Video gallery
Establish clear communication with your young horse by focusing on the foundational stages of bit progression. Learn how to start green horses using direct rein pressure in controlled, enclosed environments to teach essential fundamentals like steering, following
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Establish clear communication with your young horse by focusing on the foundational stages of bit progression. Learn how to start green horses using direct rein pressure in controlled, enclosed environments to teach essential fundamentals like steering, following the nose, and early neck reining without added leverage. As your horse advances in confidence and maturity, explore how to safely bridge the gap to curb action using a versatile two-rein transition setup. This approach introduces subtle leverage while allowing you to maintain direct, confidence-building feel when needed.
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WALT WOODARDS INTRO TO BITTING
2x World Champion Team Roper and horseman Walt Woodard knows horses, training & tack. Follow the series as Walt walks you through the fundamentals of bit fitment, purchase and severity to help you choose the right bit for you, your horse & your training/performance goals.
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UNDERSTANDING BITS & SEVERITY
Walt Woodard walks you through his bitting strategy and explains each bit style, how they interact with the horse's mouth and where they should fall into your horses training and performance goals.
STARTING BITS (BEGINNING CONTROL) 4:25
STARTING BITS (BEGINNING CONTROL)
Establish clear communication with your young horse by focusing on the foundational stages of bit progression. Learn how to start green horses using direct rein pressure in controlled, enclosed environments to teach essential fundamentals like steering, following the nose, and early neck reining without added leverage. As your horse advances in confidence and maturity, explore how to safely bridge the gap to curb action using a versatile two-rein transition setup. This approach introduces subtle leverage while allowing you to maintain direct, confidence-building feel when needed.
TRAINING 1 (ADVANCING SPEED & CONTROL)
Step up your training as your developing horse increases speed and takes on more demanding maneuvers. Learn how to progress from early transition setups to longer shanks with thicker curb chains, giving young two-year-olds dependable rate, collection, and stopping power without harshness. As performance horses mature into four- and five-year-olds running at higher speeds, discover how stepping up leverage and refining mouthpiece thickness provides precise control. Matching bit severity and diameter to your horse's strength ensures responsive communication while keeping them confident.
TRAINING 2 (REFINING FLEX & LEVERAGE)
Advance your horse into maximum leverage while prioritizing suppleness and responsiveness in their maneuvers. Learn how stepping up to full shank length establishes the foundation for higher-level performance. Discover how introducing multi-piece mouthpieces modifies bit action—trading direct stopping pressure for enhanced lateral flex, bend, and body control. Ideal for progressing horses that are already stopping and turning reliably, this stage helps you maintain softness through transitions without overwhelming your horse as you prepare them for faster, more collected work.
TRAINING 3 (SUBTLE PALATE PRESSURE & COLLECTION)
Elevate your training as your horse reaches five to six years of age and begins working at higher performance speeds. Learn how to step up in communication by introducing light, intermittent palate pressure alongside lateral flex and bend. This stage provides an increase in rate and stopping power beyond foundational setups while remaining comfortable when the horse is relaxed and responsive. Ideal for mature, well-mannered horses, this technique refines collection and responsiveness without using excessive severity, giving you precise control during faster maneuvers.
CORRECTIVE LEVEL 1 (TARGETED TONGUE RELIEF & HEIGHTENED LATERAL FEEL)
Refine communication with seasoned six- to eight-year-old horses working at full speed and demanding maneuvers. Learn how to introduce dedicated tongue-relief ports that apply focused contact to the top and sides of the tongue and bars without touching the palate. Discover how pairing this mouthpiece design with smaller-diameter curb chains increases jaw response and stopping power. For horses needing extra rate and feel, explore stepping up to textured wire accents along the bars and corners of the mouth to maintain light, responsive control during fast work.
CORRECTIVE LEVEL 2 (ADVANCED CONTROL - FULL MOUTH ENGAGEMENT)
Establish decisive control with seasoned, powerful horses that require maximum stopping power and refined boundaries. As performance horses mature past eight to ten years old, strong habits or dulled responses may demand the final stage of bit progression: full six-point pressure engaging the bars, corners, tongue, jaw, and palate. Explore how graduating to higher-port mouthpieces and textured bar elements restores respect without harshness. This advanced setup re-establishes collection, rate, and immediate responsiveness in older equine athletes that have begun leaning on the bridle during high-intensity competition.
Walt's recommendations in order of severity & training progression
