Is it easy or difficult to change a 16 yr quarter pony from a hackamore to a bit?

Question

Please don't tell me I should just leave it the way it is....

I want to know how is this done, and would it be easy or hard to do? What is involved? How long would it take the pony to adjust?

Answer 1

Why do want to change it? Is it not responding the the hackamore anymore, or do you just want a change? and has the pony ever had a bit before?

Cuz if the pony is only used to nose pressure, you might want a combination bit, that applies pressure to the nose so your pony is not confused. Like a myler. I think a mikmar might be too harsh.

Answer 2

I did this with my Arab because his mouth had been badly abused and he was nasty because of it.  I switched him to a hackamore then back to a bit a year later.  Adjust the bridle right so the bit does NOT hit his teeth when correctly placed in the mouth.  Just put the bridle on gently being careful not to hit the teeth. Then put the halter on over it and let him just hang out with the bit in the mouth for a while( you may have to adjust a bit while on the horse).  

Don't try and manipulate him with it for a few days.  Give him a chance to get use to the weight of it and the idea of it.  Let him out to play with it on or just halter him up and brush him..etc.    He needs a chance to get used to it.  Then, gently on or off him, get him use to moving his head right and left with the bit etc.  From that point, it is all training.  :)    It should not be too hard as long as you don't start out bad like clinking his teeth with the bit.  When you take off the bridle, be very careful that he doesn't throw his head up and clink his teeth thus causing fear of the bit.

Answer 3

all you have to do is get the simplest bit you can find like a simple egg butt snaffle....i think i spelled that right......just take him around the arena and let him get used to the feel of it.........then just start turning him and direction him

Answer 4

It depends on how you've been using the hackamore, and how light your hands are.  Does your horse respond mostly to your seat and leg cues?  If so, the transition might not be that difficult. It would take some time, and working with an older horse is not the same as working with a young one.  I'd use a simple rubber bar colt bit to start, and see how your horse responds.

The other poster has the right idea....combine the use of the bit with the hackamore at first.  Use only light pulls, one rein at a time when you cue the bit.  If the horse accepts the pressure and tucks when pressure is applied, you can put him into a full cheek snaffle, which has side bars that encourage turns and keep the bit from sliding through the mouth.  Your success depends on how well you use your seat and legs to cue the horse....the bit is not to be used as brakes.  If you know how to communicate light signals through your hands, and use your other aids for turns and stops, the difference between the hackamore and the bit won't be that major.

Answer 5

just get a hackamore and try it. it may take several kinds of hackamores before you find one that works, but we did it with our older horses and now they switch from bit to bit and hackamores too