You also spoke about designing a bit for Chinaco and I would love to hear what goes into a decision like that. I also have similar questions for mouth pieces. I've always ridden in snaffles. My younger (new to me 6 year old) horse has all the pieces coming together and I'm starting to think about some kind of shank bit, but I don't feel like I have enough knowledge to make an informed decision. Thanks for your videos, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I know my horses appreciate it too.

[@scottc3165]

Well, I found most of my answers right here: Pat's Take on Bits kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqfXYYN4p5tkecU I think Pat just called me a cross dresser, since I've been riding in a snaffle my whole life. I wish I would have found him years ago, before I apparently became a sinner.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

There is always time to be saved! 😆

[@MrDavidrex]

Thank you so much for your generosity kind sir. Just learned more about bits in 11 minutes then some do in a decade. Stay safe.

[@smlmentorship1969]

Excellent break down of the spade Pat, and the set up of the curb I would have thought it was 2 fingers. But now have a better understanding of the math and the angles! Thank you for sharing this.

[@lonebreeze6288]

Thanks Pat. Never understood so clealy before this, the actual function of the spade.

[@richardvroman7184]

This is a very good explanation ... We appreciate Pat's great teaching...

[@MrSanteeclaus]

That cleared the mud in my mind. Thank you for this video

[@MrFedericoFellini]

Thanks Pat, this is a marvelously instructive explanation of how a bit works. Your 2x6 horse head with nail teeth works perfect! Bravo! You are the best teacher in the world.

[@johngrove4915]

Hello Pat and Deb. Excellent job of explaining the bits. Back in the 50s most ranchers I knew were spade bit men. My grandfather was old-school. All of us grand kids grew up riding finished spade bit horses. I didn’t even think about it until I worked for other outfits. You can guess the rest of the story.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

It’s refreshing to hear stories like yours...

[@shiliohsrain]

Great explanation! I've learned so much about the spade bit horse since I've found your channel. I have no intention of ever riding in a spade but I have always wondered about the spade and all your videos about them have been interesting and informative. The true spade bit horse is beautiful to watch! Thanks for all your educational videos! Keep them coming! ; )

[@sheripietro8388]

Thank you, best explanation we've seen!

[@johnhutcheson8869]

I was really looking forward to sitting with you and the trunk locker full of bits and hackamores I own to get the benefit of your life time of experience. Al Grandchamp was my long distance mentor from 100-103. I would vhs what I was doing and mail it to him in Toston, MT. He would call and straighten me out. I have sat with Shelia Varian, Mike Bridges, Ray Ordway and read Dellums, Rojas, Jo Mora, Luis Ortega. But there is nothing like sitting with Pat. He is like the older brother I never had. Glad you are safe.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

That really makes Pat feel good. Thank you!

[@joelgordon6554]

Superb lesson, yet my simple head gets in the way, to wit: 9 year old girl bareback with a string across her horse's bars guides it through and around obstacles at the trot, then lopes around pylons stopping off her skeleton. Then, I look at that mass of metal hanging in the horse's mouth. Not saying at all cruel, just saying can't it be fitted and designed simpler? Thanks to Pat and Deb for painstaking yet loving efforts. Truly a guru in horsemanship!

[@456691330]

Really enjoy your channel! I grew up in South Texas in the brush popper tradition, but had the opportunity to work for a while for a polo player and learned a bit about flat saddles and that very different tradition in horsemanship, but as a teenager I found Ed Connell's books and was fascinated by the Californios. There is still much that I admire about my native cowboy culture, and even polo horsemanship, but the Californios still fascinate me the most. I've been a missionary in Peru for the past 2+ decades and left my old life behind, but I still enjoy reading all I can get my hands on about the California tradition. Watching your videos makes me dream (briefly!) about training California style bridle horses one day again in South Texas! A couple of questions for you: (1) Have you ever used the Chileno or ring bit? I never quite understood how it worked or what its advantage was supposed to be. I for one would enjoy a few minute explanation of that. (2) Thoughts on hackamore cores? So many use a cable core. Seems like maybe it was Connell who said that he preferred a twisted rawhide core that would shape to the horse's head better. (3) preferred saddle makers (in case I ever get back to Texas)? Thank you! Keep up the great work. I love what you're doing. Wes Baker Trujillo, Perú

[@PatnDebPuckett]

1) The Chileno was nothing more than pure leverage. We’ve only ever seen them used on mules. They have no place in the Californio tradition which is supposed to be based on signal not leverage. 2) We never use a cable core because we want it to form to the horse’s head. 3) We like Ryan Cope in Oakdale California, for custom saddles. Or if you want just an every day, working man’s saddle, you can buy one from us!

[@colleenclem7337]

Wow that was a fantastic explanation. You definitely put everything into perspective. Thank you 😊. Maybe some day I will be able to attend one of your clinics. God bless you two and stay safe.

[@Dunolly3472]

Excellent example, great to see the question asked and whilst understanding what your response would be THIS has been a Brilliant example of what you are teaching. Shared widely here back home. Thank you Pat.

[@Ashestoashespetcrematory]

That was an excellent demo of how that bit works. I like simple makes sense to me! Thank you.

[@gaylef3477]

I have seen and heard a lot of people explain the spade bit, but this was so easy to understand. You can clearly see the how this is a perfect signal to the horse, and how it is designed to be easy to carry. Thank you for another great video, and thanks to the lady that asked such a great question.

[@alaskaismyhome39]

Those are some gorgeous bits! WOW

[@frankjensen6428]

Thank you Pat.

[@kengamble8595]

Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍 👍

[@sassy6292]

This is a penny dropping moment! Thank you 🙏

[@cesarcosio5641]

Great information! It’s all clear now thank you!! 👏🏼👍🏼

[@curtisphillips4497]

Fantastic demonstration Pat! Thank you.

[@joemcfadden5262]

Thanks Pat

[@georgepengelly2434]

Great information thankyou Pat and Deb.

[@winstoncreek2716]

Thankyou for explaining so thoroughly ! Always enjoy your insights

[@quinnhorsemanship1113]

Thank you, Pat & Deb! From Gen & Pete.

[@richardcameron3681]

Awesome. I should have watched this again before I emailed you this answers my question about turning up the speed outside and the horse carrying the bit. Thank you

[@laurelneth5725]

great information

[@vaquero7072]

Great video thank you.

[@jonathanberrong8522]

Great video.

[@sistohernandez3846]

I watch this video over & over. Wish I could hit like for every time. Thanks Pat ✌️

[@carlaperry1784]

Oh that was what I needed to understand this morning. Thank you thank you! Pat and Deb.

[@spedoclctr]

Excellent. Very enlightening to me. Never had it explained before. Thank you very much.

[@allanspringer837]

Awesome explanation!

[@billyakin3301]

Thank you. That was great!

[@SteveBoucher1]

Thank you. Great explanation!

[@kristervauhkonen4912]

Thank you so much Pat! You explain it so simpel and easy to understand! You are a realy good teather and so kind charing your knowlige here on KZbin... Thank you mister! Most sincerely Chris BounceCreek Ranch Sweden

[@user-ji7cn3hl6d]

This video is awesome thank you for all your expertise

[@tuliocruzmarins6599]

Very nice thank you very much!!

[@eloypadilla8851]

Fantastico amigo well explained God bless dios lo bendiga.

[@tomenglezos6985]

Claro!

[@garymclaren7185]

Great explation Pat hope this solves the problem people have understanding . When l trail ride there is always the question why do l ride with a curb bit. There they are horses bouncing no respect won't walk and most of the time if they weren't following the would be still at their trailer

[@jenempete]

Great explanation! 2 nails and a board gave me a perfect picture of the mechanics of the bits. Now my question is if I move from your snaffle to a Sliester bit that is not a high port...Its kind of a low port with a roller does this same information apply? If I pick on on the Sliester will it have the same effect? If there is a difference what is the compensation for that? Sorry for all the questions! Great video!

[@wesborders3277]

Cool 😎

[@adriennemiller1642]

✅thank you!

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

They think it is a high leverage and pain to force submission, we can never get some people to understand simple physics and hundreds of years of horsemanship…

[@johnhead9148]

Thank you, welcome back to social isolation a time we can spend with the horses and as you still reflect by the fire.

[@gregs8736]

Very clear explanation of the spade bit and it's position and subtlety! I admire your commitment, time and knowledge it would take to produce the finished spade bit horse! Your background and teaching ability (and sense of humor) is invaluable! When you say one finger width between the curb strap and chin, would there be a significant difference in adjustment and effect between the size of a 100 pound lady's finger and that of a 200 pound man? Would the Santa Barbara be suitable for the refined Morgan horse or would you recommend something different? Thank you!

[@PatnDebPuckett]

A Santa Barbara cheek would be a good choice for a Morgan with a clean throatlatch.

[@gregs8736]

@@PatnDebPuckett Thanks and happy New Year!

[@christinechapman3987]

just want to show him a picture of my great grandpa on on of his horse he rode in 1894 worlds fair he was from Syria

[@laurelneth5725]

can you make a video explaining the missing link snaffle and advantages in its use over other types of snaffle bits?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

We will do that.

[@donliemclagan3820]

@@PatnDebPuckett Thank you fir this video…I learned a lot. if you have made the video mentioned in the above comment, would you please point me to it. Thanks!

[@PatnDebPuckett]

@@donliemclagan3820 we don’t own a regular Snaffle so haven’t been able to make a video. You can do an experiment on yourself. All you need is a regular snaffle bit and a friend. Place the regular jointed snaffle bit across the palm of your hand. Have your friend pull on the rings fairly hard. Now put the Missing Link Snaffle across the palm of your hand and repeat the experiment. If you don’t have a Missing Link Snaffle, use any straight piece of metal or a wooden dowel. Now imagine what the horse feels with the two bits. Remember that the bars of a horse’s mouth are nothing more than a fairly sharp bone with a thin layer of tissue over it.

[@StuckInNy]

👍

[@myearthlytreasures3]

Very informative video, thanks! One more question, does a horses conformation come into play when choosing a cheek piece? I don't have a QH, but a draft cross. He has the drafty neck. Thanks

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Yes it does. If you look through our video archives, you should come across some information. You can also head to our website and pick up the DVD titled “The Art of the Bridle Horse.” www.thedisciplinedride.com/store

[@sues5025]

Pat & Deb Puckett o

[@jimgroesbeck2928]

Good video. Good answer to the question. Now, in your answer, there are more questions I have. It's obvious that the spade does not prevent the horse from travelling out free. One can see by your board demo, with the head in a more extended position, the spoon is lifted off the tongue. So then we may want to collect, or gather up the horse. So the initial signal for this, cannot from the spoon lifting off the tongue, since before collection, we see it wasn't on the tongue. So, what is happening when we engage the reins to ask for a more vertical head/neck position? I understand our seat and skeleton is part of this request. Yet we are involving the reins. So where in the mouth, or chin, is the signal coming from? I am sincerely wondering if you can clear up this sort of contradiction. Since we always hear, that the horse bridles up when the spoon lifts off the tongue. But.....

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Your skeleton and all the presignals of the bit cause the horse to follow the feel of the bit so as you lift the reins, the horse shifts his weight to the hindquarters and bridles up. We’ve established that. What couldn’t be demonstrated with two nails and a board is all the structures of the horse’s mouth along with the influence of the headstall, chains, and reins on the action of the bit. You also need to keep in mind the fact that the when a horse is traveling outside he has the option to pick up the bit and hold it. This demonstration was a simple way to illustrate the concept of how a balanced bit works inside a horse’s mouth.

[@jimgroesbeck2928]

@@PatnDebPuckett Thank you!

[@SGTrainingStable]

How did you get your two books published? I’m thinking about publishing a book about public education. Would you recommend someone? Thanks!

[@patsymoore-ff2gz]

Pat I think a person like you that knows horses an tack ,you could probably ride with any kind of a bit an do just fine ,but I'm curious about the person with the heavy hands. Please forgive, not trying to be rude. I have never riding with a spaid bit . It just looks like a lot of iron in a horses mouth. Thanks for your instruction on this.

[@lukeescamilla9386]

I recently bought a 7 year old gelding from a small town about 15 miles south of Laredo. He is a good horse how ever it seems like he was used for some sort of Spanish dancing because he prances when he walks and although it isn’t bad then when I get him to a throat it gets fairly rough and I really can’t get him to a lope because it gets so bad I can hardly keep my seat in the saddle. I feel like he would lope normally if I could get him there but I think with how much I am bouncing I am making it hard for him to move to the lope do you know how I can fix this.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

It sounds like you bought an ex-Charro horse. Get him stretching at the trot outside on a loose rein. Meanwhile, shortening your stirrups will help you stay on. Stand in the stirrups if you need to.

[@payntpot7623]

A Question has been bugging me for a while you may be able to answer, Pat. Google is hiding the answer from me. I am interested in learning the history of the (modern?) american style rope halter. Where did the design come from? Why is it never seen in old photographs or movies? Is it a modern design and if so, who came up with the idea and where did their inspiration come from? Thanks

[@chexmygold]

I can remember as a kid (60s & 70s) we had adjustable rope halters made by Johnson from cotton rope. We used to cut them and reattach the fittings to make hackamore headstalls. I don't think they are made anymore.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

The only thing we’ve heard is that it came from the Dorrance Brothers. We all remember the old Johnson halters with the piece of hardware replacing the knot we now tie when we put a halter on a horse. As far as looking to movies for historical references, many of them aren’t accurate. You’ll often see a nylon rope in western before nylon rope was invented.

[@payntpot7623]

@@chexmygold Thanks for your reply. I remember seeing a similar thing in the 1970s with the hardware where you now tie the knot, in Australia. Made from a (dirty) white cotton cord of slightly larger diameter than the modern cordage. The metal hook often snapped, if I remember correctly. I wonder if they came to Australia with the Quarter Horse in the 60's/70's, or if Australia sent them to USA about the same time?

[@vernonhasenkamp5726]

You ain't goin' anywhere anyway!Gawdammit Pat, I'll pay to run with ya

[@axtonanderson2280]

I would love to talk with you sometime

[@aztib]

Hello there, i Have a question. Does a spadebit also work for mules? because many people ride mules.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

There are a few spade bit mules in the true sense, meaning the spade bit is used as a signal bit. There are also people who use spade bits on mules for leverage.

[@maurosandoval5768]

What’s your thought on leads?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

In the cowboy world, we generally don’t worry about leads and let them take care of themselves. On the rare occasions that we enter a ranch horse competition, if our horse is balanced, the leads take care of themselves.

[@maurosandoval5768]

Thanks for the feedback appreciate the knowledge, reminds me a lot of my grandfather.

[@christinechapman3987]

how can I email or contact to pat Puckett

[@PatnDebPuckett]

You can visit our website: www.thedisciplinedride.com/

[@ChainArtestry]

So I'm trying to learn more about bits but one issue I'm seeing is this only assumes the horses head and how the bit sits on its own and not how the bit moves if you pull in reins, Wouldn't when you pull on the reins at all, it would pull that 'D' into the roof of the horses mouth? Any form of enlightenment if I'm misunderstanding would be appreciated.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

When the port of the bit or the spoon of the spade lifts off of the horse’s tongue, that is the SIGNAL for the horse to lift his back, shift his weight the hindquarters, lift his neck up and tuck his nose in. At that point, pulling on the reins is not longer an item because the horse is now “listening” the rider’s body, not the reins. That’s the goal. A properly adjusted curb strap keeps the bit from turning over in the horse’s mouth and hitting the palate. We use one finger between the curb strap and the horse’s jaw.

[@ChainArtestry]

@@PatnDebPuckett ah I see, thanks!

[@OliveDeuce]

how mcuh did that spade bit cost?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

I believe it was around $500.

[@OliveDeuce]

@@PatnDebPuckett wow!! I keep seeing them online for like 2,000

[@PatnDebPuckett]

@@OliveDeuce it depends on the maker.

[@javiergaracia1116]

I think I'll just go snaffle and hackamore.