sunshine100*
Well-Known Member
Hi to you all have you any advice on my 4 yr old accepting the bit? was broken in last year and turned way so reg going out hacking now but she keeps gritting teeth so bit wont go in lol!! any ideas -thanks
Youngster accepting the bit
- Thread starter sunshine100*
- Start date
Peregrine Falcon
Hoping for drier days
Assuming all the normal checks have been done since last year. I've swapped my 5yo's bit as she wasn't settled with it after saddle & teeth had been checked. She does grit her teeth together at times but I'm just patient with her, as this stage she is still young and learning. The important thing is not to rush them and end up with them being frightened.
Have you tried a different bit, perhaps she is uncomfortable with what she is in at present?
Have you tried a different bit, perhaps she is uncomfortable with what she is in at present?
Barnacle
Well-Known Member
Do you mean just when tacking up?
Put the bridle on randomly during the day and let her sit and munch hay for 30 mins and then just take the bridle off - no riding. This will stop her associating the bit with anything she's not too sure about and she should soon become more willing.
A mint given straight after the bit goes in will also make them welcome it... It's important to only give the reward AFTER the bit has been accepted though. Don't try to "bribe" her. So first few times might mean you stand there waiting - but once she's done it a couple of times and been rewarded immediately, she should be a lot more willing.
I would also, however, do as above and get teeth checked and make sure you are using a bit that is correctly sized and adjusted and preferably gentle for a youngster.
Put the bridle on randomly during the day and let her sit and munch hay for 30 mins and then just take the bridle off - no riding. This will stop her associating the bit with anything she's not too sure about and she should soon become more willing.
A mint given straight after the bit goes in will also make them welcome it... It's important to only give the reward AFTER the bit has been accepted though. Don't try to "bribe" her. So first few times might mean you stand there waiting - but once she's done it a couple of times and been rewarded immediately, she should be a lot more willing.
I would also, however, do as above and get teeth checked and make sure you are using a bit that is correctly sized and adjusted and preferably gentle for a youngster.
sunshine100*
Well-Known Member
hi all i use an eggbutt snaffle-have will pimlett-dentist early this year and she still had 2 baby teeth and sharp bits!! coming back in Oct-re saddle had saddle fitter for 1st saddle so know thats fine...
sunshine100*
Well-Known Member
what bit did you change too
Peregrine Falcon
Hoping for drier days
Flicka was in a straight bar nathe for initial training then i had her in a full cheek jointed snaffle. Tried a lozenge bit but she hated it and just kept backing off it. Now in a loose ring curved snaffle.