It nearly makes me cry to think of the pain caused by bits with that type of leverage. Its about time someone challenged what some may consider as 'normal' . Times move on and what was acceptable in the past doesnt have to be acceptable in the future. When the evidence is laid before you and you are clearly shown the pain that these bits inflict then it's obvious that something should be done about it. Good on ya Barry for putting the horse first. Thank you for showing us a new way to teach these horses in a humane and caring way. ❤
As Barry pointed out, there are other alternative type bits.. designed for comfort in the mouth. All work in the right hand. Same with his lovely soft rubber bits... if used with harshness, a tightened chin strap or chain, poorly set.. anything can torture a horse. Good horsemanship is so vital. I can't find a rubber bit that is thin enough for my horse, or I would use it. So I use the most comfortable mouthpiece for him I can find... and do my best to adopt the soft hands that Barry and Rhe demonstrate.
Thank you, Barry, for yet another 15 minutes of knowledge and wisdom. Your proactive encouragement for training horses to be safe, confident and happy, without the use of force, abuse, pain or fear is all the stronger for your quietly spoken, calm presentation. Only many decades of experience can project this unassuming confidence without conceit. Those in any doubt should take a long, honest look in the mirror. Thanks again, Barry. X
Yes! Yes! Yes! I would love to see a more in depth film on your rubber bits AND would by them if produced and available for purchase!!! I have tried others and yes find most of the to thick! Very excited about the possibilities!
I love how you exemplify the quality of hands. That is what I was taught by a great horse woman who started me out 40 some years ago. Of course as well as the importance of a gentle bit. I honestly believe so many horses that act out are in pain... thank you again Barry and Rhee... for all your efforts to teach not just your clients, but all of us thirsting for knowledge
Corrrr These Videos Are NICE!!! Now do hear me out, I LOVE HORSES. I.ve always felt strongly connected, a natural bond, an attraction with these creatures. After some hard-thinking about where it is I'm heading with horses in my life & researching on internet, Your videos came out at me head on. The first video watched, you mentioned using rubber bits. I have never wanted to be unkind towards these creatures - indeed ANY creature, yet this instrument and the 'qualities', the 'difference' the material it is made from has upon the mouth - HAD SOMEHOW COMPLETELY PASSED ME BY - Keep up the good x
I'd love to buy one of your bits if you ever sell them. I've been wanting a thin, flexible rubber bit of good quality for some time, but couldn't find any that satisfied me and didn't cost a fortune. I found your channel a week ago and started changing how I treat my horse according to your ways. He's already improved a lot! Today, he came to me on the pasture instead of running away like he always does. I suspect my behaviour and lack of openness to communication was frustrating him. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Would love to have more on the use of rubber bits, how to fit them and also see some work you do without bits. A light jumper would be useful when you are holding things up in front of you, Barry. Hard to see against the dark tones.
Have worked hard to train my horse to drive with voice commands. Finally found a soft flexible bit that is chemically safe. She loves it and I feel better knowing she is happy. I bought it from Winderen the makers are Polish.
As always Mr Hook, very interesting and informative. I am really looking forward to hopefully being able to purchase one of your rubber bits. The difference in thickness and softness to what is available on the market now, is shocking. And most definitely looking forward to your club! Warm regards Sarah & Harry p
Great video again! I learned a lot from your channel; thank you for sharing your "Old-timer" knowledge and experience in this no-nonsense manner! Glad to have theese types of indoors explaining sessions too! Greetings from HUngary, and stay safe! Ps.: don't know why, but it pleases me to say - was the 4th to like the video at 23 views. Should have 23 likes too, though.
I got 2 rubber bits for my 2 boys but they are not as soft or as thin as what you show you have. I would love to learn more about them and where to buy them. I believe everything you say about the sensitivity of the horses mouth and love that you repeat it all the time. People in the states just don’t seem to get it. I have been hand driving my one gelding (I use to ride’) but have not put him on the cart as of yet. I can’t get him to stand still very long, once I pick up the rains. So what video should I watch to correct this problem. It is very hot in Yuma in the summer ,so they have time off for now, but will pick back up in the fall. So I have plenary of time to study your methods. I want to do the best I can mode my babies. They mean the world to me. Thank you for you videos and for your time. Carrie
Thank you for sharing from all your experience. This is invaluable and irreplaceable. I am definitely interested in learning more about the rubber bits and maybe buying some from you.
Funny I messaged you on fb ..... today I found this video about the exact topic.. the rubber bit . It is difficult at best to find here in the states . Been looking for 3.5 in for pony. Want to start him right. Help us get them here please. Love all your videos
Hi to you Barry thanjs so much for all your wonderful video's, im in New Zealand and have a 14hh bay pony with an amazing temperment, he is broken to saddle and i would love to be able to drive him too but am a rank beginner with no support in driving clubs etc here where i live, so just watching your informative video's gives me hope that one day i can learn to drive Jackson, cheers Sue
Thank you so much for this video Barry! I would love to drive my mini mare in a rubber bit but they all seem to be too fat for her little mouth. It would be fantastic to have you sell them there’s such a HUGE gap in the market
Informative as always Mr. Hook. I only use rubber bits from England with my horses in for rehabilitation. Most of the owners love it, and when they get them back will go to a Mylar covered bit. Best Regards and Stay Safe!! From Ontario, Canada, Jenn.
I used to work with a historical reenacting unit with a lot of fellows using military curb bits with long shanks. I made them put the bit on their bare shin with the curb chain underneath, and then yanked on it with the same force they used on their horses. They honestly had no idea of how much pain they were inflicting. They thought these bits gave them "control" but no bit can control a runaway; in fact pain can cause a runaway.
Need mini pony size in America or a supplier anywhere that will ship to US with product of this quality. I have wasted too much money on bogus rubber bits available locally. Your tutelage is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
I agree about bits. My 13.2 girl's mouth is too small for the steel core rubber bit on the market, so I ride in a happy mouth rolling peanut, as I did with my old 14.2 connermara. Just wondered what you thought about the happy mouth? Shes a good girl, a happy hacker, it's my errors that let us down x
Mr. Hook. You are simply amazing. The rubber bits you use I talk about in my videos, but I never thought of having one made with standard cheek pieces. Hmmmm... I don't use bits because I believe they are very harsh even in the lightest of hands. Tha k you for this video, I would love to mention it in one of my future videos if I may have your permission. 🥰 I love your videos. Tha k you for making them
Love your methods Barry!! Been following your channel for years...i remember Mel x You're a Proper, kind, genuine horseman.... Not many left nowadays!! I would rather horses be bit less! Just a question....if you start a youngster off bit less in it's early training...why not keep it bit less ? Have you ever had someone ask to retrain their horse to go from having a bit... to retrain it to bit less? x
This is very exciting. Have I missed in this video but is there a time scale for you bringing these to market? I’ve been looking for bits for mine for when we start!
Good rubber bits seem to be eluding me here in the US. Just today I received a bit through a pretty reputable harness maker. This bit is made from Beta strap. It is slightly thinner than the large rubber one you showed in this video, but it isn't really soft like the green ones you also showed. It also has a strap that buckles under the chin. Are you familiar or had any experience or seen these?
Thank you berry I started out with a rubber bit and my mini did great. I chose to switch since 2 times my mini. Looked back at me and got her O ring caught on the curved shaft. It was cheaper to replace the bit than the shafts. Also I had a gelding chew the rubber bit and it broke the wire in the bit and it became exposed and was concerned it would hurt her mouth, made me nervous.
I would love to try a rubber bit. I was taught to control my body so my hands kept a consistent light connection. I learned on a horse who only needed my little finger to stroke the rein lightly for him to respond to a smooth snaffle. Not sure if mine these days would like the taste of rubber; he gets bothered by any bit except the snaffle we use now, well, on the rare occasions he has a bridle on. Mostly the kids ride him bareback in the field without any tack at all. But I like the idea of something softer.
I drove for the first time today. My pony fussed quite a lot over her bit. so I put the reins just on her halter. She did fine but if you're not marketing your slimmer rubber bit yet, where can I find a rubber bit that you would recommend for a 10 hand Shetland Pony? Thank you so much!
Unfortunately they are quite hard to find! Some of our clients with smaller ponies have looked at Poponcini bits, some ponies tolerate a standard rubber bit quite well. Or you could just drive her bitless if that's what she prefers!
I have a minature horse that is trained to pull a cart. I am a novice and have been watching your videos. I would like to get a rubber bit for him. I just bought him and have driven him only once.
Hi Barry! I had asked on your Donkey/Mule video if you used the same rubber bits on them as on the horses. I never got a response. I know donkeys and mules are more concerned with their nose, unlike horses that are more concerned with their mouths. For this reason, I've been told that rubber bits won't work on donkeys/mules. True or not? Thanks!
I'm curious as to how thin you can make a rubber bit.(And still have a fair amount of communication in case of emergency). I have an extremely forward gelding who is incredibly picky about his mouth. He tends to like a thinner bit with no contact unless you're wanting a change in direction/or a stop. I've tried the thick rubber bits. But he absolutely hated them. (He has a thick tongue and big lips. So not much room to work in there. LOL). So far he's been extremely successful with a "Pee Wee" mullen mouth bit. And with my light hands, we get on just fine. But I get SO tired of strangers lecturing me about what bit my horse needs. So, if I can get a bit that is a little more "PC" before I end up popping someone between their eyes, that would be nice. LOL
We struggle to find thin rubber bits too - though more often for minis. Our bits were much thinner than standard, however we had problems finding a material both durable and flexible enough. The centre of the rubber bits is always flexible wire or chain so them 'snapping' is not likely, but it is important to check for damage every time you use it in case exposed metal may hurt their mouths.
@@barryhook2 Thanks for the reply! I was hoping that it wasn't just me. LOL 2 of my horses will go just fine with any type bit. But Patriot is my persnickety boy. LOL
Cant belive in this day and age there are so many violent brutal aggresive ego driven horse owners and trainers out there..in my opinion you only need bits if you need more training.
