Horse not used to the bit, hasn't been ridden a lot. Advice?

Question

I just got an Appaloosa who is 5 years old. She was rode last summer, can tie, and stand to be groomed without problems but I was told that she is bit shy and needs more work with that. I would like to try John Lyon's methods as I hear he is a really good trainer to go with. I don't know anything about teaching a horse to get used to a bit so I wanted to know if any of you could offer some suggestions? And how I can get them to turn left, right, backwards, forwards? I heard a gag hackamore would be a good idea, but I want more suggestions as this is my first time owning and training a horse. I will not be spending the money for a trainer at this time since I am on a tight budget. So all comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

For starters, allow me to commend your lack of preparation. Never have I heard of a person, with no intentions of seeking professional help from trained horsemen, going out and buying a 5-year-old, bit sour horse. Brilliant idea on your part. Clearly, you did not take the time to effectively evaluate your ability to work with this horse. Congratulations, you deserve a medal.
I find it incredibly frustrating that people ruin perfectly moldable, young horses because they lack the maturity to realize "Oh wait, I know nothing about horses!" In all honesty, you should sell the horse and use the profit to take some lessons. However, you probably won't do this. First, get a vet check to make sure your horse's mouth isn't the problem. Once you receive the OK from the vet, you can approach training. The easiest way to solve the bit problem is to invest in a round pen, a set of bungees, and a loose ring snaffle or something similar. The loose ring snaffle is a jointed or broken snaffle bit on which the rings are free sliding. The loose ring prevents the horse from grabbing hold of the bit. If the horse attempts to grab the bit, it rotates, which makes it difficult to get hold of. It is important that the bit have alot of bend so the horse doesn't get hard in the mouth. Now, because you're on a "tight" budget, I would assume you won't buy a round pen. Perhaps you could try looking for a boarding barn that has a round pen. Teaching a horse to take a bit can be hard work from the saddle, but takes only a few solid round pen sessions to acheive. Therefore, the round pen really is your best bet, especially since you can't even cue your horse to turn.
Once you have your round pen access: Tack the horse as you normally would, bit, bridle and all. Once you are IN the round pen, attach the bungees from the rings in the bit to the cinch rings on your saddle. Move away quickly. Be prepared for the horse to rear up. The bungees force the horse to learn to accept a bit. They are not painful, but they are extremely effective. Leave your horse to fiddle around, but don't be alarmed if she starts to run or rear. Eventually, your horse will learn to drop her head to release pressure from her mouth. An inexperienced rider can very easily damage a horse's mouth, making the horse hard or bit sour. The bungees act as the perfect guide for teaching the horse the proper feel and fit, allowing the horse to become both comfortable with and responsive to the bit.
Now I could sit here and type up a 30 page response on all of the things you need help with, but I'm not going to do that. You need to educate yourself, and you need outside help. You cannot even steer a horse, so how can you possibly expect to train one? Sure, John Lyons is an all right guy, but he cannot teach you everything. For your sake, and for your horse's sake, ask for help. Get some books, take some lessons, and learn something. I really find your whole situation embarassing for the horse community. You should have thought over your ability to own this animal before you bought her.

Answer 2

Make sure the bit is thick and smooth. Well fitting of course. You will find great advice in the book 'Horse Control - the young horse.' by Tom Roberts. Page 114 - Driving from over the saddle. With the bridle and bit in place, lead the horse forward, from the ground give the rein aid to turn, when she does it right take the pressure off the bit as a reward and give lots of praise and encouragement. Do the same thing with turning the other way, and then for the halt. The principle is - quietly ask for what you want, when you get it, give the horse what she wants. Good luck with your Appaloosa.

Answer 3

It is a good idea to star your horse in a simple snaffle. You could even get the apple scented kind to make your horse want to take the bit, or you can put apple sauce on the bit.
They also make bits with keys in the middle to entertain younger horse so they learn to accept the bit.
Sorry but have not heard of John Lyon so I can't help you there.
Best Wishes!

Answer 4

Well.... I would make sure you have a bit that fits properly, and that her bridle isnt too loose, so that she can get her tongue over the bit. Try to get a bit that isnt going to pinch her mouth at the sides.... and if you have trouble getting it into her mouth then rub it with a little honey or molasses first. Im not sure if you mean get the horse to turn while you are on it or leading it. If you are leading it and it has a bit in its mouth, I would be attaching the lead rope to a halter which you put on under the bridle, and do most of the leading with that. Always walk on the horse's near side (thats by its left shoulder), and to turn left just walk left giving the lead rope a gentle pull. To turn right.... push your arm in the direction you wish to go taking the rope with it, you may also lean into the horse too, if she doesnt appear to be getting it. To turn it left while you are riding it, gently squeeze with your left foot while applying gentle pressure to the left rein.... do the opposite to turn right. To get the horse to walk backwards while you are on it... gently apply pressure to its mouth, using the reins, and squeeze gentlyl with your legs at the same time.

Answer 5

Okay so first things first...your number one concern is checking to make sure that your horse is not bit shy because of a dental problem like Wolfe Teeth or Pallet problems..If your not sure how to check for these yourself I would reccommend finding a licensed equine dentist to do an exam. Once that had been thoroughly ruled out your next step is actually getting the bit in her mouth without a fight (you do not want to struggle with this...it'll only make it worse). Start out by getting a fat rubber coated snaffle..the rubber is super soft in her mouth which makes her want to chew on it which will encourage her to slobber which will keep her mouth wet & comfortable. Start working with her a little bit at a time..when your brushing her just start wiggling your fingers in the corners of her mouth & let her get used to your fingers meaning open up. Next get an old bridle that you don't really care about and start by just getting her to open up to the bit & your fingers...don't pull the headstall over her ears unless your absolutely sure she's comfortable with it...remember if she starts getting anxious, take it back to basics..go back to just your fingers or just putting the bit in & then taking it right back out..once she is confident & comfortable again then you can move on. Start by just letting her wear the bit for a minute of two..then take it out & give her lots of petting & encouragement..As she gets more comfortable with the bit & the whole process of being bridled you can start lengthening the time that she wears the bit..its okay to let her wear the bit around her stall for up to 15 minutes..let her play with it on her own & realize that it's not going to kill her..if shes starts incorporating it with her daily life then it will become no big deal...make sure when you are letting her wear it loose in her stall you take the reins off the bridle..you don't want her getting caught up in anything. When she's completly comfortable with the bit in her mouth & having it removed & placed back in again then you can move on to teaching her aids with it. Start by just simply leading her around with it on..take the reins & just lightly tug on them so that she gets the feeling of contact being made on the bit. your first step is to teach her "whoa"..walk beside her head with a hand on each side of the bit & simply say "whoa" & pull back on the bit lightly. Repeat this until she understands that contact on both sides means check yourself or "whoa"..you can then do the same thing with turning..walking beside her pull back lightly on the left side of the bit to turn left & the same for the right..just do a little bit at a time..even if she only gives you a step or two reward her. Once she is confident on the ground with you & responding to turning & whoa, have someone lead you around while you are riding her. Practice the same thing that you did on the ground only with you in the saddle now..your ground person is there only to assist you if needed..try to get her to respond to your ques only..but if she gets stuck have your grounds person step in & reinforce your que. Once she can successfully turn & stop with you in the saddle, have your ground person step away from you & try it on your own. The number one rule here is to be patient!..Any little thing that she gives you is cause for a reward. Once she has the basics of turning & stopping from bit pressure alone then you can start bringing in your elements of adding leg pressure & more advanced ques. Don't rush it though..let her move at her own pace & figure it out. After she gets comfortable with the whole bitting process I would switch her out of the rubber snaffle to a nice smooth snaffle which is where she should stay for the majority of her training. Remember, a harsh bit is never a solution or a quick fix for a problem...keep it simple, keep it basic..Happy Riding!

Answer 6

Try a Snaffle bit. there the gentlest on their mouht.