my horse wont take the bit

Question
Dear Cheri,
I own a 13 year old quarter horse mare. We get along great and she's a good horse, until i go to bridle her. Then it is like her evil side comes out or something. Every time i ride its that same thing. As soon as i hold the bridle up and go to put my hand on her head she flips out. She shakes her head and lays her ears back. She also backs away and raises her head way up. I've tried tying her head down, but then she really goes insane and starts trying to rear. I've checked her teeth, and they are fine, and the bit fits her mouth alright. Once i get the bit in her mouth even the slightest bit she calms down. I've also tried riding with a hackamore, and she wouldn't respond to my cues that way. It did make some difference when i changed the type of bit, but here lateley its getting worse again. I have a little bit of luck if i bribe her by putting the bit in my hand and covering it with grain, but i don't like spoiling her like that. What do you suggest that i do?
                         Thanks so much,
                                erin

Answer
Hi Erin.  Well I read and reread your question.  I had to give this some thought.  I am going to assume that at one time your horse did take the bit okay?  You didn't mention if the horse has done this since you got her or if it is a problem that just came up.  You might want to e-mail me and let me know.

Assuming that it is something that she just recently started I have some ideas.  I have a Paint Gelding that was always real good about taking the bit and then all of a sudden he started being a booger.  I realized that what had happened was that he had raised his head on one of my students and when she couldn't reach he apparently got a kick out of it.  Unfortunately he was now trying the same crap with me.  Of course me knowing that he knew better made me angry and I made a big deal out of it.  I fought with him.  You know what?  I didn't win.  It still happened every time..like he was looking forward to the fight.

You are actually on the right track with the grain, or a carrot or something.  Your horse has associated having his bit put on with a bad experience.  He is expecting a bad experience.  I know, he is causing the experience to be bad himself.....  but horses don't always register that they are causing their own misery.  Use a treat and stay calm and quiet and don't fight.  

I suggest you use a neck tie.  They have them at tack stores pretty cheap.  They simply buckle around the horse's neck.  Once you have that on, move your cross ties to the hooks on the neck rope and keep the horse cross tied via the neck rope.  Remove the halter and hold the treat up to the horse.  Once the horse has taken one bite then hold the bit up to his mouth.  Do not try to cram the bit in with the hand holding the bit.  This is how you should be standing....

Stand on the left side of your horse facing to the front...the same direction your horse is...like you are leading her.  Your left hand will have the bit in it.  Your thumb holds the curb chain out of the way (If you are using one) and your finger tips have the bit rested in them.  Use your thumb inserted in the corner of the horse's mouth to get her to open and then simply aim the bit with your left hand while you pull up on the top of the bridle with your right.  Do not try to put the bit in the horse's mouth with your left..just guide the bit with your left.  Use the right hand to pull the bit up and into the horse's mouth by pulling the head piece up.

Stay facing to the front...don't get in front of your horse like you are ready to do battle.  Stay to the side.  And whatever you do..do not fight with her.  Be patient and just keep holding the bit up there.  I realize your horse is going to instantly start tossing her head etc....  just wait her out.  Don't keep going for it...wait...let her settle and then try again.  Never move from her side though.  Just stand there patiently and wait for her to drop her head back down.  Use the treat if you have to as a distraction.

Don'tlook at it as spoiling her...look at it as though you are trying to make an unpleasant experience into a pleasant experience for the horse.  Once she isn't dreading being bridled, things will get better and you can slowly start to eliminate the treats.  

I am also wondering if your horse tosses her head when you remove the bit?  Make sure you are letting her spit the bridle out and that you are not pulling the bit out.  Keep your hand on the crown piece of the bridle and slowly lower it down and let her drop the bit.  If you have inadvertently hit her teeth and banged her, that might be part of the reason she is sensitive to the idea.

Mares in particular have a tendency to find something to be crabby about.  Chances are your horse has just found something to annoy you with.  Do not give in to the temptation and let her know she is annoying you.  Just hang tough, be patient and very calm and just stay persistant.  I think that such a big deal has been made about it now that she is playing right into it.  Try to take the battle out of it and see if she doesn't just eventually forget all about it and start taking the bit just fine.  If that means spoiling her a bit and letting her win this one time..let her.  Remember, she might think she won but in the long run..you got the bit in without a fight.  

How long?  I would say that you will have to use the entire stock of patience you have for about the first 4 times.  If you remained calm and just kept waiting her out....by the 5th time you should see that the fight is starting to get shorter and shorter.  Wait until she is readily taking the bit without a fight....probably about the tenth time, before you try it without a treat.  Oh, and make sure you let her finish her treat after the bit is in.  That is going to be her reward for letting you put the bit in.  I have had to wait a horse out and keep trying for over ten minutes before...so just be patient and refuse to fight with her.  The neck rope should keep her from going anywhere.  She may try but if you do not panic or yell or try to grab her...she'll settle back down...just wait.  And remember to stay right by her head the whole time and in the bridle putting on position.  If she is throwing her head, just drop the bit back away from her mouth and wait for her to quit.  Keep telling her she is okay and easy and good girl...remember..pleasant!  Make it pleasant.

If you have more info for me or have another question or concern....you can email me directly at adante3053@aol.com.  I would be happy to help. Remember, your horse is looking for a fight now...don't give her one.  Good luck and be careful.  Cheri