My biggest “hole” in my training (that I know of) is my knowledge of bits.  You explain pretty good about the snaffle bits.  I don’t have a couple grand to go out and buy a bunch of tom balding bits.  With that said what bits would you say are “must haves” and what do you stay away from?  The only snaffle I have is an old O ring that’s super heavy like literally probably 3lbs.  I worry it’s too much for most young horses.  I got it to soften up an old stiff rope horse years ago.  

When I do one rein stops or work on speed control by getting my 3 year old filly’s attention she has started to try to bite my foot.  I’ve kinda ignored it or just bend her the other way but every day it’s getting worse and not better.  Is this just an immaturity thing or is there some underlying issue, like could she be hurting? 

Hey there. I have a 10yr old Arab gelding that absolutely cannot stand while tied. He just paws, whinnies, dances around and acts a fool. Luckily he doesn’t pull back at all. I wish I could figure out how to post a video of what he does to show y'all. I’ve tried to move his feet when he does it but I end up doing that for hours (not over exaggerating) I’ve only tried doing that twice because it doesn’t seem to help at all. Any suggestions on what I can try

Hey there!  Question - how is Ike doing?  I haven't seen anything about him, it's possible I missed it!

I had a question when I get off my horse to doctor a calf my horse ends up walking away and I have to go get her, is there a way to get her not to do that? 

Speed control on a seven-year-old broke gelding in a snaffle bit?

I was looking for some tips and tricks for different ways of going about worming, or administering anything orally for a young horse. I have a four year old whom is not head shy at all whenever I go to bridle him, but as soon as he sees any sort of syringe anywhere near his face he turns into a different horse. I’ve had some success just trying to put my hands over his his like I would be bridling him and then sneak a finger in the corner of his mouth, and that was working for a bit but he has become wise to it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

We just picked up a mare and foal this weekend. The foal was born on 5/28, so almost a month old. My question is in regards to your philosophy with babies?

How much should they be played with, or not? What sorts of activities are appropriate? At what age/level of development do you do different activities?  

I know there is a continuum of thoughts on this, from let them out on the range and don't touch them till they're two year old, to play with them everyday like a family pet. As I've been going through your content (I just wrapped up ES 20 Colt Starting with Neches) you've alluded to a couple different things regarding this "let the babies learn to become horses first" and "the owners of Neches did a real nice job working with him with the halter."

I've really grown to appreciate your practical approach to horsemanship and would love to hear your take on this. (I've looked all over the site to see if you had any videos and couldn't find anything, so if you do please direct me to them)

So I'm looking at this 2 y/o prospect for reined cowhorse and I'm trying to get some second opinions on his conformation. My biggest concern are his fronts. Are his pasterns too long?

Hello, I was wondering. I'm working on Hobble training my colt right now, and was wondering how long the rope should be between the back hobble and the front hobble. Does anyone have any ideas?