Maintaining a soft mouth is what it’s all about in horse training. Once a horse is ready to transition from a hackamore or snaffle into a bit with shanks the 2 Rein Outfit can be used to introduce the bit. A bosal 3/8 inch in diameter or smaller, also known as a bosalita, is worn under the bridle. If necessary and this depends on the conformation of the horse and the length of the purchase on the bit, it should fit between the outwardly bent bridle rings on the bit and the horse’s nose (the bosalita is shown above the bit in this picture). If it is wider than 3/8 inch in diameter it will rub or hang up on the bridle rings and cause unnecessary movement of the bit. The mecate should have about 2 inches of room between the knot and the chin so the horse will have room to work the bit in its mouth.
To learn more about the Dennis Moreland bosalita visit: http://bit.ly/1MfGI2t or call 817-312-5305.
As the horse is beginning to learn to hold, carry and use the bit correctly, the rider can guide the horse with the bosalita and mecate, rather than pulling on the bit and hence hardening the mouth of the horse or causing head throwing. After careful practice and when the horse is ready to advance the mecate and romal can be used together and finally, the horse can be ridden successfully in the bridle. If used correctly and without rushing it can be done without hurting or scaring the horse.
The vaqueros started the use of a bosalita under the bridle hundreds of years ago. Use of this set up declined when the huge ranches in the U.S. were downsized in the middle 1800s to early 1900s but it’s making a big comeback now!
Dennis Moreland Tack manufactures a full line of handmade tack and we’re here to help you.
