i cant make my horse take the damn bitt. what do i do ?

Question

sorry im just really mad............... help?

Answer 1

i assume you mean when you're trying to put a bridle on. if that's the case when you go to put the bridle on you can slide a thumb up in the crease of his mouth(up in the corner and push it just a bit behind his teeth) and it will cause them to open their mouth. if this isn't working then you can try putting a small amount of molasses on it, or get one of the bits that taste like it until your horse is comfortable with taking the bit.

Answer 2

Darn looks like everyone beat me on saying to put molasses on the bit to get the horse to take it. That's I want to say one of the oldest tricks in the book on getting a horse that's reluctant to take it's bit.

On an off question, the bit might be the wrong bit for the horse, could hurt it's mouth etc. and the animal is trying to let you know the bits the wrong kind for it's mouth. Some horses have Tender mouths and there are bits designed for just that problem. The more frustrated you get however; the more the animal will resist you and even shy away due to fear. I would suggest you take a break as your doing in asking this question and take the time to calm down. Then go back and use the molasses trick with the horse.

Here's a site on bits, choosing the right kind and size. http://www.horsebit.com/choosing.htm

http://marvwalker.com/bridling.htm (Great directions on how to get your horse to take it's bit).

Just remember your horse will react to your actions, emotions and attitude. If your angry, frustrated etc your horse will react in fear and resist. Hope this helps some. Many people actually don't realize just how sensitive animals are to our emotions and reactions to things. If you have a dog or a cat, watch it sometime the next time your sad, happy, angry etc. It's really interesting to see just how they act. When a person is sad or happy the pet will be around them seeking out their attention, when they are angry, agitated, upset etc. the animal will hide or shy away in fear; avoiding their owners touch.
Just a neat little fact I picked up over the years of being a pet owner and observing my pets reactions.

Answer 3

Well, make sure the bit fits and isn't painful first-
otherwise everything else you try is a waste of time.
Hold it in your hands and move all the parts-
does anywhere pinch, any sharp places? Get' em fixed.

I've had great luck with molasses on the bit, and with rubber-coated bits as they don't bang the teeth as they go in.

I've also given a treat as you put the bit on- hold the treat in your left hand under the bit and let him have it after the bit is in.
I've seen people get bitten with this one, though... I wouldn't make it a habit, maybe just for really bad days...

Answer 4

Stand beside him on the left, facing the same way he is, with the bit in your left hand and the top part of the headstall in your right. Place your right arm above his head and ease the bit to his mouth with your left. It may help to smear the bit with honey. Using your left thumb, place it inside his mouth where the bars are (the space with no teeth.) This should convice him to open up and then you slip the bit inside while pulling the headstall over his ears with your right hand.
Reward him when he does this.

Why does he refuse the bit? Could someone have hurt him with it? Will he ride OK with a hackamore?

Answer 5

i have the same problem w/ my mare, dunno if this will be much help, but i ended up putting a hackamore on her. you can find these at any local tack store. thats where i got mine and i paid 25.00 for it. a bit pricy, but it helped. i tried sweet feed, sugar, molasses, and apples, nothing worked for her. she doesnt like her mouth to be messed w/. she dont take wormer very easily ither. if your horse is as stubborn and large as mine, (my mare is 16.1 hands and about 1800 lbs) hackamore is the best bet, if you can coax your horse to finally take a bit....go for it. you have a bit more control w/ a bit and the horse responds better. also, try a broken bit, i've seen a few horses that will only take those bits b/c it doesnt put as much pressure as a straight bit. good luck

Answer 6

warm the bit up, some horses hate cold bits put in there mouth my mare was like that make a fist around the bit and hold it there for a minute or so tell the metal warms up then slide it into her mouth SLOWLY dont bang any teeth :)

Answer 7

First you should get your horse used to the idea of the bit.

Answer 8

if you are having cold weather were you are i would try warming up the bit. I mean i wouldn't like having a hard cold piece of metal in my mouth! but if it was warm i wouldn't mind as much. try putting like apple juice on it i bet the horse will want that bit!

Answer 9

If you do not have any more patience than this, I strongly suggest you get rid of your horse. If you scare or hurt this animal you could do permanent damage. Kindness my friend always works best.

Answer 10

feed it treats, behind one of the treats, put the bitt