My horse has (green broke) has learnt the art of the backwards waltz. He hates the bit and unbridling is worse, he throws his head everytime and the bit bangs him in the mouth reinenforcing his dislike of the bit. It does my head in!!!
A horse that has been "started right" with good ground work is typically going to be easier than one who hasn't. One of the main goals of the ground work is to acheive a level of attentivness and obedience that make tasks like brideling and saddling possible. A horse that is ready to tack up will stand quietly and unrestrained while you bridle and saddle him.
This horse had not had any work to speak of but he is one of mine and is very at ease with me.
I would suggest removing the bit the same way I put it in only in reverse. Gently insert you thumb into the corner of his mouth opening his teeth and allow the bit to drop out of his mouth. A horse will naturally clench his teeth when he is scard or anxious so take your time. Using a non-metalic bit would help too so it dosn't bang his teeth.
My horse has (green broke) has learnt the art of the backwards waltz. He hates the bit and unbridling is worse, he throws his head everytime and the bit bangs him in the mouth reinenforcing his dislike of the bit. It does my head in!!!
Kimmyloca0 1 year ago
Dean, are they always this quiet when you first bridle them or is this an example of a colt who has been "started right" with ground work?
HartleyMom 1 year ago
A horse that has been "started right" with good ground work is typically going to be easier than one who hasn't. One of the main goals of the ground work is to acheive a level of attentivness and obedience that make tasks like brideling and saddling possible. A horse that is ready to tack up will stand quietly and unrestrained while you bridle and saddle him.
This horse had not had any work to speak of but he is one of mine and is very at ease with me.
deanjgraham 1 year ago
What do you do if your horse bites the bit [when removing it] and ends up jumping or rearing backwards?
DeathByPurpleUnicorn 1 year ago
I would suggest removing the bit the same way I put it in only in reverse. Gently insert you thumb into the corner of his mouth opening his teeth and allow the bit to drop out of his mouth. A horse will naturally clench his teeth when he is scard or anxious so take your time. Using a non-metalic bit would help too so it dosn't bang his teeth.
deanjgraham 1 year ago