Bitting issues

[1 morejump]

Hello all, I have a Morgan Belgian mix and for some time now we have been having big problems getting the bit in his mouth. It has gotten so bad that we have had to cancel rides. If he sees you coming with it he will try to run, one time he reared and almost fell.:(
The lady I purchased him from would put the bridle on and then undo one of the straps holding the bit up so it was hanging by one end. Then she smothered it in molasses, stuck her finger in his mouth to get him to open it and pulled it in. I think that in the process the bit may have klacked his teeth. Currently I have an O ring french bit. I am going to switch to another bit that won't pinch (maybe a problem), I'm thinking a full cheek, double jointed bit with padding on it without the leather holders on the bridle, they apple poll pressure, it is a Happy Mouth bit.

I have tried everything and I just need some kind of training program to help him get over it.

[BeachRiding]

I would try a Dr.Cook bitless, this horse sounds like he has had painful bit experiences! www.bitlessbridle.com or I can ship you mine to try if you want?

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I have actualy been to that web site and it is very intresting and I would do it but you can't show in dressage using a bridle like that ( :rolleyes: ) and we ride dressage.

[Unbridled]

I have actualy been to that web site and it is very intresting and I would do it but you can't show in dressage using a bridle like that ( :rolleyes: ) and we ride dressage.

Unfair rule, that. :mad:

I'd have to agree with WillieLove that riding bitless would be a good solution. Sugar had been hauled about by people who knew nothing in a bit almost an inch too long in her previous home and when I got her she was really antsy about the bit. She let me get the bit in, but she was obviously uncomfortable--lots of ear pinning and tail flashing. One day, out of sheer laziness more than anything, I rode her in a rope halter rather than bridling her. I noticed in the halter she seemed more relaxed, so I began looking into different types of bitless. I borrowed friends' hackamores, sidepulls, ect. and finally landed on the Dr. Cook. She loved it and I knew that was the one to buy. And now this horse who used to be so upset about being bridled--who never leaned down to the bridle or opened her mouth to the bit--actually puts her head into the Dr. Cook voluntarily. I just hold it in front of her and she lowers her head right into it--she won't even do that with a halter! I'm never putting her in a bit again. Not because I feel bits are necessarily cruel--I just know she has bad associations with them and I was to spare her that stress.

It's too bad bitless isn't an option for you. I hope you find some way to sort this out. :(

[hackedoff]

Maybe you could use a bitless as a remedial measure until the horse relaxes then re-introduce a gentler, more anatomical bit when she is ready (Mylers can work wonders with difficult to bit horses)....?

[Abi B]

I had this problem with my horse. I put squashed banana over his bit (happy mouth snaffle)and let him lick it off a few times. Then do the same but put the bit into his mouth and straight back out again, more treats and praise etc. I did this everyday for a week. Now he pricks his ears up and kicks the door at the sight of the bridle.

[1 morejump]

I had this problem with my horse. I put squashed banana over his bit (happy mouth snaffle)and let him lick it off a few times.

I am trying that too, I don't know if he likes bananas though, applesauce is his favorite. :D