In polo, the bridle is adjusted to hold the bit in the gap between the horse's front and rear teeth, and pulling on the reins will apply pressure to the horse's lower jaw. Find out why inexperienced polo ponies should be trained with bits with help from the secretary of a polo club in this free video on polo bridles and bits.
Hi, I'm Cyrus Confectioner, secretary of Calcutta Polo Club, one of the oldest Polo clubs in the world. I will now tell you about the bridle and the bit. The bridle is adjusted to hold the bit in the gap between the horse's front and rear teeth. In this position it will rest against the skin, covering the inside of the lower jaw, called the bars. When you pull on the reins, this bit applies pressure on the horse's lower jaw. There are many different Equestrian type bits available, each designed to have a different type of control on a Polo pony. A Snaffle bit is a jointed metal bar with large rings at either end. A Curb bit is a type of bit with a mouth piece and shanks. I'll tell you a little bit about a Pelham bit. A bar mouth piece which combines a Curb and a Snaffle for more precise control. There are riding and training bits also. Inexperienced Polo ponies may initially be confused and respond differently to the types of pressure applied by some bits, but slowly they get used to it. Applying large amounts of pressure for an initial response increases undesirable responses from the Polo pony. They take some time to adjust and to learn new skills based on how a rider controls the bits. Inexperienced Polo ponies should also be trained with bits, but apply only mild pressure instead of the intensity, instead of an excess amount. You can intensify this pressure as the Polo pony learns how to get used to the different type of leverages. This is basically used to control the Polo pony's movement. These are the few of the small but important aspects of equipments which are required for the game of Polo, thank you.
