2yr old shetland mare

Question
ok well i'm 35 have owned 4 horses over the course of my life all have been broken in before i got them.So i've been given a shetland mare approx 2yrs old free as owners where moving.They gave me saddle and bridle.Now my problem is i tried to bridle pony 2 days ago and she refused to open her mouth there was no way she was letting that bit in she will lead with halter but how do i get her to open her mouth to get the bit in?I tried putting apple on the bit to get her to open mouth but it did'nt work and yes she evaids the bridle as much as she can she is kept in our backyard with no other horses.I have never broken in a horse b4 but am very willing to learn i have not tried again because i wanted advise first.Please help.Thanks

Answer
Most horse problems are people problems.  Horse issues normally fall into one of two areas, lack of respect or fear.  This appears to be lack of respect.  If you are having problems getting a bit in, the last thing you want to do is ride this pony.

You have understand herd behavior, this horse has no other horses and see you as one of her herd members.  Since she is telling you want she will and wont do, she thinks, and I agree, she is higher and you are lower.

Read my site page called horsemanship, this will explain how horses think and why they do what they do.  You have to educate yourself more so you understand a horse better.  Since your other horses were trained you were allowed to get by with them, this horse is going to force you to get better since she probably had her other owners believing, just like you that she won't let them do something.

Read my site as much as you can, if you still don't understand what is going on, then write me back.

Rick