No Hassle Bridling method Hold both sides of the bridle, together, in one hand (between the top of the headstall and bit). While holding the bridle, move it under the horses head then over his nose, so that your arm is under and around the horses head and your hand is holding the bridle and resting on the horse's forehead (between the eyes and the nose). The bit should fall about 4" below the mouth. With the other hand, rest the bit on your fingertips, so that the bit is between your fingers and the horse's mouth. The bit should be resting on your fingertips, with the middle of the bit resting on the middle finger. Now slide the bridle up towards the ears (with the hand that's holding the headstall), so the bit is almost, but not quite, touching the lips. Next, place your thumb between the ring or shank of the bit and the horse's mouth. Open the mouth by placing your thumb in the corner of the lips, on the gums of the lower jaw, where there are no teeth. Apply a small amount of downward pressure on the gums with your thumb. When the horse opens his mouth, pull the bridle up with the hand holding the headstall, don't push the bit into the mouth, but gently guide it between the teeth. Do your best to prevent the bit from hitting the teeth (hitting the teeth with the bit can cause a horse to throw his head). While not letting the bit fall out of the mouth, pull the ears forward and under the headstall of the bridle, one at a time. You will have good control over the horse's movements, whether he goes to bite, throw his head up, or turn his head away in an attempt to leave. Your horse will soon begin to trust that you will place the bridle in his mouth gently with no pain from a metal bit hitting his teeth and he will become very relaxed for bridling. |
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