Bit Shy

Question
Hello,
I have a 11 year old thoroughbred that im trying to start training on but she wont let me put the bridle on with out throwing a fit about it. As soon as she see's the bridle up-close she starts backing up and throwing her head up. Lately i've taken the bit off of the bridle and putting on the headstall first, then putting the bit in her mouth then attaching it to the cheekpieces again. This seems to work a little better but she stills fights me. She has had a foal and we believe that she had a hard delivery and may have hurt her head in the process.What can I do to cur her head shyness?

Answer
Hi Bri!

You have missed a few things here.  Your horse is NOT throwing a fit.  That is what humans do.  Horses are way to honest for that.  Your horse is ONLY doing what she thinks she needs to do to survive, period.  You horse is telling you, very clearly, that she does not trust you and that bridling has been unfair and painful for her.  Listen to her.  

Start by getting her used to your hands in and around her mouth, eyes, ears in a smooth and respectful way.  Do NOT stay longer that what she can handle.  Move your hand away from sensitive areas BEFORE she takes her head away.  Prove to her that you mean her no harm and that you will not stay longer than what she can tolerate with confidence.  This will require FEEL on your part.  Get her to lower her head for you and be able to stand with it lowered and you rub her softly on the poll, the ears and around the eyes.  This should feel good to her, something she enjoys.  When you can get her to drop her head and she accepts and enjoys her head being touched and rubbed, then start "bridling" her with your lead rope.  Toss the rope over her neck, reach under her neck and grab the end of the rope, then lift it up to her mouth.  Use the soft lead rope just as you would the bit, GENTLY place your thumb on her gum's and rub softly until she starts to open her mouth, when she does, lift the lead rope up and into her mouth, just like the bit.  Let her spit the rope out, just let it fall, then start from the begining and do it all over again.  Pretty soon you will be able to do the same thing with the bit, but be mindful to NEVER bang the bit on her teeth or be rude in any way with how you are bridling her.  Make sure the headstall fits properly and that the bit is not too tight.  The bit should just rest in the corners of her mouth, there should be NO, repeat, NO "wrinkles" in the corners of her mouth, the bit should just lightly touch the corners of her mouth and no more.  

Give this a shot and keep me posted on your progress.  I also want you to watch the "Ground Work" DVD by Buck Brannaman.  It is clear, concise and shows the classical ground school as taught by Tom Dorrence and Ray Hunt.  It will be a critical element for you to learn and to teach your mare.

Smiles,

Denise