Monday, December 5, 2011

Bridling the Uncomplicated Horse

I've heard all kinds of stories and seen it many times where horses give their owners and/or riders a hard time when it comes to bridling them and getting the bit in their mouth. I don't recall ever having a problem with it myself for any of the horses I've owned over the years. I would have to say they all handled the procedure with a polite indifference at best.

However, I've never had a horse who apparently LOVES to have the bit and bridle put on either.

I need to get video of this and post it. When you remove Joey's halter after putting the reins over his head, he starts licking and chewing and yawning. Then all I have to do is hold the bit out for him and he opens his mouth wide, scoops up the bit and drops his head for me to slip the bridle over his ears! I find it adorable to watch him do this every time. He will keep his head almost to the floor as you do up the throatlatch and noseband.

When I take the bridle off, as soon as he feels the throatlatch and noseband undone he will drop his head for me to slip the bridle off. And as I do he will lightly hold the bit in his teeth until I ask him to drop it. Then he keeps his head down for the halter to be slipped on.

Maybe he thinks he's a dog. Or maybe it's his way of saying that he just enjoys working with me. :)

12 comments:

By Way of Salem said...

That's so awesome. Nothing like having a horse that loves you is there? Nope! Yes, post a pic or video - love to see it! Happy Holidays! Jeannine

Oak Creek Ranch said...

My husband's horse does that too. And when you take the bridle off, slip it from his ears, then you have to hold it for a few minutes - he doesn't drop the bit right away. My horse is easy to bridle -- but I've never seen one like my husband's for grabbing it and then not wanting to let it go. Sweet.

Net said...

My horse is the same way! He surprised my mom when she was trying to bridle him and didn't follow my directions to get the bridle straightened out before trying to put it on him. She put the halter around his neck and as she fumbled with the bridle, he reached out and took the bit in his mouth, and just held it there while he waited for her to figure out the throatlatch and noseband. Too funny!

Jean said...

Two of the horses I had used to do something similar. None of the horses I have now do.

Kenny Harlow teaches a technique to get the horse to drop his head for the bridle, but it doesn't include actually relishing the bit.

You have to love a horse like Joey who shows you time and time again that he likes people working with him--you in particular. What a sweetheart he is.

Dreaming said...

Oh yes... I wanna see video! It sounds so cute.
My guys aren't a problem to deal with - although Pippin tries to rub when I take the bridle off. I won't mess with it if he starts that, so he is learning to stop.

Golden the Pony Girl said...

I have been away for a while so I did not know you had gotten a horse. I went back a few posts and saw a photo of him. He seems truly wonderful! No one deserves a happy ending more than you. :)

Amy said...

Brilliant! Clearly a happy boy! Would really love to see a video of that if you ever get around to it. My mare has a routine I indulge her in. First she looks to the side as if she's telling em she's not really in the mood, then she turns her head back around and grabs for the bit, which she then holds in her teeth for a few seconds while I make her happy by saying, "Please can we ride?" Once we've done that she takes the bit completely and off we go. She has routine of holding onto it while I'm trying to take it off as well, the silly creature. Clearly we know who the boss in tis relationship is. :)

allhorsestuff said...

Gosh , the more I read about Joey, the happier I get about you and he! He is so wonderful!
Please do set up your tripod and let us see his nature towards you and his life!

I can't claim training mine, but the fact she does almost all Joey does , gives me the sense that she is with me too! She yawns after too and waits for me to put my hands about 5 inches apart, as I stand at her jaw, she rubs between them.

Merriest of Holidays to you and your horse love, Joey!!
KK

Equine Mum said...

Great equestrian blog! Why not come over to hay-net.co.uk an Equine Social Blogging Network for more to follow!

shadowlake2005 said...

I too have been away, and I am so glad you found your wonderful Joey! I can't wait to hear and see (yes, a video please) more of him.

trump said...

Merry Christmas to you and your readers, I'm just stopping by new blogs that i think are interesting. And then ill put some of those on my favorites list to visit again. Happy holidays folks and wishing everyone a healthy new years as well. Richard from a Amish community in Pennsylvania.

Cousin B said...

So glad you are enjoying him! He sounds wonderful. I'd love to see this video! My TW is not crazy about it, he doesn't fight me or pull away, but he just clenches his teeth together until I put my finger in his gap and make him open. I WISH he took it like yours!