3yo won't take bit

sunshine19

sunshine19

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Advice needed, I am at the end of my tether.

My lovely and obedient 3yo is now refusing to have anything in his mouth. I can't get a bit or wormer near him. He is now reacting violently, rearing on me or thrashing me with his head.

It started 4 months ago when the vet did his teeth. He took 2 wolf teeth out. All though he was sedated, the vet in my opinion was overly rough. The teeth took 30mins to come out and lots and lots of blood!

I gave him 6 weeks off before re-starting him. He went crazy when I tried to pop his bit in. It has steadily got worse. I had another vet out to check his mouth, we had to heavily sedate him as we could get the gag in. There is nothing wrong with his mouth/gums or teeth.
I don't no what to try next? Any suggestions?
 
Golden syrup/molasses/something tasty on the bit?

I'd just play with his mouth and encourage mouthing with it, whether it's putting his lead rope in there to try and encourage him to chew it/mouth it/etc and just keep at it so he can let you put your hands in his mouth, stroke his gums, and mouth when you put your hand in there etc.

I'd go with the flavouring approach :) So something nice and tasty comes out of it.
 
Might be worth just detracting from the bit being in his mouth for a while [maybe, metal = gag = pain/wolf teeth extraction] for him in his mind atm still? And a mounting block if he's doing giraffe impressions and just keep it quietly and gradually till he accepts it again.


Get him tolerating other things in his mouth and gradually work up.

How is he for general handling of his head? Could he have put his poll/atlas out on anything if he's smacked it on something and causing pain when the bridles put on?
 
I've been trying to ignore the whole mouth thing for a while. Everytime I try to (gently) address it, he reacts violently and to be honest a danger to me and him. Since his teeth have been done I have not been sucessful in getting a bit in his mouth. He lets me put the bridle on no problem, but without the bit. I've put pressure on his poll with my hand, when grooming or putting a lunge cavesson on and he doesn't react. He lunges nicely, doesn't pull.

Just from observation, he has a very flexible back. He can almost bend himself in 2 when grooming himself, both sides.

Other than that he is and alway has been a complete sweetheart, nothing fazes him, very quiet to handle, sane and sensible. I'm gutted my hard work has been undone.
 
I feel for you - I've had youngster spoiled by stupid handling (farrier) and you wonder if you're ever going to be able to fix it.

What worked for me was treats, treats and more treats.

Can you get a soft nathe bit as a temporary measure..? Then start by simply holding it near his mouth - reward with a treat.
Then allowing it to touch his mouth - treat.
Touching his mouth and thumb in his mouth as though you are about to but the bit in - more treats!

Tiny steps, for as long as it takes, with lots of reward..
 
Its soul destroying :(

I've tried all sorts of bits: metal, rubber and plastic. With and without syrupy stuff smeared on. I even tried pureed apple, pear and carrot. Anything touching his lips and up he rears or tries to knock you out the way with his head. I don't make an issue of it, no shouting or bully boy tactics.
I've been really battered and bruised.

Binky 01 came up with a good idea, using an old lead rope. I'm going to try it later, I'll maybe smear it with molasses. Hears hoping......
 
hmmm thats a tricky one. you need to be able to get it in his mouth and leave him to show him it isnt really that bad and makes it a nice experience with lots of sweeties, but its the getting it in his mouth! maybe if all else fails try some acp in an apple just to take the edge off him so you have a chance of getting it in then give him lots of sweeties.
 
Binky01 you are a genius!!!! Tried the rope covered in molasses. It took a couple of attempts, but I got it in! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :D
We've got a long way to go, but its a start. Thank you for your advice:)
 
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