How to Ride a Horse with a Corkscrew Bit

A corkscrew bit is similar to a twisted snaffle bit except that the ridges of the screws are more widely spaced and less dramatic. It should be used if you need a bit more control than you would get with a plain snaffle, but would rather not worry as much about your hands as you would with a twist. It provides a happy medium that can be used sparingly as a training tool or as an everyday bit.

Things You'll Need

  • Corkscrew bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the size of the corkscrew bit to make sure it is appropriate for the horse. Most horses are perfectly comfortable in a 5-inch bit, while larger breeds like warmbloods might require 5 1/4 inches. Ponies and smaller breeds, like Arabians, might need something smaller.

    • 2

      Realize that you will have to ride with softer hands if you are "upgrading" to a corkscrew from a snaffle or something softer. This means that you will require less pressure on the reins for downward transitions and you should generally be more pliant and flexible through your forearms.

    • 3

      Know that a corkscrew bit is usually broken in the center, with either a ball or a hinge, so you'll have equal action on both reins. This type of bit should not be used for neck reining and your hands should operate completely independently of one another.

    • 4

      Test the horse's sensitivity to the new bit. When you first mount up, execute several downward transitions from walk to halt, using variable levels of pressure on the reins. Ideally, you should use the least amount of pressure required to achieve the desired result.

    • 5

      Use half halts (see Resources) liberally when you ride a horse with a corkscrew bit. This minimizes the amount of pressure you put on the horse's mouth and warns the horse that a change is coming. A half halt should be used before you make any downward transition.

    • 6

      Discontinue use of a corkscrew bit if the horse throws his head or reacts negatively to the feel of the bit in his mouth. This is a sign that you're using the wrong bit and you could get hurt if you allow it to continue.