Training Tip: Horse Won’t Accept the Bit

Question: I have a young mare that I sent out for training. We were able to put a bit in her mouth and ride her and we began simple exercises. We changed bits, and now I can’t get a bit in her mouth. I got a D-ring snaffle, which should be a milder bit, but I can’t get it in her mouth. She won’t let me open her mouth. I’m riding her with a bitless bridle, but I would like to go back to a snaffle. What do you suggest? – Mary B.

Answer: If a horse was accepting a bit well and then suddenly stopped taking the bit, you need to rule out any potential health issues. Bit issues can arise because the horse needs his teeth floated or has an abscess, or something is going on in his mouth. This can be especially true with younger horses. So I’d first recommend having an equine dentist out to check your mare over.

Assuming the issue isn’t health related, then I’d forget about getting the bit in her mouth and go back to basics. I’d act as if she’s never been bridled before and re-teach all of the steps to her. I explain how to do this in detail in the Colt Starting Series.

Start by double-checking that she doesn’t have an issue with you touching her face with your hands. You should be able to rub both of your hands all over her muzzle and around her head. If you come across any “Oh no, don’t touch me there!” spots, areas where she gets defensive, use the Approach and Retreat Method to get rid of them. Rub her with your hands in that exact spot and as soon as she stands still and shows a sign of relaxing, retreat and stop rubbing. Then approach her again.

When she’s not defensive about your hands rubbing all over her muzzle, do the same thing with the bit. Use the Approach and Retreat Method to rub the bit all around her muzzle. Remember, if you can’t touch her face, especially her muzzle, you’re not going to be able to get the bit in her mouth.

Then, teach her to open her mouth for the bit when you insert your thumb into the corner of her mouth. You’ll put your left thumb into the corner of her mouth where the bit would sit. If she doesn’t immediately open her mouth, gently rub the roof of her mouth with your thumb. As soon as she opens her mouth, remove your thumb and rub her face.

Then you’re ready to bridle her. If she’s confident about you touching her muzzle and you’ve taught her a cue to open her mouth, she should readily accept the bit. If you run into trouble, go back and double-check your work.

Looking for more training tips? Check out the No Worries Club. Have a training question? Send it to us at [email protected].