Mark4510
Silver Member
Jun 13, 2007, 8:48 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: [Appy] Bridling a 2 Year Old
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Hi Liz,
that can be a big topic.
If a horses teeth are bad, the bridle is too tight or too loose, the bit has sharp edges, someone was hard on the baby or has dropped the bridle out of its mouth resulting on its teeth being banged it can become resistant to taking the bit back.
If I were to guess at a solution I would start by taking a larger diametre easy bit such as a grazer or sweetwater bit with a shorter shank. take your right hand to hold the bridle and run your right arm right between its ears. With your left hand hold the bit and slid your thumb into its mouth and just wiggle it until your horse opens its mouth. Something to think about here is, if your horse pins its ears or swishes its tail at this point maybe its far enough for a while. Just practice getting to this point for a while. Once everyone is good to that point actually slide the bit into Appys mouth while pulling up on the bridle with your right hand. when the bridle is up on your horses head there should be just a slight smile wrinkle. maybe one or two lines.
When you take it off take your right hand through its ears and run it forward and SLOWLY let Appy drop the bit. Sometimes they will take a hold of it but just be patient and let them drop it.
Me gentle and easy and patient and it will happen. I guess the only other thing I would say is be confident. Not harsh or quick but just act like you know what is going on and what you expect from Appy. Its amazing how they pick up on your not being confident.
Let us know how it goes.
Mark
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How long have you been at this? Do you put the bit in and leave it in for an extended length of time? You could also try putting molasses on the bit or something that the horse likes. I have been out of the horse world for a while (raising kids) but still have friends/relatives involved and would be more than willing to ask around if you would like. Keep at it, good luck and in the end persistence will pay off.