The SLTC Apprentice School syllabus centres around the riding of racehorse. Pivotal to that principle is the control of the horse and crucial to control is the use of bits to maintain control and guide a horse in the best and safest manner.

Ms Sandy Shaw from HORSE CITY Sdn Bhd, who has been the sponsor of the SLTC Apprentice “Ride of the Year” saddle, since the school’s inception and SLTC racehorse trainer Sheree Hamilton, lectured the students on the history and mechanics of bit types. Apprentices went through an interactive session, getting familiarized with different types of bits and associated articles such as cheekers, muzzles and muzzle nets.

With the aid of the SLTC Veterinary Department’s  model horse skull, Ms Shaw demonstrated the positioning of the bit in the mouth and how a rider’s hand and action can cause problem to the sensitive parts of a horse’s mouth.

Ms Hamilton demonstrated the correct fitting of associated equipment such as nosebands and explained the action of many types of racing bits as well as which bits were permissible under the MRA Gear List.

Apprentices also had the opportunity to handle a Polo Bridle with its double reins and head check – as a precursor to their “Art of Polo” session when they visit the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club in October.

Poetic Guest