Problem getting pony bridled

Question

My 13.2 hh 12 yr old gelding is causing me problems when bridling. I am 10yrs old and when I try to put the bit in he throws his head up. I have only had the pony 3 weeks and most times I can manage it with help but today was a very bad day the problem seems to be getting worse. His previous owner was a girl but she got her mum and dad to bridle him. My parents don't know how to bridle but they do try to help by holding his head down but he still doesn't want to take the bit. Has anyone any tips on getting my pony to take the bit without fighting with him?

Answer 1

Your pony is messing with you.  If you know where his pol is you are on your way to teaching him his manners.  Remember though that the previous owner and her parents may not have been careful when bridling this pony and he may have some fears concerning that hard thing going in his mouth.  If you don't understand take a clean pencil and stick it between your theeth like a bit in a horses mouth.  Now tap one side then tap harder.  That's how it feels in a horses mouth.  Now take that pencil and tap the side on your teeth.  Feel good?  Not to the horse.

Step one go to your pony with out anything in your hands.  You won't be bridling yet.  Set your hand on his head between his ears.  That bony area is his pol.  press gently on his head and when you feel the least bit of give let up and praise him.  Now do it again and the very secong he lowers his head stop pushing and praise him.  this will take awhile and a few days.  Spend about 3or 4 minutes doing this then walk away.  When he will lower his head to the lowest comfortable level for you to bridle him its time to start saking him out with the bridle.  It's important to do this even though he knows what a bridle is.  You are teaching him that you are a reasonable leader and won't hurt him.  Touch his head and have him lower his head and praise him.  put the bridle up by his head and rub it around his head and ears.  Don't let him pull away.  If he does step back and start all over again.

If he is lowering his head and letting you drag the bridle over his head it's time to present the bit to him.  cue to lower the head hold the bit in one hand and the bridle in the other.  If he lifts his head simply step back and cue him to lower his head again.  Be calm and careful make sure when you put the bit in his house that you pull the bridle up slowly and carefully.  Once the bit is in the pony's mouth don't losen the tension on the bridle so that the bit slips around as this will knock it aginst his teeth.  You know now how that feels.  get the bridle on and as soon as you do take it off and remove it carefully.  Your pony will wonder what that is all about.  Praise and brush.  Do this several times and lengthen the amount of time the bridle is in.  When he lowers his head and takes the bit and has had the bridle in for a few minutes its time to ride.  Have someone check your handling of the reins to make sure that you aren't making him uncomfortable.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Rub something yummy on the bit, like applesauce or peppermints or something. Then stand on the left side of your pony's head, facing forward. Put your right arm around his nose and hold onto the middle of the bridle like this http://z.about.com/d/horses/1/0/k/1/brid...

Use your left hand to guide the bit into the pony's mouth while lifting a little with your right hand (leave your arm touching the top of your pony's nose). Once the bit is in, get the bridle over your pony's ears quickly before he spits it out. It just takes practice, but once you figure out how to keep his head down with one hand while bridling with the other, you should be fine. Find someone to help you until then. If he learns he can get away with it, it will only be more difficult in the future.

Answer 3

i had the same problem with my new pony, i would get his teeth checked first, then i got a treat and held in my hand under the bit and as he ate the treat the bit went straight in her mouth, did not need to do it for long as now she allows me to put the bridle on with no problems.  good luck