The 'bit'??!???!??!?!?!?!? HELP?

Question

What is the best way to get a young NOT trained horse on the bit, all she does is lose her temper and start yankiing the reigns outta my hands! she is teathing does this matter or can i still try to get her on the bit. She is very strong and shes got no control thats why i feel getting her on the bit while riding will help.

Thanks xx

Answer 1

Try a training bit first

Answer 2

I'm not an expert but I just started breaking my colt and I bought a French Training Snaffle.  It has a center piece that allows you to use one side of the mouth without hindering the other side.  I work him in small circles to get used to the feel of the bit and that way he knows what is expected of him.  Sometimes when horses toss their heads and get mad it means they are confused.  Don't worry so much about getting your green horse on the bit, worry more about her understanding that when pressure is applied she needs to move away from that pressure.  Even just working the reins from on the ground will help.

Answer 3

you will need to lunge her with side reins fr quite sometime.

i would then ride her and persist with riding her forward and onto the bit but if you are really struggling you may want to attach some running reins aswell this will help you both, make sure that the horse is really forward going before you attempt to ride into an outline and as soon as she rounds her neck give give give try and encourage her to stretch right down nose to floor at first then gradually you can start riding her into an outline more and more . try and do lots of 10 meter circles changing the rein and figures of eight get her working off your legs well and truly good, be careful that you don't overbend her good luck and keep praticing you'll get there in the end you just need to tolerate her a bit more.

Answer 4

Well it takes a lot of patience and time. I would suggest coating the bit with molasses when you try to put it in because then she will want to take it. Next just let her stand in in for 15 min a day until you feel she can start to be led in it for 15 min (don't rush this). Next I would get her to learn brakes (most important) by leading her with her bit and bridle on and when you want her to stop act like you would if you were on here and give a short deep whoa. Do that until she does it right away. Then work on steering from the ground, when you pull on the rein do it slightly with a very light hand and at the same time flex her head to the side you are pulling so that she learns what you want. Then I would say get on in an arena and practice.

Another option would be to forget the bit completely and get a bitless bridle ( I would recommend Dr. Cooks bitless bridles because there is no danger of harming the horse like their is with a hackamore.). I have a draft cross (percheron/appy) that I ride in one and he does amazing. the website is bitlessbridles.com if you want to check it out. This bitless bridle is so much gentler on the horse and you can never lose control by the horse "stealing the bit" when you ride. Plus if you aren't happy with it you can send it back within 30 days for a full refund.

Answer 5

Well My friend has grain that they love or like a little treat that they enjoy in her hand and as you put the bit in give her te grain or treats.

Hope this helps did 4 me!

Bye

Answer 6

well get a bit attacjed to a headcollar i.e a training bit stick her in the stable for a few hours and see how she gets on?!!

Answer 7

I've always started young horses in a bosal. I never tried to bit them until they were proficient in the bosal at all gaits, backing, etc.  When I started bitting them, I used a rubber mouth colt bit and let them wear it while longeing before using it on a ride.  I used molasses on the bit to make it more pleasant.  When the horse was able to be ridden in the colt bit, giving to it in both directions at the walk and trot, I would switch to a full cheek snaffle.  At any time, if the horse started throwing his head, etc. I'd go back to the colt bit, or even to the bosal to reinforce the original training.  I always went back when there was a problem...I never advanced to harsher bits, devices like martingales, etc. My horses were trained in western pleasure and horsemanship using both cowboy technique and basic dressage.  Many were advanced into varieties of disciplines, both western and english.

Answer 8

I've always started my horses with a training bit that has a rubber mouth.  It is easier on the young horse's mouth.  I put the bit in the mouth and turn the horse back out into a small paddock to wear for a couple of hours at a time.  I do this for a few days before I attach any reins.

Once I start actually riding, any time the horse gives me its head in the direction I pull the reins, I release the pressure.  I usually start by just sitting on the horses back and working the head to the left and right before I actually start asking the horse to move forward.

Take it slow and easy and don't panic if the horse throws her head some.  Carry a crop and if she throws her head back in your direction, smack her on the top of her head between the ears....not hard, just enough to get her attention and let her know that motion is not acceptable.

If you can get a friend to ride an experienced horse while you ride the untrained horse, it may help.  I train mine that way and haven't had much trouble.

Good luck!

Answer 9

drop your hands to show the horse where you want it's head - as soon as it drops its head then soften your contact.  you can be pretty tough with this method - my trainer has had me hanging onto the saddle cloth to keep my hands down and a really firm contact - but you must relent when they pop their head down as they must learn it is comfier to have their head in the correct place than up in the air.

Answer 10

If she is teething you should not have a bit in her mouth!!!!! It is causeing her pain!!!!!!! Try a sidepull, or a halter until her teeth are done!!!!!

Answer 11

make sure she is wearing a nice bit such as a D RING or a full cheek and try getting either a happy mouth bit or a hollow mouth their more inviting for the horse...all other bits are nonsense and there is no need for them. if you want to know how to get her on the bit i posted a comment on a similar question that will most certinaly answer your question so check it out! :D

Answer 12

I'd check the teeth first!

Whether they need done or not, use a sidepull! these are handy tools to teach give before ever using a bit. they are great to go back to for reminding session or use on the trail. You only need soft hands and can still use English style rein aids. :-) I've been very impressed with this training id. You can even add a bit to it to make the transition to a bit. You don't need a bit to be "on the bit".   There;s much more to it than head position, especially with a young horse.

GL

Answer 13

What bit are you using?

Answer 14

How old is she, and have you ever broke/ trained a horse before. She is like a young child, you have to be patient. You can't just throw a bit in her mouth. If you don't have the experiance, then find someone who does. And gentle break her, because the worse to do is breaking her spirit.

Answer 15

Teething is painful. Putting a bit in the mouth of a teething horse is not going to help her learn anything other than that a bit is painful. Being young and not understanding what's up will cause her to fight you. She needs to spend more time on ground work, learn respect for you and learn what cues mean before you try and put her on the bit. Once she's in saddle work, save putting her on the bit for when she's learned how to carry you well and is balanced with good forward motion. And then you want her as light as possible and as responsive as possible, so your "bit" work should be very clear and judiciously applied...the bit gives you cruise control, not damage control.

Answer 16

get some treats in your hands close your hand and let her try to get them so you have a close contact to her mouth then just delicately puh the bit in and if that doesnt work try stroking her and playing with her mane or something...

Answer 17

You mean putting a bit in their mouth?

We have a 2 year old filly and she loves putting in bits (No joke) What you do is get a bit WITHOUT the bridle. Put some honey on it so they'll want to put it in their mouth. They should get used to it. Once they do, start reducing the honey amount

Only do this about once everyday or every other day. The sugar isn't too good for them.

Now once their comfty with the bit you should be able to slip the bridle on.

Keep doing the honey trick until you can ride her WITH bit contact.