How to Train a Horse in a Bosal

A headstall, a vital piece of tack for any horse enthusiast, fits over a horse's head and holds the bit in his mouth, allowing the rider to control and guide him. Bosals are bitless bridles that fit over the nose so horses with even the softest mouths to be ridden without injury. Bosals can be effective on horses of all ages, although they are most commonly used as a training device to transition young horses from a halter to a bridle with a bit.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Round pen
  • Headstall
  • Bosal
  • Reins
  • Saddle pad
  • Saddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Catch the horse, placing a halter on him and moving him to the round pen. A round pen is a small enclosure, approximately 100 feet in diameter, that keeps the horse contained and allow you to work in a more confined space. Make sure the pen is free of large sticks or rocks that could injure the horse while training.

    • 2

      Fit the bosal to the horse's face by sliding the headstall and nosepiece into place over the muzzle, then pulling the crown piece to rest behind the ears. The bosal should rest halfway between the eye and the nostril for proper control. Adjust the buckles on the side of the side of the headstall to securely but comfortably position the bosal on the horse. Clip a rein to each side of the bosal.

    • 3

      Work the horse from the ground until he gets used to the bosal. Place one hand on the reins under the knot at the base of the bosal, holding the excess in the other hand. Encourage the horse to walk forward, pulling on the reins to apply gentle pressure to the bosal. Move forward 10 or 15 steps, then pull back on the bosal and ask the horse to stop.

    • 4

      Encourage the horse to turn left and right in response to gentle outside pressure on the bosal. Stand on the left side of the horse and push the bottom of the bosal to the right, walking in a small circle to the right while maintaining pressure on the reins. Reverse the process, moving to the right side of the horse and asking him to go to the left. Repeat until the horse moves willingly away from you when he feels pressure.

    • 5

      If your horse is trained for mounting, drape the reins over the neck and mount it. If he moves forward, pull back slightly on the reins of the bosal to signal him to stop. Loosen your grip on the reins and squeeze your legs against the horse's sides, in this way asking him to move forward. Allow him to walk once around the pen, sitting back naturally in the saddle. Pull gently on the reins when you want to practice stopping him.

    • 6

      Move your right hand away from your body, still holding the reins, and pull the horse's nose to the right. Keep your hands low to his neck, gentle and controlled; don't pull hastily from above. Also press gently with your left leg to encourage him to move away from the pressure and go to the right. Walk him in a small circle to the right, sitting back and asking him to stop once you complete a full revolution. Apply pressure with your right leg, moving your left hand out, asking your horse to circle to the left.

    • 7

      Work the horse in a bosal each day at a walk until he consistently obeys your commands. Increase his speed to a trot and canter as he becomes more confident and responds to the slightest movement from your hands.