How to Introduce the Bridle to a Young Dressage Horse

Introducing the bridle is a critical step in the training of a young dressage horse. The bridle is the most subtle means the rider has to communicate with her horse, so it is important that the bridle is introduced properly. With patience, experience, and the proper equipment, introducing the bridle to your young dressage horse is one of the easiest steps along the road from green prospect to experienced partner.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Snaffle bit
  • Lunge line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Desensitize your horse to having his ears and poll touched by running your hands over his ears and head. Do this until the horse is relaxed about having his ears handled. This may take several days.

    • 2

      Practice asking your horse to open his mouth for the bit. Insert your thumb into the corner of your horse's mouth where the gap between the front and back teeth is. Gently press down on your horse's gums in the gap until he opens his mouth. Immediately release the pressure when he opens his mouth and praise him.

    • 3

      Select an appropriate bit and attach it to the bridle. Most people begin with a normal loose ring snaffle, but any dressage legal snaffle bit will do (See resources).

    • 4

      Adjust your bridle to the approximate size of your horse's head. Do this by holding the crown of the bridle beside the top of your horse's head. Stretch the bit down alongside your horse's head toward his mouth. Adjust the cheek pieces until the bit and nose band are in the correct approximate positions.

    • 5

      Bridle your horse. Ask him to open his mouth for the bit, as you have practiced, and slide the bit into his mouth and the crown piece over his ears simultaneously. Adjust the cheekpieces if necessary and buckle all buckles.

    • 6

      Put the halter on over the bridle.

    • 7

      Attach the lunge line to the halter and put your horse to work as usual. This allows the horse to get used to working while wearing a bridle without putting any pressure on the bit. Do this for several days.