I have seen many riders, especially “weekend warriors” trying
in vain to coax or force a bit into their horse's mouth. Usually the
result is an extremely frustrated rider, and a horse with banged teeth.
On a day when you are not going
to be actually riding, go catch your horse. Groom her, spend time with
her and love her. Take her bridle and her (on a lead rope) to a safe
area such as a corral, round pen or empty arena. With the lead laying
loose over your arm – not wrapped – face
your horse and talk to to her. Rub her face with your hand. Gently press
your fingertip on her forehead as if you are pushing a button. Keep
adding pressure until she twitches her head down, even if it's only
a millimeter. The instant she does, release the pressure and
rub her face again.
Repeat the proceedure until she willingly drops her head anytime you
'push the button'. Then stand beside her and lay your hand between her
ears like you would to bridle her
. Repeat the proceedure until she is comfortable with it. By now you
should be able to put your arm aover her head, and between her ears,
and she will drop her head.
When you feel she is confident enough with this, pick up your bridle,
and with the hand that will be guiding the bit, hold a cookie or a treat
under the bit. Ask her for her head, and offer her the bit, but don't
let her snatch the cookie without the bit. It's awkward, but with practice,
your horse will come to associate the bridle with a yummy taste, and
will reach for the bit.
And a horse that reaches for the bit, is a thrill to bridle.
Be very careful removing the bridle, as you don't want to bump the teeth,
but again, with the hand that will be guiding the bit out, simply hold
a tid-bit. She must open her mouth to get the goody, and the bit will
fall in your hand without bumping her teeth. Promptly remove the bit
from your hand while her head is down, and give her the treat. Then
she can have her head back.
Practice this as a game before feeding, grooming, hand walks, lunging,
or anything else you can think of. It works equally well for old spoiled
horses, green colts, and stubborn saddle horses. Even if you just want
to get “Ol' Paint” a bit softer to bridle, it comes in handy.
