Tack problems

Question
My 22 year old Arabian/appaloosa mare Lilly has two problems that I have been trying to rid her of for the past year.  The first one is that she keeps puffing out when I try to saddle her (I ride western), and I have been poking her belly, trotting her around, and holding one of her hooves up trying to prevent her from puffing.  I have been riding her for a year now, and we have gotten through nearly all our problems except these.  Each time she somehow manages to puff out, delaying our ride for another twenty minutes until she gives in.  Any suggestions?  And she seems frightened of the bit when I try to bridle her, but is as mellow and obediant as an old ranch dog once I have the bridle on her.  However, with her efforts to avoid the bit (twisting out of the way, holding head up high, half rearing sometimes), I'm worried that one day we might injure each other.  Any suggestions to that either?  Please and thank you!

Answer
Hi Jessyka,
The problem with her puffing is very common. You can fix the cinch, but you cant really prevent her from sucking in air. The next time you saddle her you can do a few things....put your knee into her gut while you tighten the saddle, and this can keep her from inhaling. Or you can lunge her at a walk or trot for a few minutes after you tack her up and this will get her to get rid of all that air. As for the bridle, pinch her nose (the nose is sensitive and she wont throw her head) and stick your finger in the side of her mouth and tickle the inside of her cheek, this causes her to open her mouth (horses don't have teeth there so you wont get bit). Doing this will allow you to put the bridle on quickly. Do this whenever you ride her, and in a few weeks, or even a few days, you should see some results. This trick has worked for a number of horses I have helped train. Good luck :) let me know how it works for you :)

Kelsey