[Luna9]

Ok so I went to ride Luke today and he absolutly refused to take the bit. I stood there fighting with him for about 8-10 minutes. It really got one my nerves. This is the first time that it has taken that long to put the bridle on him, he doesnt generally take it right off the bat but generally does once I put my thumb in his mouth. I jabbed my thumb in his mouth and moved it around and he wouldnt even mouth when I was doing that. Honestly to get him to take it I poked his toungue with my thumb nail. Its was all I could think of...it worked but Im not sure if it was the best thing to do. What can I do when he does that....Ive never delt with a horse that was that stubborn with the bit.

[horsesR4life]

there could be several things wrong:

Teeth? They might need floating
He accociates the bridle as work, and he doesnt like to work maybe because he is sore somewhere
The bridle hurts his mouth every time you put it on, go back to snaffle? be more gentle with your hands, or go to a hackamore.
He doesnt respect you, do some ground work with him.

Im pretty sure its got something to do with fear and pain, check his teeth out.

[jburns]

I doubt that this will be the best advice out there and I am sure someone has better advice than this, but I would try putting a bit of molasses on the bit. He might then realize that he gets a bit of a treat when he takes the bit.
I did this when introducing my horse to the bit and I have never had a problem with him taking the bit.
Also, have you had his teeth checked recently?
Was the bit cold? If so try warming it up first. (Don't know how the weather is down there in SC, but here its chilly)
Good luck

[Luna9]

Well he does respect me but he didnt really want to work today. He was a **** once I got him tacked and even before then...obviously. I dont think there is anything wrong with him I think it was just him being stubborn. I really had to stay on him today to get what I wanted outta him. And he was really lazy today...maybe cause it was warm out today.....

[Luna9]

Originally Posted by jburns

I doubt that this will be the best advice out there and I am sure someone has better advice than this, but I would try putting a bit of molasses on the bit. He might then realize that he gets a bit of a treat when he takes the bit.
I did this when introducing my horse to the bit and I have never had a problem with him taking the bit.
Also, have you had his teeth checked recently?
Was the bit cold? If so try warming it up first. (Don't know how the weather is down there in SC, but here its chilly)
Good luck

Im in the process of getting an iron d ring from a member on here.

[RolinRiverzGuy]

Ok i would put cake icing on the bit...or...take a strong small diameter piece of rope and put it in his mouth...tie a loop in 1 end of the rope and run it over the poll run the other end through the loop...pulling the rope up snug (keep tightening till you get a response) with your hand and offering the bit...when the horse opens his mouth put the bit in and finish putting the rest of the headstall on...let it sit for about 10 seconds and take the bridle off and repeat till you dont use the rope at all...

[cowgirl up 2]

always eliminate pain 1st,if it is the teeth he has a reason for being the way he is.if not then try the molasses on the bit can't hurt.with my gelding it was the teeth,and I felt terrible for riding him a wk that way caus vet couldn't mak it out to check till then.

[horsesR4life]

bribing the horse will get you results but will make the problem worse. 99.9% of bad behaviour is linked to pain or fear IMO. Him being stubborn, or difficult to ride comfirms my thought, he is hurting somewhere, and i think you should get a vet out to check his teeth, then his saddle. Once that is all cleared and he seems to be healthy and fine (i want the vet to say that) then lets look at his respect issues.

[Chester]

Dizzy is a snot about bits. He just doesn't want it in his mouth somedays. It is just him. We HAVE to accept that horses are individuals as well. His resistance doesn't last long though.

I do go with lous idea of making it nice for him. A bit of liquorice held behind the bit encourages Dizzy when he is really in his little mood.

[Luna9]

There is no sign of any pain or discomfort with his teeth. I know 2 things. He hates the bit that Im using...I have just gotten a new one but havent been able to use it yet. And he was a butt to ride today and hes normally fine. (BTW this is Luke we are talking about.) I have thoroughly checked him over and there is no sign of any pain at all anywhere or any evidence of anything wrong. I really do believe this is a case of him being stubbron....it may just be he doesnt like the bit. Im gonna try a new one next ride. Hopefully it works.