How to Use a Chifney Bit

Chifney bits are designed for leading horses that rear. They are shaped like a semi-circle with a V-shaped bar that goes into the horse's mouth and a curved bar that sits behind the horse's jaw. The bit also has a ring on either side of the horse's mouth to attach a head stall to keep it in place, and also a loose ring at the back to attach a lead rope. When the horse rears, the handler exerts downward pressure on the back of the bit which causes reciprocal pressure on the poll (top of the horse's head). The bits were developed for use with stallions and can be very effective. However, due to the amount of pressure the bit can also be very severe, and can even exert enough pressure to break a horse's jaw. Have an experienced person show you how to fit the bit, and only use it for leading, never for riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Head stall
  • Lead rope
  • Whip (optional)
  • Helmet
  • Safety boots with hard toe caps
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the chifney to the head stall by buckling the straps to the rings on each side. Stand on the left side of the horse with the bit in your left hand and the head stall in your right. Offer the bit on the palm of your left hand, keeping your fingers tucked back out of the way. As the horse takes the bit, slip the head stall over his ears with your right hand. There is no need to remove the horse's halter to fit the chifney.

    • 2

      Adjust the fit of the head stall using the buckle on the left-hand side of the head stall. Adjust the fit so that the bit is lifted sufficiently to cause a wrinkle at the side of the mouth. Do an alternative check and make sure you can slip the flat of your hand under the head stall. Attach a lead rope to the ring at the back of the bit.

    • 3

      Stand on the horse's left side, holding the lead rope with your right hand about six inches below the bit ring. Hold the slack of the rope out of the way in your left hand. Ask the horse to move on with a verbal command of "Walk on!" If there is no response, give a gentle flick on the shoulder with the slack of the rope. If the horse still won't walk on, do not be tempted to move your hand in front of the horse's mouth and pull. You cannot drag a horse wearing a chifney, as the pressure is only designed to prevent a horse from going upwards and rearing, but the horse may well become uncomfortable and irritated.

    • 4

      Take a whip in your left hand. If the horse still won't walk on, half turn your body away from the horse and give a tap with the whip on the hindquarters, giving the command "Walk on!" If the horse does walk on, walk calmly by its side making sure there is no tension on the lead rope. The chifney should only come into play if the horse decides to resist and rear. If the horse does rear, stand well to the side out of the way of the forelegs, and keep the pressure on the lead rope as firm and constant as you can. If the horse goes higher, it will increase the pressure on itself. The pressure will only be released as the horse descends, so it will be rewarded for coming down from the rear and should eventually learn that rearing is uncomfortable.