Bitting

[1 morejump]

Hi, I recently posted this in the training forum and just thought I would put it here too just to get new/different feedback.
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. He does play the 7 games but needs a refresher course. I looked at bitless bridles and would use it, but in Dressage you aren't allowed to show in a bridle like that. ARGGH!!

[Tangle]

I haven't seen your other thread, so I'll just put down what comes to mind.....

Can you handle his head/ears/poll if you don't have a bridle around? Have his teeth been checked recently? He certainly seems to be telling you he doesn't want to wear it :(.

Does the bit fit his mouth? Were you thinking pinching the tongue or pinching his lips - either would be possible? (I'm guessing you're already thinking along these potential lines by trying something different).

If his teeth are fine, the bits suitable and he doesn't improve, it could be worth getting his back checked. I've known a horse really resist being bridled because he knew that meant the saddle ws coming and his back was sore :(. Not saying that's the problem, but could be worth investigating.

How much trust does he have in you if the bridles not around? Doing lots of ground work (could include the 7 games) would probably improve your relationship, which could only help longer term.

Good luck :) It's a difficult situation to be in :(

[claire hodgson]

I had real problems with Molly & bits - she got quite dangerous - and put her in a Dr Cooks BB. This solved the problem - in that she seems to have forgotten whatever it was had put her off in the first place, although we did have issues on contact etc - and gave me space to work on the rest of the retraining, and to think (I want to compete as well....). We still weren't 100% on brakes and steering though. this was about 6 months with nothing but the BB.

One day she broke the BB so I put the bit back in (a myler) until I got new parts for the BB.

she was much better than she had been.

She's now (touch wood, it's only been three weekends ...) hacking out in a mullen mouth snaffle..... IN addition, I am concentrating hard on what my body is doing, and trying to give aids with my seat not my hands i.e. things like transitions using seat aids, so that i can keep my fingers very very light, as I don't want to put her off again! and I probably will interchange with the BB as well...

I'd be inclined to go for a BB for now, thus enabling your horse to regain some trust that his mouth isn't going to hurt. Then see how it goes. (that is, of course, after everything physical has been checked that could be). I'd also be inclined to think about lessons (if you aren't already of ocurse, no offence intended).

[1 morejump]

I think pinching is the biggest problem. I am going to try and go as gental as possible with the new bit. I don't believe it is related to the saddle because I put the saddle on first and he isn't girthy or fussy about it. His mouth should be fine seeing as how he is 4, I was thinking about having the vet put in a bit seat though.
:confused:

[hackedoff]

I had real problems with Molly & bits - she got quite dangerous - and put her in a Dr Cooks BB. This solved the problem - in that she seems to have forgotten whatever it was had put her off in the first place, although we did have issues on contact etc - and gave me space to work on the rest of the retraining, and to think (I want to compete as well....). We still weren't 100% on brakes and steering though. this was about 6 months with nothing but the BB.

One day she broke the BB so I put the bit back in (a myler) until I got new parts for the BB.

she was much better than she had been.

She's now (touch wood, it's only been three weekends ...) hacking out in a mullen mouth snaffle..... IN addition, I am concentrating hard on what my body is doing, and trying to give aids with my seat not my hands i.e. things like transitions using seat aids, so that i can keep my fingers very very light, as I don't want to put her off again! and I probably will interchange with the BB as well...

I'd be inclined to go for a BB for now, thus enabling your horse to regain some trust that his mouth isn't going to hurt. Then see how it goes. (that is, of course, after everything physical has been checked that could be). I'd also be inclined to think about lessons (if you aren't already of ocurse, no offence intended).
How weird. See my reply to original thread on 'Training of the Horse' board. Great minds think alike.................

[claire hodgson]

How weird. See my reply to original thread on 'Training of the Horse' board. Great minds think alike.................

scary stuff! you're right, great minds etc. I hadn't even been on that one ... (or hadn't clocked the OP's question on there ..)