Problems taking the bit

deej · 05-22-2007, 06:54 PM

Hi guys,

I am new here and have a question. I have had my horse about 3 weeks and he is such a PIA taking his bit. He will put his head way up and then not let me get it in his mouth. It's a fight everytime. I have tried rubbing molasses on the bit but no go. Any ideas? I don't want a fight everytime I want to ride.
Thanks!

**beth55051** · 05-22-2007, 07:01 PM

Teach him to lower his head on comand. Start out by laying your hand on his poll and putting slight pressure on it. Immediatly release the pressure as soon as he starts to think about dropping his head. Do this over and over until his head is nice and low consistently. Be patient and do baby steps and be sure to immediatly release.

Then once he will drop his head reliably for you offer him the bit, don't fight. If he raises his head ask him to drop it. When you do get to the point of putting the bit in his mouth be very, very gentle about it. Chances are he's afraid you might bang it into his teeth which is very painful.

Also make sure that his teeth are good, no sharp points or wolf teeth that can make carrying a bit painful. Make sure the bit fits and is comfortable for him. Horses all have different shaped mouths and the bit that may work for one, may be very uncomfortable for another.

In the meantime until you fix/figure out why he's so bad you may want to switch to a hackamore, bosal or ride him in a rope halter.

sswtness75 · 05-22-2007, 07:03 PM

Have you had his teeth checked? You could also work on getting him to lower his head for you with poll pressure.

deej · 05-22-2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks Beth and sweetness. I have worked with him on lowering his head but as soon as I bring the bit to his mouth, it's on! I have been thinking of riding him in a hackamore.

I am trying to get the vet out to check his teeth because he gave me a fit last weekend. I think it's the bit. I know nothing about them. The lady who had him before me rode him in a Dee ring snaffle but I didn't have one so I have been riding him in a reinmaster shank snaffle. I think it's a wonder bit. He tried to buck me off at the end of the ride last weekend and he almost succeeded. I hope it's his teeth. He is such a good horse so far.

instigatorkate · 05-22-2007, 07:22 PM

Hmmm, did the old owner have the same prob?? That will give you some clues as to whether it stems from pain (happened w/ old owner too), a new bit/bridle (happened when you started riding him w/ it), or possibly just a lack of respect for you on the ground (No problem for the old owner, who maybe had more respect).

I've had 2 methods work for my horses (kind of joking).

With my baby, who's very treat-oriented, I started with offering a small treat at the same time I put the bit it. Held bridle in my right hand, and treat and bit in the left, and as he went to take treat, slipped the bit in and gave treat at same time. As time has gone on, I've been able to bridle him and give a treat later, and he's still very good. Stands still, lowers his head, and opens his mouth when I ask.

Now, my other horse was never hard to bridle, but when my dad exercised him for me for 1 semester while I was in college, he was very clumsy with the bit and undoubtedly clanked him in the teeth more than once. Ol' Gator's such a good boy, he took to lowering his head and opening his mouth very wide and tucking his lips around his teeth to let my dad bridle him. Still does it to this day (6 years later). I use it as a lithmus test to whether he wants to be ridden or not. When he's not in a good mood--maybe once a month, he won't open his mouth, so I keep it brief or just do some ground work.

Is it the bit, or does he resent his ears being touched??? There's a couple of training headstalls on the market where you can unsnap the bit on one side so you don't have to tuck ears under.

Definitely make sure the bit or his teeth aren't causing him pain. The best cure is to have someone calm and competent work with him, so you know there will be no teeth-clanging going on. Consider switching bits, or maybe switch to a hackamore for awhile if that's a safe option for you.

babycakes · 05-22-2007, 07:29 PM

I used to have the same problem.

In the beginning he would take the bit, a plain metal D-ring snaffle. Then after some time he didn't want it anymore. I then tried a happy mouth snaffle, which is a plastic bit that's supposed to be apple flavored

Now he drops his head and looks for the bit. My thinking was that he just didn't like the feel of the metal bit in his mouth.

Have his teeth checked and then go from there. In the meantime I would also teach him to lower his head. It's a nice thing for them to do, especially when you're short

Mule Fool · 05-22-2007, 08:37 PM

My mule didn't like being bridled when I got her. I broke it down into really small steps. First I taught her to lower her head. But like yours, the minute I brought the headstall up she would raise it. I started with just getting her to keep it low while I just held it in front of her face. And then I built on that in small increments. I kept things real calm and low key. When she actually got it in her mouth, I'd give a small treat. Then I would take it off and walk away. Sometimes I'd ride, sometimes not, so she never knew if it meant she would be riding. But also, you mentioned using a shanked snaffle on her when she was used to a d ring. The shanked snaffle is a leverage bit with a whole different action than a regular snaffle. The leverage can scare a horse is they aren't used to it.

deej · 05-23-2007, 08:36 AM

Thanks guys. I am going to work with him and also change his bit. That was stupid of me and I paid 86 bucks for that stupid bit.

Nynx · 05-23-2007, 09:32 AM

Yes, I agree with the above posts.

I bribe my horse to bit him, but first had to rule out any dental problems. Getting them to lower their big heads on cue is smart too, but you'd have to be more patient than me.

My little Pavlov's horse starts drooling when he sees a bit now!

I'd rather bribe than fight, so I don't know if I'm winning the battle, the war or neither, but I don't care!

deej · 05-23-2007, 12:32 PM

He loves treats and you can tell it!

I have the vet coming in on tuesday. YAY!

deej · 05-23-2007, 07:04 PM

Well this is great! My 17 year old daughter went to ride today and the horse freaked out at the bridle, reared up, broke the hook from the barn and fell on his back!!!

He is okay, just scraped his nose a little.

this is absolutely horrible. I cannot believe he is acting this way because he is such a good horse otherwise. The trainer at the barn saw it happen so I called him this evening. He was working a horse and is supposed to call me back later tonight. I think I am going to give him to the trainer for a month.

I am so disappointed.

sugarsgal · 05-23-2007, 11:09 PM

I had the same issue with Sugar. She didn't like to be bitted then once one her back, she thrashed and shook her head like the bit was killing her. I put the hackamore on her and she rode like a dream.

Now I would like to show her some day, maybe next year as she needs more under-saddle training. I was told to disinfect her bit with mouthwash to clean her bit and to my surprise she "LOVED" the mint flavoured bit

Since the Happy mouth bits are apple flavoured I had to go with it. It's a poly-resin plastic mouth piece that tastes like apples and is easy on a soft mouthed horse. She seems to like it too.

My trainer did also did ground work and lots of it with the bit in her mouth and the lunge line attached to the halter not the bridle.

Have you tried a Hackamore/bitless bridle??

gingerfleguel · 05-23-2007, 11:13 PM

I am going to guess that there is a teeth issue here.....but in the mean time while your waiting on vet...I have a friend that is also waiting on a vet to come and file down her horses teeth and she WILL NOT take the bit...same thing...raises her head and absolutely refuses.....We simply stick her in the trailer...where its low enought that she cant get her head up high and work on her in the trailer for a few minutes...keep taking it in and taking it out.

deej · 05-24-2007, 09:02 AM

Man. That makes me feel a little better. I felt so sorry for the guy.

I am going to wait to ride again until we get his teeth checked.

Where did you get the "happy mouth" bit? I can't find one!!!

babycakes · 05-24-2007, 09:38 AM

http://www.doversaddlery.com/happy-mouth/c/1464/c2c/sc/

I believe that stateline take has the also

The apple flavor or scent wears off. But it is still a mild bit, my horse prefers it over the metal. It also doesn't get cold in the cold weather like a metal bit would.

The only downfall to the bit is that the horses have a tendency to chew on them therefore you may have to replace them, opposed to a metal bit that will last a a really long time.

deej · 05-24-2007, 03:40 PM

Thanks! I am ordering one tomorrow since it's payday.

sugarsgal · 05-24-2007, 08:05 PM

It's well woth the money spent, for sure

deej · 05-26-2007, 09:52 PM

update: i didn't get the happy mouth bit since i needed one today to work with nugget. i bought the Dee ring snaffle bit and molasses.

Today, I tied him up securely in the indoor arena away from all the other horses being tacked up on the porch and away from all the people and commotion. I gave him treats and molasses from my hand. He loved the molasses and was licking it off my hand. i then put the bit in my hand with the molasses and he started licking the bit. Then I was petting his head and muzzle and just stuck my finger in the side of his mouth. Well he freaked again!!! He pulled back and when he realized he was tied, he really freaked and pulled the post out of the ground.

I got him calmed down and he was shaking. I then walked him around the barn several times and just hung out with him. I made my husband and cousin leave while I worked with him again in the arena.

I didn't tie him up this time because when he jerked from my finger before, it freaked him out I think because he was tied. I closed the door to the arena and was in there by myself with him untied. I used the molasses again and let him lick my hands. I massaged him down a little to get him to relax. I brought my finger to his mouth again. he freaked a little but nothing like he did before. I made him give his head and he bowed it down beside of me being submissive. I tried again to put my finger in the side of his mouth and he let me. I immediately took it out and gave him a treat. This went on for about 15 minutes. In. out. treat. I then worked with the bit by putting my thumb in the side of his mouth and opening for the bit. We worked on this for about 45 minutes until I finally got it in and he was relaxed. He was perfect once it was in his mouth!!!!!

I think maybe someone boinked his front teeth and it hurt him. He was trying to be good and do what I asked him but he was truley afraid, but in the end he did just what I wanted.

I also worked with him in the ring to just relax. Since he is a reining horse he is very touchy and high strung. I walked him and he began to relax and drop his head. when he started doing this I walked him over to the pond and just sat on him while I talked to my friends. He eventually learned to relaxed to where I just put the reins down at the saddle horn and he just stood there with his head down.

He did much better with this new bit!!! Does anyone want a reinmaster wonder bit? I paid 86 bucks for it but will take 1/2 that.

Thanks for all your help guys. You are great!!!

05-22-2007, 06:54 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Problems taking the bit Hi guys, I am new here and have a question. I have had my horse about 3 weeks and he is such a PIA taking his bit. He will put his head way up and then not let me get it in his mouth. It's a fight everytime. I have tried rubbing molasses on the bit but no go. Any ideas? I don't want a fight everytime I want to ride. Thanks!

05-22-2007, 07:01 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,870	Teach him to lower his head on comand. Start out by laying your hand on his poll and putting slight pressure on it. Immediatly release the pressure as soon as he starts to think about dropping his head. Do this over and over until his head is nice and low consistently. Be patient and do baby steps and be sure to immediatly release. Then once he will drop his head reliably for you offer him the bit, don't fight. If he raises his head ask him to drop it. When you do get to the point of putting the bit in his mouth be very, very gentle about it. Chances are he's afraid you might bang it into his teeth which is very painful. Also make sure that his teeth are good, no sharp points or wolf teeth that can make carrying a bit painful. Make sure the bit fits and is comfortable for him. Horses all have different shaped mouths and the bit that may work for one, may be very uncomfortable for another. In the meantime until you fix/figure out why he's so bad you may want to switch to a hackamore, bosal or ride him in a rope halter. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

05-22-2007, 07:03 PM
sswtness75 Started Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,136	Have you had his teeth checked? You could also work on getting him to lower his head for you with poll pressure. __________________ Don't say it's a fine morning or I'll shoot ya! John Wayne

05-22-2007, 07:06 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Thanks Beth and sweetness. I have worked with him on lowering his head but as soon as I bring the bit to his mouth, it's on! I have been thinking of riding him in a hackamore. I am trying to get the vet out to check his teeth because he gave me a fit last weekend. I think it's the bit. I know nothing about them. The lady who had him before me rode him in a Dee ring snaffle but I didn't have one so I have been riding him in a reinmaster shank snaffle. I think it's a wonder bit. He tried to buck me off at the end of the ride last weekend and he almost succeeded. I hope it's his teeth. He is such a good horse so far.

05-22-2007, 07:22 PM
instigatorkate Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,197	Hmmm, did the old owner have the same prob?? That will give you some clues as to whether it stems from pain (happened w/ old owner too), a new bit/bridle (happened when you started riding him w/ it), or possibly just a lack of respect for you on the ground (No problem for the old owner, who maybe had more respect). I've had 2 methods work for my horses (kind of joking). With my baby, who's very treat-oriented, I started with offering a small treat at the same time I put the bit it. Held bridle in my right hand, and treat and bit in the left, and as he went to take treat, slipped the bit in and gave treat at same time. As time has gone on, I've been able to bridle him and give a treat later, and he's still very good. Stands still, lowers his head, and opens his mouth when I ask. Now, my other horse was never hard to bridle, but when my dad exercised him for me for 1 semester while I was in college, he was very clumsy with the bit and undoubtedly clanked him in the teeth more than once. Ol' Gator's such a good boy, he took to lowering his head and opening his mouth very wide and tucking his lips around his teeth to let my dad bridle him. Still does it to this day (6 years later). I use it as a lithmus test to whether he wants to be ridden or not. When he's not in a good mood--maybe once a month, he won't open his mouth, so I keep it brief or just do some ground work. Is it the bit, or does he resent his ears being touched??? There's a couple of training headstalls on the market where you can unsnap the bit on one side so you don't have to tuck ears under. Definitely make sure the bit or his teeth aren't causing him pain. The best cure is to have someone calm and competent work with him, so you know there will be no teeth-clanging going on. Consider switching bits, or maybe switch to a hackamore for awhile if that's a safe option for you.

05-22-2007, 07:29 PM
babycakes Coming two Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,586	I used to have the same problem. In the beginning he would take the bit, a plain metal D-ring snaffle. Then after some time he didn't want it anymore. I then tried a happy mouth snaffle, which is a plastic bit that's supposed to be apple flavored Now he drops his head and looks for the bit. My thinking was that he just didn't like the feel of the metal bit in his mouth. Have his teeth checked and then go from there. In the meantime I would also teach him to lower his head. It's a nice thing for them to do, especially when you're short __________________ Jena <3

05-22-2007, 08:37 PM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	My mule didn't like being bridled when I got her. I broke it down into really small steps. First I taught her to lower her head. But like yours, the minute I brought the headstall up she would raise it. I started with just getting her to keep it low while I just held it in front of her face. And then I built on that in small increments. I kept things real calm and low key. When she actually got it in her mouth, I'd give a small treat. Then I would take it off and walk away. Sometimes I'd ride, sometimes not, so she never knew if it meant she would be riding. But also, you mentioned using a shanked snaffle on her when she was used to a d ring. The shanked snaffle is a leverage bit with a whole different action than a regular snaffle. The leverage can scare a horse is they aren't used to it.

05-23-2007, 08:36 AM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Thanks guys. I am going to work with him and also change his bit. That was stupid of me and I paid 86 bucks for that stupid bit.

05-23-2007, 09:32 AM
Nynx Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 600	Yes, I agree with the above posts. I bribe my horse to bit him, but first had to rule out any dental problems. Getting them to lower their big heads on cue is smart too, but you'd have to be more patient than me. My little Pavlov's horse starts drooling when he sees a bit now! I'd rather bribe than fight, so I don't know if I'm winning the battle, the war or neither, but I don't care! __________________ ~:>

05-23-2007, 12:32 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	He loves treats and you can tell it! I have the vet coming in on tuesday. YAY!

05-23-2007, 07:04 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Well this is great! My 17 year old daughter went to ride today and the horse freaked out at the bridle, reared up, broke the hook from the barn and fell on his back!!! He is okay, just scraped his nose a little. this is absolutely horrible. I cannot believe he is acting this way because he is such a good horse otherwise. The trainer at the barn saw it happen so I called him this evening. He was working a horse and is supposed to call me back later tonight. I think I am going to give him to the trainer for a month. I am so disappointed.

05-23-2007, 11:09 PM
sugarsgal Started Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,727	I had the same issue with Sugar. She didn't like to be bitted then once one her back, she thrashed and shook her head like the bit was killing her. I put the hackamore on her and she rode like a dream. Now I would like to show her some day, maybe next year as she needs more under-saddle training. I was told to disinfect her bit with mouthwash to clean her bit and to my surprise she "LOVED" the mint flavoured bit Since the Happy mouth bits are apple flavoured I had to go with it. It's a poly-resin plastic mouth piece that tastes like apples and is easy on a soft mouthed horse. She seems to like it too. My trainer did also did ground work and lots of it with the bit in her mouth and the lunge line attached to the halter not the bridle. Have you tried a Hackamore/bitless bridle?? __________________ There is no such thing as an Ignorant horse, there are only Ignorant people!

05-23-2007, 11:13 PM
gingerfleguel Kid Safe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ottawa Posts: 5,494	I am going to guess that there is a teeth issue here.....but in the mean time while your waiting on vet...I have a friend that is also waiting on a vet to come and file down her horses teeth and she WILL NOT take the bit...same thing...raises her head and absolutely refuses.....We simply stick her in the trailer...where its low enought that she cant get her head up high and work on her in the trailer for a few minutes...keep taking it in and taking it out.

05-24-2007, 09:02 AM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Man. That makes me feel a little better. I felt so sorry for the guy. I am going to wait to ride again until we get his teeth checked. Where did you get the "happy mouth" bit? I can't find one!!!

05-24-2007, 09:38 AM
babycakes Coming two Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,586	http://www.doversaddlery.com/happy-mouth/c/1464/c2c/sc/ I believe that stateline take has the also The apple flavor or scent wears off. But it is still a mild bit, my horse prefers it over the metal. It also doesn't get cold in the cold weather like a metal bit would. The only downfall to the bit is that the horses have a tendency to chew on them therefore you may have to replace them, opposed to a metal bit that will last a a really long time. __________________ Jena <3

05-24-2007, 03:40 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Thanks! I am ordering one tomorrow since it's payday.

05-24-2007, 08:05 PM
sugarsgal Started Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,727	It's well woth the money spent, for sure __________________ There is no such thing as an Ignorant horse, there are only Ignorant people!

05-26-2007, 09:52 PM
deej Weanling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: NC Posts: 327	Update - Warning - Long update: i didn't get the happy mouth bit since i needed one today to work with nugget. i bought the Dee ring snaffle bit and molasses. Today, I tied him up securely in the indoor arena away from all the other horses being tacked up on the porch and away from all the people and commotion. I gave him treats and molasses from my hand. He loved the molasses and was licking it off my hand. i then put the bit in my hand with the molasses and he started licking the bit. Then I was petting his head and muzzle and just stuck my finger in the side of his mouth. Well he freaked again!!! He pulled back and when he realized he was tied, he really freaked and pulled the post out of the ground. I got him calmed down and he was shaking. I then walked him around the barn several times and just hung out with him. I made my husband and cousin leave while I worked with him again in the arena. I didn't tie him up this time because when he jerked from my finger before, it freaked him out I think because he was tied. I closed the door to the arena and was in there by myself with him untied. I used the molasses again and let him lick my hands. I massaged him down a little to get him to relax. I brought my finger to his mouth again. he freaked a little but nothing like he did before. I made him give his head and he bowed it down beside of me being submissive. I tried again to put my finger in the side of his mouth and he let me. I immediately took it out and gave him a treat. This went on for about 15 minutes. In. out. treat. I then worked with the bit by putting my thumb in the side of his mouth and opening for the bit. We worked on this for about 45 minutes until I finally got it in and he was relaxed. He was perfect once it was in his mouth!!!!! I think maybe someone boinked his front teeth and it hurt him. He was trying to be good and do what I asked him but he was truley afraid, but in the end he did just what I wanted. I also worked with him in the ring to just relax. Since he is a reining horse he is very touchy and high strung. I walked him and he began to relax and drop his head. when he started doing this I walked him over to the pond and just sat on him while I talked to my friends. He eventually learned to relaxed to where I just put the reins down at the saddle horn and he just stood there with his head down. He did much better with this new bit!!! Does anyone want a reinmaster wonder bit? I paid 86 bucks for it but will take 1/2 that. Thanks for all your help guys. You are great!!!