Horse Training Success

"I have a 4 1/2 year old appaloosa mare, very heavy cob type, and she is docile and calm in every way except she really protests when I try and put her bit in her mouth, she is not head shy, but refuses to accept the bit, once it's in she's absolutely fine. I have tried using polos, carrot, even washing the bit in minty fresh mouthwash... I do not force the bit into her mouth, just gently persist, which can sometimes take 10-15 mins. Any suggestions?"

It sounds like your approach so far is a good one. Suggestions? Have you tried bits of different materials and different styles of bit? She may actually hate this particular bit, despite all the polo mint carrot charms, and this is her docile natured way of telling you.

If you've eliminated the above possibility, and had her teeth checked etc, you can make it less annoying to accept the bit than to stand and protest. This may two people, depending on how co-ordinated you are.

Have the bridle and bit ready to go in her mouth. Have a whip ready. Note this is NOT to be used harshly at all. To actually whip the horse would be to miss the point of this exercise and undo any progress you achieve with it. So holding the bridle and bit in position, start tapping the whip - lightly, quickly and rhythmically - on a fleshy part of your horse. Say the shoulder or neck. Anytime your horse opens her mouth STOP TAPPING INSTANTLY and praise.

The aim is to be so annoying to your mare (not cause any pain, just be like a fly that won't go the heck away) that opening her mouth and accepting the bit is a welcome relief. You'll have to do this every time you bridle her for a while. At some point she'll give in and let herself be bridled without all the tapping nonsense.

Photo by raftercpaints