when it comes to breaking in a horses mouth what does everyone recone the best way is....i have a filly that i will be breaking in soon but i just want other peoples side of view on breaking a horses mouth softly...what do you guys think
I would use a rubber snaffle to get her used to the feel of the bit in her mouth. Then depending on how well she takes to it I would either progress straight to a lukewarm normal snaffle or first a lukewarm copper lined snaffle. A copper... has less of a bad taste and the warmth will help to prevent the cold of the metal from shockng her. You must then graually give her the bit at colder temps until she accepts it without any type of heating at all. Of course there is nothing to say that she won't accept one straight but it is better to be cautious otherwise you have negative associations to overcome.
I use a 'key' bit on my babies. It's similar to a full cheek snaffle, with small metal keys on the mouth piece that jnr can play with, with their tongue. I use this right through lunging stage and then wean them off of it when they are ready to ride.
How far along in training are you with this horse?
Just wondering because I think it works best if you introduce the bit LAST in the horses training. It is a difficult concept for them and they can easily be frustrated, as I'm sure you know, lol!
Also, have you considered starting this horse in a hackamore or bosal? Sometimes that can further the training without having to introduce the bit, it will also teach the horse that the bit is a form of COMMUNICATION and NOT control. You know?
When finally introducing a bit though you should always start with the least severe bit possible. Nothing with shanks longer than 4-5 inches, and preferably a simple snaffle.
Good luck!
Robin
umm i will most likely break her in October i was concidering a hackamore or bosal.
umm in training she lunges really well does everything on comand, she lunges with a saddle on no probs even with the stirups hitting her on the sides, she leads, ties up, you can get on her back no problems but i have only ever done the twice because of her age but yeh the only thing that i really need to do is mouth her and thats why im asking people so that when it is time for her to be mouthed i have a few ideas that will help me to do it as nice as posible
I used sidepull on both mine to break. Actually I started even with halter from english bridle I attached reins to. It pushes on nose still, but won't harm. Then I moved to harder sidepull. I tried roped bosal, but she didn't like it at all.
Like I said, start with the simplest, least harsh bit you can. Let her get used to the feeling of it, maybe put some molasses on it or apple sauce the first time so it's kind of like a treat and just put it in her mouth for a little bit and then take it out (be sure to be very careful about not hitting her teeth at all of course). After she is used to having the bit put in her mouth and having it in there I would start lunging her in it, but probably not use much contact at all on the bit yet. Just slowly work up to it so she can learn what the bit means as you go. You don't want to shock her
Good luck...might think of some more tips later!
Robin
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