I have a 2yr old Quarter horse. He is a bitter. How do I open his mouth to take a bit safely?

Question

My horse is not gilded just yet.. but well on his way. I have had him for a week now. I have sadled him and rode him. I have had the bit in his mouth meny times but now it seem to be a big fight to get him to open willing for the bit. Once the bit is in he is a totaly differnt horse. I was wondering if there was a easier way to open his mouth (with out him bitting me)? Once I get the bit in how long should I leave it in. Normaly I will take the bit out once I have worked him. Should I leave the bit in for a longer pirod of time seeing how is resisting the bit now. If so, how long?

Answer 1

I found that most of the male horses that I had problem biting before actually took the bit rather nicely after castration.

I like to leave the bit in for the first 10-15 rides with no use at all. I'll place the bridle and bit under my halter or hackamore and ride only using this, without touching the bit. Also flex-ion exercises work really well with getting your horse use to the bit.

Also, when I go to put the bridle on I already have my horse's trained to lower their head by applying slight pressure to the poll. This way they cannot raise their head to avoid the bit.

Keep in mind your horse is only 2. I normally don't even think about placing them and using a bit fully until they've had 30 days riding on them. Since your horse just turned 2 I would wait to ride him until the end of winter to early spring NEXT year, after you have castrated him.

The first 30 rides are the most important, and I'd hate for his hormones to get in the way of him thinking and being trained correctly. What you mess up in those 30 days could take twice as long to fix.

Answer 2

Okay, first off, you should NOT ride a two year old. Their bodies are not developed yet. I don't care about the whole 'Quarter Horses mature faster argument' - it's B.S.

Please, read this article:

http://www.equinestudies.org/knowledge_b...

Answer 3

when you hold the bridle up to put the bit in, with clean hands put your thumb into his mouth where the bit sits, there are no teeth there for him to bite you, he should open his mouth and pop the bit in, make sure you do this calmly and praise him after.

you could also try using bit kinder wipes, they come in mint/apple flavors, just wipe one over the bit first it's help encourage him to take the bit.

xx