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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Tack Discussion > Imus Comfort Gait Bit™ Discussions > First Time Use of ICB |
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Gaits of Gold Gaited Horse Community Messageboard > Tack Discussion > Imus Comfort Gait Bit™ Discussions > First Time Use of ICB |
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| First Time Use of ICB | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Tue Oct 27th, 2009 01:53 am |
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1st Post |
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slipslider G.O.G Community Member 
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Oh go ahead and put it on your Christmas list!! I love getting horse stuff for Christmas, but I rarely do. Hope you do not mind but I just had to add another great story about Brenda's bits. A friend of mine has a gaited walker and had been using the bit he came with. It is a typical walking bit with the long shanks. I noticed her horse was a sensitive horse and very nervous type when in the saddle. But solid as a rock on the ground, guess this is why his name is Rock, lol, just figured that out! I told her about the Imus bit and let her try mine one day first before she ordered as I was sure it would help her horse. I noticed that this horse immediately stopped his head tossing and his nervous lip smacking habit. So she of course ordered one and I have not seen her or her horse since to tell you how he is doing, but.... she told me about her first real trail ride and how there was a man there that commented on her horse and asked what bit she was using. Told her he noticed how well her horse was carrying his head... on the vertical. Being a novice rider she tended to be a little heavy handed and I have no doubt that her horse is much much happier. Can't wait to see them together again.
____________________ LaVonne Summertime Stables, LLC Life's journey is not to arrive safely in a grave in a well preserved body But rather to slide in sideways, Totally worn out, Yelling......What a Ride ! |
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| Posted: Mon Oct 26th, 2009 08:06 pm |
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2nd Post |
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Leesa G.O.G Community Member 
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I'm happy to report changing the reins from the snaffle position to the shanks worked. I went about it slowly this afternoon. I allowed him to mosey in the arena with just the bridle, then walked him a little then saddled up. He moved wonderfully and seemed to me to be much happier with this bit. Thank you for all of your comments & suggestions....we both appreciate it!!! Now to decide if I want to purchase the Ride & Tie Bridle today or put it on my Christmas list for hubby to get for me!!! w2 Thanks again, Leesa
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| Posted: Sun Oct 25th, 2009 03:35 pm |
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3rd Post |
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SPOTD RIDR G.O.G Community Member 
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That was the very first bit I bought for Mira on the suggestion of a store owner. I promptly hung it on the wall after 1 riding with it, she definately hated it !
____________________ JoAngela "Jo" |
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| Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 02:11 pm |
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4th Post |
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tmdeck G.O.G Community Member 
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okay i gotta say it-when i first started training horses i would always use this tom thumb bit. i thought it was very gentle. mine had the big rings that i could use as a snaffle and then change to shanks when the horse was ready. i bought the gaits from god dvds and tried what brenda said on my own arm. it does pinch the hell out of you. i was shocked. i immediately gave all those bits away. i purchased a french-link snaffle and got much better response. however if i ever found extra money i would love to have one of brenda's bits. everyone i know, i have shown how those bits pinch and they too are amazed.
____________________ tammy |
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| Posted: Sat Oct 24th, 2009 01:14 pm |
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5th Post |
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Leesa G.O.G Community Member
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As suggested, I am going to use the CB today on the shanks. Thank you ALL for your suggestions & time, I hate to be such a problem child. I am putting up a picture of the set up that came with my horse. I know it is a cheap set and I fully plan on getting a good bridle after I get the bitting situation resolved. I am using the clip on reins right now since I switch them to the halter with no bit when riding sometimes. Please know I questioned & questioned the fact that the bit they sent along for Sam was not the bit the owner used. They assured me this "snaffle" bit was gentle. I know nothing about bits. Thanks again - I'll let you know how it goes. Attachment: bit.jpg (Downloaded 121 times)
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 10:02 pm |
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6th Post |
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rsmoody G.O.G Community Member
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Thanks PB for the explanation of the bits, I know we have been over it before but I need lots of repetition to retain. Hey not a lot different from my equine friends. Probably an age thing. rsmoody
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 07:11 pm |
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7th Post |
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Brenda Im Pasture Boss 
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A snaffle bit is any bit that operates directly from the rider's hand to the horse's mouth, without shanks. Some have split mouthpieces, some solid, some jointed (as is mine). For a comprehensive treatment on bits, read this article: http://gaitsofgold.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=415:ten-common-bit-myths&catid=22:gaited-horse-training-articles&Itemid=3. Also, the ICB operates out of a completely different principle than most other bits, and some horses need time to adjust. The broken mouth bit with shanks causes the horse to obey out of a fear of pain - they're extraordinarily harsh bits. It may take awhile for your horse to 'get it' with the non-painful communication of the ICB. You say you used the ICB on the snaffle setting. Since your horse is accustomed to shanks, I would suggest placing the reins on the lower rings. What you describe may well be an issue with his teeth - perhaps the ICB is touching a sore spot that the other bit doesn't contact. Has he had his teeth checked and floated in the near past? Good luck! PB 
____________________ It's not always about trying to fix something that's broken. Maybe it's about starting over and creating something better. |
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 04:06 pm |
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8th Post |
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ssecmft G.O.G Community Member 
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I've changed over 2 mares to the ICB. One because of headshakein', bit chomping and shank grabbing. The other because of poor collection. When I did, I simply put the bridles on and walked them around some so they could get used to the feel of it. Next time, we did some working on 'whoa', walk, turns, again, from the ground. 3rd time we rode at home. Shezam! Change of attitude. No fussing with the bit and the other collected with a light pressure on the reins. It was almost like the second mare saying,'Ah, that's what you want!' The bit has acctually made my Hubby a better technician with the reins. He can use a lighter touch to get a better responce. It took a couple of weeks to get it all figured out, and I'm so glad we have them.
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 01:19 pm |
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9th Post |
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rsmoody G.O.G Community Member
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No need to apologize. We all picture things differently, I refer to a snaffle as a split bit with no shanks. I am sure that may not be correct it is just what I have in my mind. I just wanted to make sure I was picturing it right before I made any suggestions. If he is used to being ridden with the reins on the shank I would place them there. Hopefully you will see a difference. I would still place the bit on him and walk him around with it first and do a little bit of pressure and release with it. Good luck and let us know how it goes. rsmoody
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 12:39 pm |
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10th Post |
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liteshodwalkers G.O.G Community Member 
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Leesa wrote: rsmoody wrote:Sometimes we get lost on the discription of a snaffle bit...was this a bit with shanks and a split mouth piece? Or just a normal type split bit with no shanks that you don't use a curb chain with? No need to apologize cuz you're not being stupid. I think we are just trying to visualize what type/style of bit you are currently using since there are so many variations of this type of bit. The more we understand what you are using the better we can try to make suggestions to help. 
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 01:07 am |
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11th Post |
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Leesa G.O.G Community Member
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rsmoody wrote: Sometimes we get lost on the discription of a snaffle bit...was this a bit with shanks and a split mouth piece? Or just a normal type split bit with no shanks that you don't use a curb chain with? It is a split mouth piece with shanks. I do use a curb chain. I apologize if I am being stupid! t2
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 12:11 am |
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12th Post |
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rsmoody G.O.G Community Member
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Sometimes we get lost on the discription of a snaffle bit...was this a bit with shanks and a split mouth piece? Or just a normal type split bit with no shanks that you don't use a curb chain with? rsmoody
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| Posted: Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 12:03 am |
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13th Post |
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Leesa G.O.G Community Member
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Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry I wasn't very clear with my wording. He was owned by one person since he was born - that owner had to sell him and was bought by another party. I bought him from them, not directly from the previous owner. Previous owner had a lengthy, hand written note telling everything about him. In the note he states he used the Brenda Imus Comfort Bit. That is where I came up with the fact he had been using that bit. The farm where I purchased him sent him to me with a bridle & snaffle bit not the Imus bit. I will give it another try tomorrow and stay in the ring this time & take it slower. I think I will take the suggestion about letting him hang out with it a little before I do anything.
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 11:45 pm |
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14th Post |
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rsmoody G.O.G Community Member
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Just wondering you said he came to you in a snaffle, but have you been riding him in a curb since then? If so I would but the reins down on the shanks and see how he does with it like that. Also make sure you have the curb chain attached in the correct place if you are using the shanks. I have so many friends that use this bit and most all of the horses love it. The only problem we see at first is over collecting. All of these horses were probably in bits that would be considered harsher and then switched to the Imus which may explain the fairly easy transition. rsmoody
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 11:25 pm |
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15th Post |
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TN Trailrider G.O.G Community Member 
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I agree with Gypsy Susan in that a change to a different bit takes some getting used to. I thought you said he had been in this bit, but then you said he came to you in a snaffle so not sure what he was in before you bought him. My horse let me know the whole ride he was not happy the first time I put a curb bit on him. Just keep trying it out, and if he doesn't settle within maybe a week, perhaps it's just not the right bit for him. They will tell you when they ar happy with something.
____________________ Lynne |
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 10:29 pm |
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16th Post |
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GypsySusan G.O.G Community Member 
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Even on the snaffle setting, this bit "feels" different to him because of the poll pressure. Give him time to adjust. Most horses, especially young ones, don't like change even when it's good. So, just slow down - stay in the arena if riding or even just put it on him and let him hang with it for a while. Do make sure you're fitting it properly like Bonnie said. He'll adjust in time and you'll be delighted.
____________________ Susan www.gypsytrotters.com Phil 4:11-13, 19 Missouri Fox Trotters: To Ride One... Is to Own One. |
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 10:00 pm |
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17th Post |
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liteshodwalkers G.O.G Community Member
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Hi Leesa, I can't speak for the comfort bit as I haven't switched my baby to it yet, but I am using the training transition bit. The first time I used it on him is when he came home from the trainers. I had set up my bridle and was ready to go . . . .or so I thought. He was like a wild child, head swinging, semi rearing, and definitely telling me something was wrong. I got off and dropped the bit one hole on the bridle and it was instant change. He was back to his happy self. You may want to try lowering the bit a little bit. The curb chain may also be way too tight. That will cause them to swing their heads and possibly rear. It hurts like hell. The way I check is, without any pressure on the reins, if I can place 2-3 fingers under the chain I feel it is okay. Each horse is different so you may to loosen the curb chain even more. Right now I am using a leather curb strap as my trainer said my boy wasn't real happy with the chain. It could just be the feel of it? Don't feel that you need to see any wrinkles in his mouth. I was always of the mindset that unless there were 1-2 wrinkles then it wasn't right. Keep adjusting it until you find his "happy spot" so-to-speak. Good luck and don't give up yet. Let us know if readjustments work for you. bonnie
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| Posted: Thu Oct 22nd, 2009 09:27 pm |
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18th Post |
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Leesa G.O.G Community Member
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I used the Comfort Bit today for the first time, honestly, it didn't go well. I stayed in our indoor arena and worked on the transition exercises. Right or wrong, after feeling comfortable I took him out to walk around the barn. Things went from bad to worse, he was upset about something and I had to push him to do anything. For the first time he actually seemed angry with me, head tossing, backing up, side stepping.. Long story short, I felt I had no control over him at all. I could not get him to stop ~ I felt as though I was about to pull the bit out of his mouth and he did not respond. Usually I need only say "Whoa" and use a little finger pull of the reins and he stops. Odd thing is, his previous owner had used this bit so I guess I was expecting more and perhaps (probably) it is me.  We had been doing fine and he's been a willing partner until now. We do all of our riding alone and he'll do what he's ask. He came to me with a snaffle bit and I used the snaffle setting on the ICB with a curb chain. Any thoughts or suggestions. If I am being too vague I will certainly give specifics I just don't want to prattle on too much. (I do need to add since he is a new horse (came to me Sept 8) he has had a dental exam, a thorough vet exam with blood tests & xrays of all 4 feet so I can rule out any health or mouth issues.) Thanks alot, Leesa
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