Getting my 3 year old to accept the bit

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SarahBroomhead

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Would anybody be able to recommend a bit and bridle that would be suitable for my 3 year old highland pony?
She is quite big and headstrong, and sometimes doesn't listen but overall she is fine, I can get on and off her well. Now I'm wanting to bit her and need some advice.

What bit would be best?
What bridle?
Any tips on actually getting the bit in her mouth?

Snowy was orphaned and has been hand-reared, very loving and doesn't fear humans at all, in fact she thinks she is one.

Thanks guys.
 
Orphans can be nightmares to train as they have often been overhandled and don't have any boundaries. A loose ring snaffle is usually a good place to start with when breaking, and it is simple to slide the bit in if you start with just a sliphead (from a double bridle; if you don't have this just take off the noseband and browband and use the crownpiece and cheeks). I use a clip on the nearside cheekpiece and then slip the bit in by pressing on the horses tongue with my thumb in the side of the mouth to make it open its mouth.
 
Cuppatea said:
this will be more of a problem than which bit/bridle to use!
Click to expand...

thanks for all the advice.

generally snowy is quite good, I had always feared that she would be overhandled and pushy but she has been very good. I have tried to keep her with many unhandled youngsters as she came from a stud farm. When I refer to her as a human, I mean she just likes to stand with you while you chat to people and get involved in the conversation and likes cuddles, thus far she has just been your typical pony as she has very strict boundaries and is only handled when I want her to be, so she doesn't get her own way all the time.

x
 
I've got a shires sweet iron French link loose ring snaffle on my lad. Although he is 5, he doesn't like taking up contact and yet he seems to like this bit.

I second Mr Maxwell. The man is brilliant!
 
I would uses something sweet iron with a link in the middle. I would also warm the bit before popping it in their mouth and maybe pop something like minto cordial on it with your fingers to get them playing with it and make it a nice experience.

I dont use the happy mouths as they tend to chew them then dont like the rough edges.

I have used straight bar rubber snaffles as well but some horses dont then like the metal bits once you change them over.
 
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