I would start that now. A lot of horses are started as 3 year-olds with bits. While it's a good thing to take it slow while training a young horse, some things just need to be done. Be careful while introducing the horse to the bit, but don't wait any longer. Generally the older they are when you start the training, the harder it is for them. Since the horse is only 4, you shouldn't have many more problems than you would with a younger horse. Good luck!
Most thoroughbreds in the states are started at 1 1/2 with the tack and a snaffle bit, though the riding is or should be very light at this point. So, you can start him now, just use a snaffle, not too thick (contrary to some suggestions, a thick bit can be very uncomfortable for a horse with a small mouth - whose interdental spaces are close together when the horse's mouth is closed.) Just realize that you need to gently inform the horse that he is to give to the pressure as it's applied to each side (to turn), then eventually on both sides simultaneously (to stop and flex).
Funny. I mean, that when the horse's mouth is closed, the space between the upper and lower gums in the interdental space where the bit will rest, is not very large, in many horses, especially TBs and lighter breeds. When the horse attempts to close his mouth and the bit is too thick, it presses on his gums. Thicker is not always gentler when your talking about bits.
The sooner the better, but start with the lightest bit you can possibly find. If you are english I would strongly suggest some type of snaffle, typically people start with a loose-ring, egg-butt or D-ring snaffle as these are the lightest english bits. Some people prefer hackamores, bit-less bridles, so you can look into those and decide for yourself.
If you are western, I can't help you much. But I can tell you that the sooner you get your horse used to the bit the better off you will be. I would do some groundwork with the bit in before I got on, so he had some time to get used to the feel of it on his own.
If it is a soft bit i.e snaffle, you should start to mouth him now (leaving the bit in for long period s of time before taking it out so the horse gets used to it)
If it is a much harder bit i.e gag, which it shouldn't be, I would recommend starting off with a snaffle and working out whether your horse will need a harder bit.
I TRAIN HORSES PROFESSIONALLY AND THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING FOR YEARS x
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Do you mean a solid bit ?
or a snaffle?
a snaffle is fine
a bit No unless he know everything about leg cues
I would start that now. A lot of horses are started as 3 year-olds with bits. While it's a good thing to take it slow while training a young horse, some things just need to be done. Be careful while introducing the horse to the bit, but don't wait any longer. Generally the older they are when you start the training, the harder it is for them. Since the horse is only 4, you shouldn't have many more problems than you would with a younger horse. Good luck!
Most thoroughbreds in the states are started at 1 1/2 with the tack and a snaffle bit, though the riding is or should be very light at this point. So, you can start him now, just use a snaffle, not too thick (contrary to some suggestions, a thick bit can be very uncomfortable for a horse with a small mouth - whose interdental spaces are close together when the horse's mouth is closed.) Just realize that you need to gently inform the horse that he is to give to the pressure as it's applied to each side (to turn), then eventually on both sides simultaneously (to stop and flex).
Funny. I mean, that when the horse's mouth is closed, the space between the upper and lower gums in the interdental space where the bit will rest, is not very large, in many horses, especially TBs and lighter breeds. When the horse attempts to close his mouth and the bit is too thick, it presses on his gums. Thicker is not always gentler when your talking about bits.
The sooner the better, but start with the lightest bit you can possibly find. If you are english I would strongly suggest some type of snaffle, typically people start with a loose-ring, egg-butt or D-ring snaffle as these are the lightest english bits. Some people prefer hackamores, bit-less bridles, so you can look into those and decide for yourself.
If you are western, I can't help you much. But I can tell you that the sooner you get your horse used to the bit the better off you will be. I would do some groundwork with the bit in before I got on, so he had some time to get used to the feel of it on his own.
What kind of bit?
If it is a soft bit i.e snaffle, you should start to mouth him now (leaving the bit in for long period s of time before taking it out so the horse gets used to it)
If it is a much harder bit i.e gag, which it shouldn't be, I would recommend starting off with a snaffle and working out whether your horse will need a harder bit.
I TRAIN HORSES PROFESSIONALLY AND THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING FOR YEARS x
At anytime now would be fine.
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now