The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

bridle help

2K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  brookebum 
#1 ·
i am going to my horse's second show and last one of the season while he is nice and black with the start of his winter coat. he is a little nevous there but once i ride him he clams down. the only part that i am nervous about is bridling him in an open space. I am going myslef this time but my parents will be there but im still nervous that he will be nervous and be hard to get the bridle on. last time he was fine...but he was a little rebelious.. is there any tips or tricks to help with that? like keeping the halter on while putting the bridle on? thanks :)
 
#8 ·
Another ditto to having the halter around his neck while bridling, just in case. :wink:

If he is just reluctant to take the bit, you can also try dipping the bit in molasses or they make those apple flavored bit wrap thingies.
I've heard of people wrapping bits with Fruit Roll-Ups, too. Might be cheaper and easier to get fast than "official" bit wraps.
 
#11 ·
BTW, I have bridled my horse over a halter. Then you just have to undo the bridle straps individually to take the halter off. My horse was reluctant to take the bit and bridle and she would toss her head all over the place. Keeping the halter on worked, although it was a bit of work. Anyway, I had her teeth floated...no more reluctance and no more bridling over the halter.
 
#16 ·
If you're able to before you tack him up, groom him exactly like you do at home on a regular day. Even if he's squeaky clean and show-shined. Use his brushes from home (you can clean them if they're dirty so they wont mess his coat) and groom him the same as he's used to. This will help him to relax and realize that everything you're doing is the same as usual, even if his surroundings are different. Horses are like human babies, they thrive on routine.
 
#17 ·
I agree with the halter over the neck that everyone else has said.

You could also practise at home. Bridle him in places you dont normally bridle him....the outdoor arena. The indoor arena. Go for a hack with the bridle over a halter and take it off and put it back on while out on the trail.

The biggest thing is not to be nervous about it, because he is most likely picking up on it, which is why he isn't being the most cooperative at shows.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top