I think this picture was taken one of the first times I got on Sonny’s back, maybe the first or second ride.  Sonny was one of the easiest horses I have started- just took everything in stride.  When I start riding my horses, I generally go with a two rein system- reminiscent of the Pelham bit (snaffle/curb combo).  One set of reins goes to a halter or side pull and the other goes to a full cheek snaffle bit.  You can see that arrangement here.  It might look a little cumbersome, but I’ve found it to work really well.  When I first get started, I just want my horses to carry a bit.  All of my cues are through the halter or side pull- which makes sense to them- they have been lead around, tied and highlined with the halter, so they know what pressure on a halter means.  The only thing new is me on their back.  Gradually, I swap reins until they are responding to the snaffle bit.  This system also works well, so if I have a horse that starts to pull a stunt, I have a little more leverage available if I need it (I very rarely do).

Many people start horses straight away in a snaffle, and there is nothing wrong with that.  I do sometimes too.  I really like this system, in particular, if it is going to my own personal horse and I am looking for a future “fingertip” horse.  It takes some extra time, but the pay off later is worth it:  when all I have to lift a little float out of a rein and my horse is already asking, “Okay, what’s next?”