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  Discussion on Tips on Bridling
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Member:
Lhenning

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 1:42 pm:

Last night my four-year old quarter horse threw a huge tissy fit over taking his bit. I tried several approaches and finally after two hours got him to take it. I was afraid if I stopped he'd never take one again! I think the problem is I tend to bump his teeth which causes him to throw his head up high in avoidance. I hold the bit against his lips, but often when he opens them I am touching his lower teeth. He can be a stinker about opening his mouth and will clamp it shut, then toss his head up high and get away from the bit. He does not care if I stick my thumb against his tongue. Someone told me to press my thumbnail against his gum but that only causes him to throw his head up. I am fairly short, so it is difficult for me to follow his head so he avoids the bit and thus, he wins. Any advice?
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 9:53 pm:

Linda from what I can gather this sounds like it's a new problem with your guy....Until Dr. O writes back you should consider that it might possibly be a dental problem that he has recently developed or perhaps it's time to float his teeth?

Another consideration could be since it's winter, perhaps it is a simple as the bit being cold? Try warming it in your hand or you can purchase a simple bit warmer at a local tack shops for a few dollars.

I am only 5'2 so when tacking up tall horses I have found using a mounting block is always helpful.

A gentle index finger in the corner of my geldings mouth prompts him to open up but I would hesitate to use a finger nail on the gums like your friend suggested because if it is painful it might perpetuate the behaviour. From my experience they tend to remember things that could cause pain.

If it happens again I would start with a dental exam.

Good Luck!
Member:
Lilly

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 10:12 pm:

Linda,
Have you checked in his mouth for wolf's teeth?

Ann
Member:
Alden

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 11:37 pm:

If his teeth are healthy then look at the right eye. I was taught long ago to cover the right eye with my left hand when I pull the headstall over the right ear. I'd guess that 80% of the folks I watch bridle will drag the headstall over the right eye. I'd venture to guess his eye is more sensitive than his teeth.

Another thing to work on is a 'lower the head' cue without a bridle. Get him so he will touch the toe of your boot with his nose, and stay there, with the lightest pressure. Once that is down use the bridle but don't insert the bit, just hold it in front of his nose and get the head down to your toe again. Then touch his nose with the bit, but don't insert. Then insert and remove, etc. You get the point, break it down to little bitty baby steps.

Good day,
Alden
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 - 9:38 am:

Hello Linda,
While at 4 he is sure to have some tooth issues as new teeth come in, he IS just 4 and I suspect this is just backing up on the training front, after all most horses do it. For minor problems I insert my thumb from the hand that is holding the bit into the space between the incisors and cheek teeth and press gently on the hard palate and this almost always results in reflex opening.

If this is a fight, you need to back up a few steps teach this horse commands to relax and even perhaps learn to open his mouth on command. Some ideas on how to approach this are at, Training Horses » Training Your Horse's Mind » Modifying a Horses Behavior: Conditioned Responses.
DrO
Member:
Green007

Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 9:35 am:

I do it the same way Dr O does. You use your finger in the same manner as a tongue depressor, in the spot where there are no teeth. I have yet to have a horse not respond to this. If it is a huge problem, forget bridling for a few days and just work on getting him to open his mouth for you when you press him in the toothless spot (then praise, treat, etc when he listens). It will come in handy later, not only for bridling but also if you paste worm him or ever need to give him other oral medications.

Good luck!
Member:
Paardex

Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 3:26 pm:

Linda,
If a horse has problems with taking his bit I try putting honey on it granted it is messy but nearly every horse liked to take it within days as Im not that big either I like them to lower their head voluntarily.
Jos
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Feb 27, 2006 - 4:08 pm:

A slight twist on Jos' suggestion - and a bit less messy - offer the horse a peppermint. Have the bridle and bit properly placed, ready to go in and the peppermint in the hand that's holding the bit. The horse will naturally open his mouth for the candy, insert the bit gently and immedietely reward with the candy. Once the horse starts taking the bit easily, you can hold off on the candy until he keeps his head lowered and you can put everything in place over his ears, then reward.
Member:
Lhenning

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 1:25 pm:

These are all good suggestions. The vet comes out next month so I will have her check for tooth issues.

I do agree this may be my horse taking a step backward in training. He has been difficult all winter and as one friend put it, is trying everything in his book to get out of work. This might be another chapter he's read that I haven't! I think I'll try slowing down and working with him, as you've suggested, taking small steps and rewarding him.

As always, thanks for your help.
Linda
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