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Horse Behavior and Training

Best way to get a green horse to accept the bit

By:

Kdeer

Date:

2017-Mar-20 at 10:03PM

I have 2 rescue horses...brother and sister, registered paint parents (same father different mothers), both coming 5 years old. I have had the brother for a year and the sister for 6 months. They both came from a horrible situation but I now have them at a stage where they trust me and I have had a saddle on both and I feel they are ready to ride...at least that's what they are telling me....lol. They allow me to climb on them, lay on them...pretty well do anything except put the bit in. Good to lead, good with their feet, will follow me around etc.

My problem is getting them to accept the bit. Bud (has TB in him) has a very long neck and just lifts his head so I can't reach. Daisy just shakes her head continuously and does little bunny hops backwards. I do know that Daisy was beaten in the face and she has scars, physical and emotional, as a result. Right now I am just trying to get them used to me having my right hand over their nose and my left fingers in their mouths. Easy, easy....no pressure...letting them come to me. Not rushing things....it has taken me a year to get to this point so don't want to spoil it now.

Any advice on how to get them to accept the bit easier. Anything I could be doing to make it less stressful for them? I have tried molasses on the bit but it ends up all over their faces...lol.

I do not want to stress them any more than they have been in the past.

Thanks,

Lucie (france) 2017-Mar-21 at 09:28AM

Hey,
have you watched the lessons on this ? there's a couple of series that could maybe help you

The centaur series
http://www.montyrobertsuniversity.com/training/2031188689

Georgia's phobias
http://www.montyrobertsuniversity.com/training/2031188637

bahila73 2017-Mar-21 at 03:37PM

Hello, Lucy has guided you to the very place that will guide out of your struggles for bitting a horse. Please take a look-see.

Bud

JoHewittVINTA 2017-Mar-21 at 08:05PM

Hi. Welcome to the Uni. You've spent all that time & effort gaining these horses trust after they had really bad starts in life so why not go bitless? There are lots to choose from with various levels of necessity for really good hands required. However, if you dismiss that option try the following. I assume there is no issue with fitting a halter. Tie a soft rubber bit to one side of the halter. Let it dangle harmlessly until the horse relaxes. Gently put the bit to the side of his mouth so it touches the lips. Repeat until this is can be done whilst the horse remains relaxed. Then add 2 small drops of honey in the middle of the mouthpiece & touch the lips & instantly remove once the honey is transferred to the lips. Let them lick that off & repeat, again & again & again until the horse, anticipating the sweet honey, takes the bit in his/her mouth. Manually support the bit for a few seconds & then allow the horse to spit it out. This is why you need a soft rubber bit. Metal on tooth is most unpleasant. In the longterm, you may find it useful to abandon regular bridling for these 2 individuals & use the above method, bit attached on 1 side only to put on bridle & then touching it to the lips. Once in the mouth the 2nd bit ring can be clipped to the bridle with something like a robust dog lead clip. Over many years I have found it useful to have a treat accompany the bit into the mouth. Good luck. Cheers, Jo.

Kdeer 2017-Mar-30 at 06:14PM

Thanks for your comments. Yes I just purchased a soft rubber bit and will be trying this on them. I also have the dually halter so was considering riding them using this until I can either get them to accept the bit or purchase a bitless. Just back in town after a week away so will start working with them again right away.