Wont let her put the bridle on...

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HollyhedgePippa

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I'm posting this on behalf of my friend.

I have recently started loan a 4yo mare who is in the process of being backed. She is fine when she actually has her bridle on, however getting it on is a problem. She clamps her teeth shut and throws her head in the air. I'm taking it slow with her to get her used to the bridle but we don't seem to be progressing. I've tried playing with her tongue but she clamps her jaw shut. Any ideas?
 
I used to have to undo one cheek piece to get the bit in, try putting your finger in the side of her mouth or if all else fails you could try a wee treat. bit of an extreme reactiin tbh id be leaning towards getting teeth checked and makubg sure bit fits and not causing pain
 
Get teeth checked and advice on bit (from dentist) and then try maybe try something sweet on the bit. Also has she tried sweet iron or happy mouth? some of them just hate the cold metal.

If she has now developed a habit of shying away from bridle then try putting it onw without the bit for a while, I know that seems time consuming but its worth a try to stop it being negative
 
Mine did this! It turned out her bridle was too tight around her ears - needed a larger brow band. Much better now, but you have to stand directly in front of her when bridling. Do not know why, but it works.
 
Dummy advice: make sure it fits and isn't causing pain. Offer treats as you're bridling, she'll open her mouth for a polo, I imagine? Smother the bit in treacle or similar.

If she's clamping her mouth, have you considered going bitless? I rode in my Dually headcollar for ages while my horse was young and didn't like any bit I tried: he went really well in it.
 
all the obvious....teeth checked, make sure its comfy etc..
shes young so maybe she doesnt like the feel of the bit? she could be frightened because its still all new to her x as someone said you could go bitless, and ive heard of flavoured bits too! e.g http://www.equestrianclearance.com/ekkia/flexi-color-full-cheek-bits/index.html

(my pony did this after being in a riding school because he hated standing around in his bridle waiting for lessons....a bit random)
 
Have a look here, these are made for young horses, and horses with problems having the bridle put on, here is an email from someone who has been using one

So sorry not to have got back to you sooner. The bitless conversion for the headshy bridle arrived & it looks just great. I haven't used it on Pash yet BUT ... she went out for a two hour bush ride yesterday - her first time out on a real ride and she was absolutely perfect!! The headshy bridle was a real turning point for her. Previously it was such a struggle to get the bridle on her that, by the time she was tacked up, she was too upset to do much with. Yesterday could not have been better. Pash strolled onto the float, went out with half a dozen other horses (some known, some strangers)and an assorted pack of dogs. A kangaroo bounced out of the bush, she stepped sideways & looked. She played lead horse for part of the ride & really seemed to enjoy herself. I was so thrilled by it all I didn't get any photos but there's a local show at the end of April. Pash is going in the Novice Led Galloway & i'll be sure to send you a photo of her looking lovely in her bitless bridle.
Thanks again.
Jill
http://www.pioneerendurance.co.uk/head-shy-range/pioneer-head-shy-bridle.htm
 
What bit are you using? It could be sore for pony. Whenever I have broken horses, I started with happy mouth bits, nice and warm instead of cold steel and easy on the mouth. Just a thought?
 
Just an idea that worked for me, hold the bit in the left hand offered to the mouth, hold the headpiece between the ears with the right hand and wait, it then becomes their idea to open their mouth and accept the bit. No need to put fingers in the mouth or to create pressure on the horse, just wait remembering to breathe deeply and remain relaxed. It may not work but theres nothing to lose by trying :)
 
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