How can I get my horse on the bit??

Question

my instructor told me to wiggle my fingers until it happens but that isnt working. Every once in a while i get it but she always throws her head up after like 1 step, i dont have alot of experience with that kind of stuff, i'm just getting started with dressage and i'm not having very much luck with it!!!

Answer 1

Every time u come around your horse, do that same thing.  Stick your finger in his mouth and it around all the time, getting him used to that. When you are actually attemting to put the bit in his mouth, hold the headstall with your right hand and have your right arm draped over his poll, keeping his head down.  With your left hand, wiggle your finger in his mouth and then motion the bit into his mouth.  A helpful hint: Make sure the headstall is let out enough for him so it's not to tight on him...not that it has to do with your problem.  You may also want to stand on a stool or mounting block so you can keep your arm over his neck.  Good luck and i hope i helped!!

Answer 2

get a new instructor - wiggling your fingers makes you a hansy rider and your horse will eventually have  ahard mouth possibly from you wiggling your fingers... get a new trainer who trains  

Answer 3

Choose the correct bit for your horse. The mildest bit can cause extreme discomfort if used by a heavy handed rider. Take the temperament of the horse into consideration as well--a stubborn horse may need a more severe bit.

Push your horse into the bit by applying pressure with your legs. Apply pressure to the horse's hind end so that his hocks engage and you feel as if the momentum is in front of his legs.

Ask your horse to drop his head by squeezing the reins in both hands. This will put pressure on the bit and cause him to bring his head down parallel with his nose tipped out slightly.

Reward your horse by releasing pressure on the reins. As soon as your horse does what's asked of him release the pressure.

Practice turning right by gripping the reins with your right hand only. Work on turning left by gripping the reins with your left hand.

Switch up what you ask your horse to do, work on figure-eights and serpentines. Practice as many things as you desire but keep him going at a forward pace.

Leg your horse forward if you begin to feel him go below, above or behind the bit. Don't pull with the reins, keep your hands still and avoid gripping the reins too hard--just apply pressure with your legs.

Answer 4

Cover the bit in honey it works i do that all the time with my horse Scout

Answer 5

I don't do dressage but i think it is just amazing. but i do have the same problem with my horse. try squeezing with your knee and leg as you trot to move your horse into the bit.

good luck!

          hope i helped!

Answer 6

Be sure it is the right size......if it is, be calm and very patient.  I use to let my young horses smell the bit and taste it,  just to let them know it wasn't going to bite them!!!  Good luck....

Answer 7

One way is to put ur arm over her head and in between her ears your hand and then hold the top there.  you get the bit in by sticking ur finger in her mouth at the side where the top lip and bottom lip turn into her cheek.  It ALWAYS works for my four horses - 2 mares, and 2 guys