Colt Starting: Snaffle Pressure and Release

Bud Lyon demonstrates how to make sure your young horse understands pressure and release.

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Once you’ve transitioned into a smooth snaffle, Bud suggests working your horse on the concepts of pressure and release. To start, practice working the bit in your horse’s mouth while standing on the ground. Be gentle and keep your hands steady. Make sure your hands are approximately where they would be if you were mounted. The goal is to be able to move your horse’s chin left and right while he remains standing still. Bud also practices backing from the ground and discusses how and when to release the pressure. 

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