How do you get a horse to accept the bit?

Question

How do you get a horse to accept the bit?

Answer 1

ok, that one girl saying that bits are horriable... its pretty hard to take good control of your horse without a bit! lol

i had to even swich my horse to a bit in order to make her pay attention and she would not take that bit worth anything!

so this other horsewoman we know said to put your thumb in the mouth of the horse and try to get them to open it, then you place the bit in the mouth (but make sure its above their tonge;)

thats what i had to do and it worked, then the more you do it the horse will just realize they'll have to take the bit no matter what. oh, and don't worry when you put your thumb in their mouth, they most likely will not bit you! lol

really hope i helped! and good luck

-mel

RIP BARBARO

Answer 2

You really shouldn't use the bit. Did you know that the bit is one of the most cruel thingsfor a horse?? Visit www.bitlessbridle.com to find out why.

Please do so

FOR YOUR HORSES SAKE!!!!!

Answer 3

We use a headstall that has a nylon bit, just to get the horse used to having something in its mouth.  Once it accepts that, we introduce a simple broken snaffle, and work our way to what we feel is the correct bit for the horse.  If the horse doesn't take to the bit right away, we coat it with something sweet, usually a bit of molasses.

Answer 4

Do you mean for the first time or to accept the bit when ridden?

If you mean for the first time then you need to get a bit with "keys".  These are attachments that dangle from the middle of the bit to encourage the horse to play with the bit with his tongue.  As with anything involving horses, a bit should be introduced slowly and used for a short time every day.  It should never be too tight (if anything it should be a little loose) and you should not apply pressure to the bit until the horse is used to wearing it.

If you mean when ridden, the key is to have soft, but firm hands and make sure you ride the horse forward strongly with your seat and legs.  You want the horse to lower his head and move forward into your hand so you must gently encourage his head down by squeezing and releasing your inside rein - not using the "sawing-action" that you see so many people using.

I wouldn't recomend using gadgets like side-reins or draw reins unless you are experienced with them.  It may be an idea to ask your instructor to sit on the horse and demonstrate what you are looking to achieve.