The bridle goes into the horse's mouth.It is used to control the horse.You have to contend with the rest of the bridle before you put the bit in.
Step 1: The bridle needs to be ready.
The bridle needs to be draped over your arm so that it can be put on the horse.The bit is held in place by the bridle.The reins are what you use to guide the horse by pulling on them.You may need to unbuckle the nose strap to make it easier.You will need to unbuckle English bridles.
Step 2: Take the halter off.
A horse is taking its halter off.You can lead the horse around when you are not riding it if you have a halter on it.Some people apply a bit and bridle over the halter, but you usually take it off to ride.Pull the halter off the horse's face.If your horse is used to being bridled, you can remove the halter completely.Buckle the strap around the horse's neck if it is not.If the horse moves away, you can hold on to it.
Step 3: The horse needs to be brought down.
The horse's head needs to be brought down to put the bridle on.To bring its head down, use your hand between its ears.If possible, you want to move its head towards you.The horse will sometimes need convincing.Don't push its head down.Keep the pressure on its head until it relaxes.
Step 4: Put the reins over the horse.
Make sure the bridle is facing the right way.Put the reins over the horse to get them out of the way.It's easier to drag them on the ground.
Step 5: The bridle is used to change hands.
Put the bridle in your hand.If your dominant arm is next to the horse, you should be facing the same direction.The crown should be in your dominant hand if you want to pull it over the horse's head.
Step 6: The curb chain should be separated.
As you pull the crown up the horse's head, make sure the curb chain or strap is separate from the bit.Curb chains are only available for certain types of bridles.You need to separate the curb chain from the bit because it goes under the horse's chin.The curb strap shouldn't be used to bang the horse's teeth.
Step 7: The horse should open its mouth.
You don't ask the horse with words.You want the horse to open its mouth by putting your thumb in it's mouth.There is a space behind the teeth in the horse's mouth.The back edge of the mouth is where you want to aim.As you hold the crown with your dominant hand, use your non-dominant hand to stick a thumb in the horse's mouth.The horse might be reluctant, so try moving your thumb.The horse's teeth should be lightly touched.The horse needs to open its mouth.
Step 8: The bit should be put in.
If the horse's mouth is open, slide the bit in.Make sure you guide the bit between the horse's teeth.The horse has teeth.Don't touch them with the bit.The bit should be in the back of the horse's mouth.Pull the crown of the bridle up over the horse's head and slide it into place.You should not push the bit with your left hand.If the bridle has a curb strap, be sure to use your left hand.The bit goes over the horse's tongue.When the bit is sitting properly, there should be a fewwrinkles at the corners of the horse's mouth.The bit is too high if the horse is smiling.Don't let the bit get too low.The horse could be hurt if the bit isn't right.
Step 9: The crown should be pulled over the ears.
The ears should be moved forward first.Don't smash them down, just use your hand to move them.Pull the crown over each side until the bridle is in place.There is a brow band on some bridles.There are loops that go over the horse's ears.
Step 10: The buckles need to befastened.
The throatlatch is where you put the buckle around the neck.Make sure you put your fingers under it.Put the chin strap on and leave two fingers under it.Buckle the curb strap is something you may need to do.Buckle the nose piece into place if you have an English bridle.
Step 11: The halter should be placed around the horse's neck.
You can keep hold of the horse by attaching the halter around it's neck.It's not completely on right now.As you take the bridle off, you use it as a way to steady the horse.
Step 12: The straps should be unbuckled.
All the straps should be done in reverse.If the bridle has a curb strap, unbuckle the chin strap.If the bridle has a nose piece, unbuckle it.Also, remove the throatlatch.If you want to pull the bridle off, make sure all the buckles are undone.
Step 13: The bridle needs to be pulled off.
Pull the crown over the horse's ears using your dominant hand.Don't smash the horse's ears as you pull it off.As you pull the bridle off, use your non-dominant hand to guide the bit through the horse's teeth.
Step 14: The halter needs to be put on.
Unbuckle the halter from the neck once you've pulled the bridle off.The halter is the same as the bridle but without the bit.The headstall is what you have instead of the crown and nose band.Make sure you don't hit the horse's ears or poke it in the eye when you pull the nose band over the headstall.Buckle or clip the throatlatch around the horse's head.The halter should have a lead line attached to it so that you can lead the horse back to the stall.
Step 15: The horse needs to be checked for medical problems.
If the horse doesn't want to take the bit, you should have it checked out by a vet.Problems with the mouth, tongue, or teeth can make the bit uncomfortable for the horse.Try a horse dentist if the vet doesn't find anything.
Step 16: The horse needs to be trained to stop chewing.
Problems with the bridle set up, stretching out the leather, and other issues can be caused by your horse chewing on the bit.One way you can help your horse is to slowly train it to use the bit without chewing, by letting the horse wear it for a certain period each day.Make sure you don't use a bridle that can catch on things in the stall by putting the bridle on the horse while it's in its stall.Before putting it on, take off the reins and nose band.Will the horse have a bridle on?Leave it on for about an hour.Continue training until the horse is comfortable and doesn't chew anymore.Try it on the longe line with a halter.Don't chew the bit until the horse seems comfortable.You can try riding the horse after that.
Step 17: If your horse is not comfortable, try a different method.
Some horses don't like certain parts of your rein movement.If your horse is sensitive, a bit that doesn't put as much pressure on the tongue can be helpful.Instead of going straight across, some curve across the tongue.You can borrow bits from people you know to try on your horse.You can see which one works best.If your horse has picked up on the habit of putting its tongue over the bit, you can use a different bit.
Step 18: A tongue port can be used for tongue problems.
You can add a tongue port if your horse keeps putting its tongue over the bit.A rubber part hangs down when it fits over the bit.The rubber bit makes it difficult for your horse to move its tongue.