Trouble with the bit

Question
My eleven year old gelding, Cash has been resisting the bit lately. My grandfather bought him a new bit and when I try slip it in he immediately jerks his head up so I can't reach, even with the lead rope in my other hand. He's really tall and I don't like having to smack a horse around to get them to do what I want -- so lately I've taken to riding with a halter and a reins I've unclipped from an old bridle.  (I don't own a hackamore).

What should I do about getting my horse to lower his head for me? I've slipped my finger in the side of his mouth but I just can't hold his head down. Thanks!

- Essie

Answer
Hi Essie!

Seems to me that maybe your horse has gotten his teeth banged by the bit at some point.  Most of the resistance that occurs with bridling comes from the hard metal bumping on the teeth, OUCH!!!

Also, you should only be riding in a snaffle bit.  Your horse is not a finished bridle horse, so any other type of bridle bit is not appropriate for him.  The fact that he will not lower his head and pick up the bit on his own tells me that things have not gone well for him and he does not trust that he won't get hurt.  Also, if you are using the wrong type of bit and it is too harsh for him, he  won't allow something in his mouth that causes pain.  You can ride him in a halter, and get the halter on him...what is that telling you?

I really hope you are riding in a snaffle bit.  Here is how to get your horse to trust you again and to get him bridled with quality...First, teach him how to lower his head by following a feel.  As you put pressure on your lead and asking him to lower his head the SECOND he tries to follow the feel even just a tiny bit, release the pressure and then ask again.  Keep up this pattern of adding pressure, asking his head to come lower and then releasing the pressure when he tries, until you can get his nose on the ground.  Then ask him to put his head at a height that is comfortable for you to "bridle" him.  Using your lead rope and standing on the left side, flip the tail end of your lead over his neck.  Move it up so that it is laying on top of the halter, put your right hand on his poll and reach under his muzzle and pick up the tail end of the lead rope.  Let the rope lay across you hand in the same position as the bit when you bridle your horse.  That is the rope and the bit should rest in the palm of your hand so that your thumb is on the left side of the horses mouth and your index finger in on the right side of the horses mouth.  Your right hand on the poll is holding the lead rope and keeping the slack so that the left hand can lift the rope into your horses mouth.  Use your thumb and index finger to cup around your horses upper teeth and create a bumper for the rope and later the bit.  Using your thumb and index fingers of your left hand, gently wiggle your fingers in your horses mouth behind the front teeth on the gums.  When he opens his mouth, draw the rope inside so that it lays like the bit.  Then drop the tail end of the rope that was in your left hand and allow your horse to drop the rope.  If he gets bothered and lifts his head up, go back to asking him to drop his head and then start over with bridling him with the lead rope.  When he gets really good about putting the rope in and dropping it out of his mouth, move on to the snaffle bit.  The bit should just rest in the corners of your horses mouth.  There should NEVER be a wrinkle or a "smile" ever.  The bit should lay without any pressure in the mouth.  The whole wrinkle thing is just garbage, it is softness that is lost and the addition of mindless pressure with no release.  Be very careful to guide the bit into place by opening the mouth and guarding the teeth with the left hand, while lifting the whole bridle up and into place with the right hand.  Then carefully guide the right ear into the bridle and then the left ear being careful not to smash or scrunch the ears!

Never try to hold his head down, you can't anyway!  Teach him to drop his head and then bridle him with quality and fairness so he can trust you.  Use the proper equipment and adjust it to fit without adding any pressure.  After all it is NOT trouble with the bit, it is being smooth, fair and offering your horse a feel that is right.

Let me know how things work out!  If I have used terms or concepts that you do not quite understand, let me know and I'll clarify!

Smiles!  Denise
Hi Essie!  I noticed on my log that this answer has not yet been "read"?!  I hope you have seen it!  Let me know!  Smiles, Denise