Reactive two year old. Head gaping, tossing, lips curling at snaffle bit...

loosie · 11-02-2012, 12:34 AM

Oh BTW, didn't read Cherie's reply fully either. I like the idea of turning the horse loose(supervised, in a safe environment) with a bit, but definitely not with reins attached & dragging for them to stand on.

MangoRoX87 · 11-02-2012, 10:16 AM

I don't think my question got answered...and if I did I apslogize, hard to read on my phone:P

Did you get her wolf teeth pulled?
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Ace80908 · 11-02-2012, 01:06 PM

Yep... I called them wisdom teeth - haha (dealing with kids teeth as well). But yeah ... she had a full dental workup in June - got a float and wolf teeth pulled.

Ace80908 · 11-02-2012, 01:09 PM

The thing is .. she is good with just a bit. In case the video got missed, here she is in a french link snaffle on the lunge. It's just adding the pressure of reins is where she starts gaping and fussing,

And she does give to lateral and vertical pressure with a rope halter, so she understands the concept of give - she just hates the pressure coming from in her mouth...

Ivy getting used to snaffle October 31, 2012 -...

loosie · 11-02-2012, 05:49 PM

Please don't put her on a lunge with a bit! That is a LOT of pressure when you put any on & a fair amount of constant pressure regardless. So if it's only when you apply pressure that she gapes, I think either you're not being consistent, or you're not negatively reinforcing(removing the pressure) when she 'gives' the least 'tries'. Think of her as a 'kindergarten' kid and accept ant reinforce the very basics. If she doesn't seem to get it, make things easier for her. Don't expect primary school 'answers' until the kinder stuff is down pat.

Ace80908 · 11-02-2012, 09:38 PM

Lunge is hooked to cavesson underneath bridle.

Ace80908 · 11-13-2012, 09:20 PM

Update - she is now accepting snaffle bit (french link) with reins, and doing very well.. my trainer was right - she just needed to figure out that the pressure was not going to kill her - we are working 5 days a week on groundwork, showmanship, ground driving, and will start ponying down the trails next week with Whiskey - she'll be saddled and bridled, but I'll lead her using a rope halter underneath...

Just came in from a great 30 minute session, absolutely no gaping and she was very comfortable. I am very pleased and just wanted to post so that others who may be in this situation know that sometimes, all you can do is stay with the program and give it time...

WildAcreFarms · 02-01-2013, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace80908

Ivy is VERY well bred. Big Time Nice Ice Paint Registered name Big Time Nice Ice, by R Big Time Fancy - leading APHA performance horse sire, World Champ, Multiple World Champ producer. Out of Tin Man/Zippo Pine Bar bred mare who is pretty fancy herself.

She is fancy, and can move very well, if her mind relaxes enough to let her... those flashes of brilliance is what keeps me hopeful. Her showmanship is pretty strong already. The bit is what is killing me.

I agree with the assessment she is going to take longer than most - I hauled her to my trainer and asked for the honest and blunt version. She likes her... loves her trot and thinks we can be competitive on the circuit if we get her figured out.

I tried the three piece french link - she seemed to dislike that the most. I am not familiar with high port three piece snaffles - gotta pic? The D ring I have in her now is a medium diameter and if the reins aren't attached she will pack it - just when we hook the reins on the fun begins.

If she were mine I'd try her in a mylar level 2 eggbutt snaffle
It's bent to give lots of tongue relief. Show legal. You just need to find a bit she's comfortable in.

Missy May · 02-01-2013, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace80908

Update - she is now accepting snaffle bit (french link) with reins, and doing very well.. my trainer was right - she just needed to figure out that the pressure was not going to kill her - we are working 5 days a week on groundwork, showmanship, ground driving, and will start ponying down the trails next week with Whiskey - she'll be saddled and bridled, but I'll lead her using a rope halter underneath...

Just came in from a great 30 minute session, absolutely no gaping and she was very comfortable. I am very pleased and just wanted to post so that others who may be in this situation know that sometimes, all you can do is stay with the program and give it time...

I am glad it worked out for you b/c she is quite a pretty girl!

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