Bit Wipes- Bitting a young horse

[Libbyo]

What can I use to encourage Questy to take the bit into his mouth. Hes getting incredibly bolshy about it. Ive got in my head, bit wipes, but I dont know anything about them, except I saw some one had them on their signature line. He is wearing a snaffle type of breaking bit with copper keys.

Thanks

Libbyo :)

[CurlyWurlyRach]

does he like mints? we used to rub minty toothpaste onto the babies bits (less messy than molasses!).

[Alfies-slave]

Echo toothpaste! Also, syrup or honey, you can get it in squeezie bottles from supermarkets. Far cheaper than any wipe!

Babies get lots of sharp edges and change their teeth. If you haven't had the dentist out for a few months he could be uncomfortable in the mouth. When they are loosing/gaining teeth it is understandably painful. When a horse is teething there is not a lot you can do apart from being understanding when it comes to the mouth. I turn my youngsters away when teething, I can't see the point in working them through it.

[coss]

i DO NOT recommend bit wipes!!! I used nettex bit wipes on my copper eggbutt and in made the metal go a horrible bright orange colour :eek:, now that cannot be healthy, it is as if it reacted with the metal. i cleaned the bit with warm water for ages to get ride of the orangeness. what bit are you using at the moment? a sweet iron or copper bit may encourage your horse to take the bit as these are supposedly nicer tasting.
Put a thin slice of carrot on your hand and place the bit on top, the horse has to take the bit to get the carrot and it gives an instant reward.

[Skyhuntress]

Molasses.
Coat the bit in molasses and put it in his mouth. (I use molasses in a squeeze bottle, so it works like toothpaste)It helps to let them get used to the idea of chewing the bit and mouthing it as well :)

[coss]

the horse shouldn't chew the bit... mouth - yes but they shouldn't chew, happy mouth bits would then be highly unsuitable ;)

[Libbyo]

Right so tooth paste or syrup. Maybe honey (Ive just had an expensive experience with honey with my mare!)

Sounds like a much cheaper option than bit wipes. Oh and a slice of carrot.

I can try that.

We are also going to check his teeth in the morning as well.

I think if Im honest its partly my inexperience of bitting a youngster. My older two just yawn and take the bit.

Thanks guys.

Libbyo :)

[Ms Kitty]

I don't think we have ever put anything on the bit, we just offer the bit with a handful of oats (bit in the middle of the oats on the palm of the hand) and in they go.. :p

Nina x

[domane]

I would suggest practising desensitizing him to having the bit in his mouth. Remember, he's still new to you so you are getting to know each other... he probably doesn't know you well enough to trust you yet and you are making him wear this strange uncomfortable piece of metal! :p Have you had his teeth checked? He may be uncomfortable in his mouth... Was he bitted before you got him? He may have memories of a scary and painful episode. Practise.... put his bridle on with one of the cheek pieces undone and let him get used to having the bit around his face, Yes, coat it in something that smells nice (but is not too messy and sticky!) and "invite" him to take it....if he doesn't want to, don't force the issue. You want it to smell so delicious that he is wanting to have it in his mouth. Or put the bridle on with the bit under his chin (without the smelly-nice stuff because that would just be mean!) so he knows it's there but you are not trying to get it in his mouth, this will get him used to having it near where it should be going eventually! Take it really slowly and don't worry if you don't seem to make progress the first few times... better to take the time now and get it right than to have a headshy pony on your hands!! :) Take it slowly and gently, no sudden movements, no force, no clanking the bit in his mouth (I know, easier said than done with a nervous pony :rolleyes: )

The other option is to take away the bit altogether at the moment.... give him a chance to think about all the other new things he is going through.... perhaps try him in a Dually? Then when you know him better and he is more settled go back to trying the bit?

Good luck and keep us posted (like you wouldn't...LOL :D )

J x

[HorseWhisp3r3r]

Hello, I'd check exactly where the keys are sitting, sometimes they are too long and can knock the insides of the bottom front teeth which is very uncomfortable for any horse. How long have you used this bit for ? I would only use it a couple of times if that as it can encourage a young horse to roll its tongue and even to put his tongue over the bit which is the last thing you'd want. Copper is lovely for youngsters as its meant to be nice tasting and warm for them, apples are useful too. Hope this is helpful

[Libbyo]

The other option is to take away the bit altogether at the moment.... give him a chance to think about all the other new things he is going through.... perhaps try him in a Dually? Then when you know him better and he is more settled go back to trying the bit?

Good luck and keep us posted (like you wouldn't...LOL :D )



As if I would stay silent. So many fab tips. Thanks folks.

If I am honest in my usual enthusiasm I am trying to run before even putting my shoes on. Grrrr

I am going to try lots of these out but SLOWLY. Its down to you guys to slow me down when I go to fast. Questy is mine for life not just for now.

Dually halters. I looked at one in the robinsons catalogue yesterday and thought. I dont know about this thing. I am gunna learn.

My yard is fantastic. Lou professionally breaks horses, schools show jumps etc, but has never dealt with a fjord before, usually ponys or SJ's.

She will do the actual riding side, but I am doing much of the ground work/skills, because I want to. I know it will create a strong bond between us.

Questy came to us with the understanding that he had been bitted and ridden, together with some long reining experience. Vet has checked him and did not look at teeth as she knows I use an equine dentist. she said not to worry about them, till I had the other two checked in the summer. Im gunna get her to check them anyway when he has his second jab in a few weeks time, and Lou can do a look this morning.

His manners on the ground are brilliant when hes tied up for grooming feet etc, so I know he can do it.

Oh how can I contain my enthusiasm..........

Libbyo :)

Ps Yesterday was day one with the breaking bit. Before that was a d ring snaffle. Lou said he needed to mouth the bit and changed it yesterday.