How to put bridle on properly

[kusha]

Just read thread started by sugarlump (tomorrow will be..) where katie posted a reply and refers to two different ways to put on bridle.

I always thought that you put the bridle on the first way she described it by easing the bit into the mouth with your left hand etc..

What is the right way? :confused::confused::confused:

[cvb]

kusha

I had to go find the other thread to know what you were talking about. If anyone ever had suggested I use both hands for the bit and left the bridle unsupported - well I might have done it while they were there, but the way I do it keeps bridle and bit supported which means no clonking of the bit on teeth etc

and I have done up to stage 3 BHS exams (albeit some time ago) and no one ever proposed the other way...

[palmerlover52]

I do it your way, I've never heard of it being put on the other way described...I'm thinking that might be to prevent a horse being smacked in the mouth by a metal bit though?

[Method_Acting]

I do it your way normally - with one hand on the bit and the other holding the cheekpieces.

Sometimes with difficult horses I hold the bit with both hands though. I find it easier to poke a finger against their bars that way when they're not wanting to have the bit in their mouth :) especially if the horse has rubber bit guards!

[~*sugarlump*~]

i was actually going to ask this myself :p

i put reins (and martingale) over head first, then bit in left hand, holding bridle in right hand, and ease bit into mouth, then put the rest of the bridle over ears
dont know if thats the same as what everyone else does, but it means no tack trailing on the floor, and no clanking of the bit on ponys teeth :)

[go max!]

I teach mine to put their heads down to have their bridles on, it makes life so much easier. I hold the bridle out in front of them, headpiece about level with my waist, which puts the bit somewhere around my knee. They put their head down, take the bit into their mouth, and all I have to do is ease the headpiece over their ears, which is really easy as it's way down around my waist height. I can't be doing with horses that stick their heads up when you try to put on a bridle - it's too much hassle for me!!

[Carly!]

Ah, I wish I could teach my new pony to put his head down! He's always throwing his head up when you put his bridle on. Perhaps he's had some bad experiences, but I think he's just being rude! :rolleyes:

[Joyscarer]

I taught Joy to lower her head.

I did it by applying poll preasure and then releasing when she dipped her head slightly. Gradually I asked her to dip lower and lower when touching the top of her head.

After I had that sorted I would aply it to when bridling, after a couple of goes she would anticipate and lower and turn her head towards you without being asked.

You do need to be consistent though. I note that she didn't do this for her other mummy last weekend but to be fair I don't think she knew that Joy would do this so when she didn't she didn't ask for it. If Joy thinks she can get away with anything then she will :rolleyes:

[Method_Acting]

I taught Joy to lower her head.

I did it by applying poll preasure and then releasing when she dipped her head slightly. Gradually I asked her to dip lower and lower when touching the top of her head.

After I had that sorted I would aply it to when bridling, after a couple of goes she would anticipate and lower and turn her head towards you without being asked.

You do need to be consistent though. I note that she didn't do this for her other mummy last weekend but to be fair I don't think she knew that Joy would do this so when she didn't she didn't ask for it. If Joy thinks she can get away with anything then she will :rolleyes:

Oh wow I wish the college horses were taught this. It would definitely make life easier when you're trying to catch them with a bridle in the field:rolleyes:

[notpoodle]

just dont do what i did this morning and accidentally feed one of your reins through the throatlash :o i'd already been riding around for ten minutes when i noticed :rolleyes: lukcily i have a patient pony that is cool with me opening and closing buckles whilst mounted!

Julia
x

[Joyscarer]

just dont do what i did this morning and accidentally feed one of your reins through the throatlash :o i'd already been riding around for ten minutes when i noticed :rolleyes: lukcily i have a patient pony that is cool with me opening and closing buckles whilst mounted!

Julia
x

It has been known for me to do up the noseband so it is on the wrong side of the cheek strap (usually when gossiping as I can't concentrate on 2 things at once!) so you're not the only one although I haven't noticed on a couple of occasions. I'm now extra careful :rolleyes: