cheeky pony wont take bit

[weesophz]

a new pony moved up to our yard the other day and his young owner was having some difficulty tacking up today. his mum just dumps him up at the farm so shes not really around to help. the pony clamps its mouth shut and wont take the bit.

missing my old cheeky pony i offered to help, but my god he was testing! he's 17 so im sure he knows all the old tricks. tried ticking his tongue/gums with my thumb, but to no avail. was trying for a good 5 mins then he started lifting his front leg and pawing at me, not aggressively, it was as if he was just gently pushing me away i just laughed though im sure for the younger kids its not very funny. his owner says his teeth are fine so i dont think thats the issue, think its just a know it all pony taking the mick out the young kids that dont have a clue

anyway, anyone got any tips i could pass to help them out? ive taken to this little pony right away, hes a cheeky old boy

 

[Lolo]

Pinch the tongue/ inside of cheeks- not hard, but insistently. And keep feeding as much of your hand into the gap on his gums as you can rubbing his tongue. If he's just being awkward, be awkward back.

And when he paws at you, reprimand him (sharp smack on the chest, and a loud "No!"). That's not acceptable behavior, especially if he's got smaller children who'll be taking him up.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

the best way to stop a pawing/stamping horse is to stamp back. just stamp your foot hard on the floor-he might be a bit surprised but it usually stops them doing it.

might also be worth seeing if the bit is suitable, I have an Exmoor pony that had been ridden for years in a single jointed snaffle-he hated it, there was no room in his mouth for it- didn't like having bridle on etc etc changed it to a mullen (via a link which he found preferable but still not 100% in) and he's never looked back. It might be that maybe he's trying politely to tell you all something (and it might not lol!).

 

[Dumbo]

It used to take 3 people to bridle my horse because he wouldn't take the bit.
I really recommend trying bitless. Takes me a couple of minutes to tack up now - he pushes his head into the bridle and control is fab
Just a suggestion but i'm sure the pony will be very grateful as the reason is most likely fear linked to pain.

 

[sue12345]

Just a bit of feed in your hand with the bit laid across it,worked
for my little unbroken monster. Now he's taking the bit and waiting for the feed treat.

 

[pippixox]

honey on the bit is something i know has worked for my friend, as well as bribing to open their mouth for treat and putting bit in then.. however, as you said he is an older pony who probably knows exactly what he is doing and you dont really want to have to keep bribing him when he is just being cheeky! agree with fidiling and pinching cheek