Broken Liverpool Bit

[Does’ Leap]

I have been driving my Canadian gelding with full leverage on a Kimberwick and he has taken to it very well.  As far as leverage bits go, it is pretty mild.  Max leverage on this bit would be similar to the first slot down below the ring on a Liverpool bit.

I have been driving him with one of my bigger bay horses and he likes to mouth him while we are driving.  A sharp tug on the opposite line serves as a good reminder and he is learning not to do this.  This horse generally drives on a very lose line, but is responding well to the increased pressure as he learns gee, haw, and back with his teammate.  I believe that the leverage provides a clearer distinction between pressure and release compared with the jointed snaffle for this horse.  He is also standing better.  I have moved from staying ahead of him (asking him to go before I see he wants to go), to letting him run into the bit occasionally.  More often, I can catch a change in body language and gently pressure the bit and he will relax back into the stand.  His stand has gone from a max of several seconds to several minutes (often with a reminder).  He has also learned to stand untethered while being harnessed.  I plan to get him on the forecart next week in preparation for raking, tedding, and perhaps mowing this summer.

George

[Plowboy]

Up until now what has he been hooked to? You said you are just getting him on the forecart now. Hopefully you have had him on a sled or something by now. If you have just been ground driving him at this point you are making your job harder. An 8 year old can’t be hurt with a sweaty collar and helping get some work done and may change his attitude a bit also. I’ve found the older the horse the harder they can be to train. Anything past 5 needs some real work to make them become productive. I’m all for taking my time with youngstock but the older one’s become set in their ways and it takes a little time on a work sled or pasture drag to turn their mind to work. Good luck with him. I’m sure he’ll be a good one once you get him past the “turning point”.

[Author]

Posts