Crackedhalo
Well-Known Member
My horses are reluctant to open their mouths for the bit, anyone got any tips? 
Taking the bit
- Thread starter Crackedhalo
- Start date
Kenzo
Well-Known Member
When you say horses, I take it you mean they are all doing it?
Are you sure you are not banging the teeth or causing any discomfort when putting the bridles on, are they comfortable with else where (back, saddle) could be that they are resiting the bit because there know they are going to be ridden if there is a problem there.
Are there teeth ok?
Any rubs in the corners of there mouths caused from the bit or heavy hands or from a dirty bit where food may have collected in the corners?
Are you warming the bit, some horses don't like to accept cold metal in there mouths, so you could try a different metal/material or warm the bit in some warm water first.
Give them a treat while you hold the bit in your hand so taking the bit is a pleasure rather than a chore.
Are you sure you are not banging the teeth or causing any discomfort when putting the bridles on, are they comfortable with else where (back, saddle) could be that they are resiting the bit because there know they are going to be ridden if there is a problem there.
Are there teeth ok?
Any rubs in the corners of there mouths caused from the bit or heavy hands or from a dirty bit where food may have collected in the corners?
Are you warming the bit, some horses don't like to accept cold metal in there mouths, so you could try a different metal/material or warm the bit in some warm water first.
Give them a treat while you hold the bit in your hand so taking the bit is a pleasure rather than a chore.
Crackedhalo
Well-Known Member
Sorry, Just one is doing it, I have been trying the giving him a treat at the same time, But i didn't know if this was giving him a bad habit? That does work though. He has only just been broken, and he is super lazy and stubborn, So i'm thinking he doesn't want to do any work. There are no rubs on his mouth, etc.
Kenzo
Well-Known Member
Arr right I see.
Are you sure he's been mouthed properly? could be that he's just not got into the habbit of opening his mouth to take the bit, if like you say he's fresh under saddle and with regards to being lazy, could be that he's either finding it tiring or doesn't understand, although this shouldn't really cause a problem him accepting the bit, providing he's not throwing his head around or clenching his mouth shut and really refusing I wouldn't worry too much, just get him into the habbit of taking a bit of apple when you ask him to open his mouth, this will also encourage a wet mouth.