A very common behavior problem that is encountered in horses is the problem of bit snatching. There are reasons this occurs and there are easy ways to combat it

Bit Snatching is usually based in the fact that the horse is trying to assert his dominance over you. Horses are herd animals and are wired to either look towards the dominant herd member or become the dominant horse in the herd. Your horse should look to you as the dominant being around them or you'll have a lot of behavior issues as your horse continually tests you. Suddenly deciding he really doesn't feel like having a bit in his mouth can be one of those tests.

Not only will some horses snatch the bit out of your hand when you attempt to place a bridle on them, some will run away with the bit or toss the bit aside and then whinny and shake their heads much like a naughty child who is doing exactly something he knows he shouldn't.

Solutions can be found in the reasons he is engaging in this behavior. He may be frightened of the bit. He may have been hurt in the past by someone who used a bit that hurt his mouth or was too rough. Horses have long memories for training that has gone badly.

Remember, the area on the jawbone of the horse where a bit sits is as sensitive as your shinbone. Imagine a piece of metal rubbing on your shin and you'll have a rough idea of the gentleness that should be used when using a bridle to control your horse when you ride, never jerk on the reigns suddenly, especially if you're just training your horse to take a bit. Make sure the fit is comfortable for your horse.

Check the teeth of your horse and make sure they are in tiptop shape. If he is physically okay, gently reinforcement yourself as top horse in his eyes will overcome the problem of bit snatching and you'll have a great companion for years to come.

Under the right circumstances, children and horses can be a great combination. Children can learn a lot from horses and there is nothing more magical in a child's eyes than a magnificent, galloping horse. This can be a great combination if some very important safety issues are given a lot of thought.

First of all, you need to look objectively at your child. One 10-year old is not as mature and ready to handle the responsibilities of a horse as another 10 year old. No matter how badly your child wants to begin riding lessons, make sure they are mature enough to take the riding of the horse very seriously.

Your child needs to have a good amount of confidence. Horses know when a rider of any age isn't confident and will take full advantage of it in the form of an animal who will listen when he feels like it. If your child is confident, has good balance and coordination and knows horses need to be treated with gentle respect, they are ready to ride.

Make sure your child always wears a helmet when they ride. Even the best, most well-mannered and docile horse can get spooked and rear which could throw your child onto the hard ground. Make sure that children are well equipped with good riding gear for their own physical safety.

Horses are very intelligent and you need to let your child and their horse bond on a one on one level. This doesn't mean let them ride unsupervised, just stand back and let them bond but be available. Another way to let your child know what truly having a horse means is to let them volunteer a couple of weekends a month at a local stable. Cleaning stalls, proper feeding, grooming and other important horse care knowledge can be gained.

If your child is mature enough and ready to ride, children and horses can make a great team!