what is your opinion about using a bosal verses a snaffle for training?

Answers:
I use a bosal for the first 30 days of training. Then I go to an O-ring snaffle. I think every horse should be trained to carry a bit. If, at the end of their training, the horse works well in the bosal then I'll use it permanently.

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well i like the bosal instead of the snaffle, because i don't like the idea of putting anything in my horses mouth. i use either the bosal or the hackamore. i like either one because i don't want their mouth to hard and evn though that the snaffle is not that hard for their mouth they can still get one. i have more control when i use the bosal or the hackamore. i have never used anything that has to be put in my horses mouth and that is how it has been for the last 25 yrs of owning them. i do my shows using them also and they work just fine.

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The problem with the english bit is that it snaps up in to the roof of the horses mouth. It is a good bit for a seasoned horse, but it can be rough on a new horse. The rule is use the least amount of resistance you can get away with, when training.

P.S. Like ninner said, I have jumped horses in hackamores plenty of times. I think they work best all the way around and are MUCH easier to get on the horse.

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It all depends on the horse. A horse with a quiet temperment will often respond quickly to a bosal (if fitted and used properly); but a hot horse will just fight one. But, I believe that you can get better flexsion and collection with a snaffle; teach them the basics with the snaffle then work with the bosal along with the snaffle. A bosal helps keep a horse from relying too much on bit cues and will help keep a soft mouth. I train reining and cow horses and I use both.
When working with a horse use what method they respond to the best.
A bit is only as severe as the rider using it. I have seen horses with scars on the corners if their mouths from snaffles. I have also seen horses that have scars across their nose from bosals.

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It depends on the horse.
Some dont respond to a bosal and can basically ignore it.

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the biggest pro of using a bosal instead of a snaffle is that u can start with a halter. thats what i do. teach him to turn from side to side with snap on reins from the ground and stopping and etc. Then you can swing uip into the saddle and just use his halter. the bosal and the halter hit the same pressure points. . he will respond the same to both. then u can eventually move up to a bosal and a snaffle and then just to a snaffle