Western Horse Bits

 

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I can only comment on what I've seen, what's worked for me and what has happened at our clinics but... headtossing is the result of the rider not releasing at the correct time. Also, if you rode in one of our clinics, this is exactly what would happen: I'd say you should ride in a snaffle and you'll say you'd like to stick with whatever you're using. I'll say fine. Two hours later you'll ask me why your horse isn't progressing as fast as somebody else's horse - at which point I'll say "It's the bit. The one your using is working against you and the horse." Then you'll switch over and see the results - and a big smile will come over your face. I've seen this one bazillion times. Regarding green vs broke, the answer is easy: bring the most finished horse because the weekend is about you learning the methods, not necessarily the horse. If you have to deal with a green horse, you'll have to work to that level and it's just that much more of a challenge. Bring the more finished horse, go home and teach both horses. We'd love to see you in Bemidji. If you want to be sold, go to this page: http://www.johnlyons.com/dboard/showthread.php?t=8345. The comments there are from the folks who rode in our last northern MN clinic. Regards, Keith

 

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Thank you so much for your prompt reply! I will definitely not try the hackamore on the green broke mare! I guess I need to learn how to release at the right time. I will be trying the type of snaffle bit that is pictured on one of your sites, I believe I have one in stock at home, have just never used it. The snaffle I am using now has shanks. My friend and I will both be interested in attending your clinic in Bemidji, maybe we'll both ride or maybe one will ride and one will watch. Is there a video you could recommend that we could buy that would help us get ready for this clinic? I used to ride a lot when younger ( I am 52 now) but had no formal training. My friend is pretty much the same. So the video would be best if it was pretty basic! Kathie kathie

 

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I can easily recommend John's videos. I became one of his trainers because the methods taught in his tapes (and clinics) were so simple and objective. I was seeing big results - and so were the others who watched me ride. It sounds like an infomercial, but it's true. John's videos always seem to resonate with people. I had one fella (a CEO of some big company in L.A.) just going on and on about the "Best Start" video. If you're looking for something to get ya primed for our clinic, then I can think of three (in three prices ranges) that would be good, depending on your level or what you'd like to concentrate on. Go to this page (http://www.horsemanship101.com/Catalog/video.html) and check out the following: 1) The Trail Riding Series-Training From the Heart, 2) Controlling Your Horse's Speed and/or 3) The Best Start for the Unbroke Horse. You'll find descriptions there for each. Bear in mind that each video covers a range of topics. For instance, it might be called "Trail Riding" but he covers some of the same topics we'll cover in our clinic. Just read the descriptions and get an idea of what's right for you. If you want me to simply recommend one, then I'd say the Trail Riding Series, as he covers a nice range of topics - and again it's similar to what we cover in a "first time we've seen you" riding clinic. Keith

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