Bridle Problems

[equestrian7474]

Does anyone have any tips for horses that don’t like to take the bit? It takes me ages to bridle my new mare. She usually throws her head up but when i get her head down she just won’t open her mouth. I’ve tried putting my finger in where she has no teeth and it didn’t work for me. I don’t know if I should put something sweet on the bit or is there any methods that have worked for other people?

 

[Starzaan]

I would suggest getting her teeth checked, and getting a bit and bridle fitter out to have a look at her. It sounds like she is uncomfortable and reluctant to have the bridle on.

 

[Cortez]

I suggest you have someone show you how to put a bridle on properly. If you slip your thumb into the side of her mouth and press firmly down on her tongue she will open, but it is a bit of a knack to get and she will soon figure you out and not open if you're a bit fumbly.

 

[Baywonder]

Yep - I used to just pop my thumb in the side, and this usually does the trick.

 

[Shay]

Echo Starzaan - get her teeth checked and get a professional to check the fit of your bit and bridle. Possibly also to show you how to bridle more effectively. She clearly does not want to bridle on so persistng without help is only going to make things worse.

 

[Widgeon]

It sounds like yours is worse than this, but FWIW my normally saintly cob tried this a couple of times once he'd been with me a few weeks and was starting to settle in. I decided to take the path of least resistance and put a snack under the bit on my hand. Once he noticed a snack he just opened his mouth and forgot about trying to mess me around with the bridle. He only did it twice and then stopped bothering. I think he was just trying it on a bit, in a very half hearted way.

Definitely get teeth and bit checked though, those are easy things to do and if they are a problem you'll likely find that as well as sorting the bridle issue, she might become much better to ride once they're sorted. Good luck!

 

[Summit]

Some are just devils to bridle. Mine has his teeth checked every 6 months and still tries to give me the run around

 

[HazuraJane]

Once you get the bridle on, take it off. Back on. Take off. We can play this game all day long.

 

[CMcC]

My pony was trained to take the bit himself. Hold the bridle in front of him, slightly below where it would sit on his head. Initially used a softened (ie chewed) Soft Mint wrapped round the bit and he will reach forward and take the bit himself, then slip the headpiece over his ears. Now does it without the treat though I do sometimes put one on, which is very good of me because I hate Soft Mints they make me gag!
it does take patience to teach but worth it!

 

[Summit]

My pony was trained to take the bit himself. Hold the bridle in front of him, slightly below where it would sit on his head. Initially used a softened (ie chewed) Soft Mint wrapped round the bit and he will reach forward and take the bit himself, then slip the headpiece over his ears. Now does it without the treat though I do sometimes put one on, which is very good of me because I hate Soft Mints they make me gag!
it does take patience to teach but worth it!

Think i’ll try this method. I tried toothpaste and it was very messy

 

[equestrian7474]

I’m not sure what it was but magically a couple weeks ago the problem just stopped. She takes the bit easily now, thanks for all your help!