How to Fix a Horse Who Will Not Accept a Bridle

Bridling a horse is a critical part of preparing him for a ride, and fighting with your horse over a bridle can quickly become an exasperating experience. It is difficult to force a horse to do anything he does not want to do, so you may find yourself giving up and finding another way to spend your time. If you are having trouble convincing your horse to accept his bridle, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Once you and your horse reach an understanding, you can stop fighting over the bridle and start riding.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring your horse to a safe location where you can manage his behavior. A pen or barn is excellent for these training activities.

    • 2

      Work with your horse's head shyness by frequently and gently touching his head. Start by slowly approaching his face and stopping when he gets uncomfortable. Over time, you will teach him not to be afraid of your hands.

    • 3

      Place other objects near your horse's head, such as sacks, ropes, and the bridle. You need to teach the horse not to fear things around his head, so take it slow and use whatever you can find.

    • 4

      Encourage the horse to accept your hands in his mouth. Start by touching the bar (the spot with no teeth) and massaging the gums. The idea here is to teach the horse that your hands are always there for good, and you are not trying to hurt him. Over time, the horse will learn to happily accept your hands.

    • 5

      Insert the bridle gently and carefully. If you bounce the bit off your horse's teeth, he is going to be frightened. The better you are at inserting the bit, the easier the process becomes.

    • 6

      Saddle the horse before you attempt to put on the bridle. It is easier to control a bridled horse, and a saddle is a safer place to tie the horse off during bridling.

    • 7

      Spend time working with your horse each day to help him overcome his mouth and head shyness. When a horse no longer fears you touching his head or his mouth, bridling him will be fast and easy.