#first bridle

[theproblempony]

Look who's growing up First bridle and did excellent :)

[blazed-chestnut]

Introducing a Bit to a Young Horse

Start by desensitizing the lips and nose by massaging and rolling the skin.

Afterwards progress to the gums and finally the bars of the mouth.

Teach the horse to consistently open their mouth to bar pressure.

Use a bridle with no brow and or noseband so there’s nothing getting in the way.

Consider putting honey or molasses on the bit for a treat and something to do.

Teach the horse to bridle themselves by having both the bit and the treat in your hand at the same time! Remember to eventually wean off the treats though.

Once you put the bit in for the first time, let them wear it for 10 mins to get a feel for it.

A happy mouth is probably the best bit to start with. Metal could bang the teeth and set you back.

Have a halter and lead rope underneath but not tied up

Advise against a full cheek or spoon snaffle. Horse may likely rub their head trying to remove the bit and you don’t want the bit getting caught in something.

A metal bit could be better though because non-metal bits are usually thick and uncomfortable. The metal will also discourage chewing on the bit.

Consider having the bit lower than usual so that the horse learns to carry the bit with their tongue

Watch for wolf teeth. They usually fall out by age 4. They would be an irritant to bits.

Consider letting the horse wear the bit around. Eat. Drink. Learn he can’t spit it out.

Work your horse using a halter and lead underneath before teaching them about pressure.

Introducing Bit Pressure

Make sure the horse has learned to carry the bit first.

Press the horse’s face near the corner of their mouth and wait for them to yield before releasing pressure. This will help the horse transition into direct contact reining.

Press the horse’s poll and wait for them to yield by lowering their head. This will help the horse understand poll pressure.

Make sure horse yields at poll and lips before putting reins on bit.

Teach the horse about bit pressure. Stand by the girth and pull the rein towards the girth until he turns his head. Pull both reins under the neck to teach the horse to put their head on the vertical and to yield to poll pressure.

Put your fingers in the bit rings and pull the bit towards the horse’s ears. Expect their head to go up but don’t release the pressure until they reach into the pressure instead!

Eventually you can teach your horse to back up. Gently wiggle the bit while giving your usual click or voice command to back up.

Refs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,