...Make sure that the Bit for your horse is the correct size. The side Bars of the bit should not pinch or rub on its cheeks. This may happen if the bit is not wide enough for the horse's mouth. If the bit is too wide the pressure points will be distorted in the horse's mouth and it may callous its sides. Most bits are designed for the average mouth. This is 5- 51/2" in width. Bigger horses, warmbloods and so on, may need a 6-7" bit. Check it out with your horse.

...A snaffle bit causes direct pressure to a horse's mouth. Having to pull creates a direct signal therefore, contrary to belief, the more direct the pressure the more severe it can be. A leverage bit is often a better signal for a horse and less aversive simply because of its design and the way it should be used. A so called, 'softer bit' often prescribes the riders hands to be tougher on the horse. Prepare a horse for the transition to a more precise bit. Blunt and dull is sometimes ineffective with horses.

...Horseshoes - "Pesky things at best. They are only necessary if the horse is ridden regularly on hard – rocky ground. Often it is better not to have them at all. But then you must use common sense." (The Saddle Horse, Ag. Canada, '73) For instance, Greek officers trained horses deliberately on rocky ground. The arena footing was large stones, round in character. This prepared and molded the horse's hooves for the terrain of battle. The ones that couldn't adjust were not used.

...If the horse is shod, the shoes are adjusted every 6-8 weeks. Never, let a shoe go until it falls off – this will eventually destroy the supportive Wall of the foot.

...Remember, we can all cause various types of pressure to a horse. We can let a horse do things. We can make a horse react. Alternatively, causing a horse to respond desirably comes from being in the right place at the right time applying the correct measure of pressure and then releasing it. A horse will respect this approach and he will lick its lips in compliance.