How do I get my mare to respect the bit while i'm riding her?
by Sienna Church
I have a 5 year old paint mare who was started as a 2 year old, worked a little as a 3 year old and then put out to pasture until this March. I have taken her and am restarting her from zero. She is great on the lunge line, with the bit in her mouth and on long lines. However, when I get on her, she gets very upset at any bit contact with her mouth and will clench her jaw and pull the opposite direction. Then she gets irritated if I keep asking for her head and will eventually start rearing and bucking. I am very light in my contact, and always reward any movement with release of pressure. However I rarely get any movement that would be appropriate for pressure release. I am using a copper mouth D-ring snaffle at all times and thats all that has ever been used on her. She listens so well to the bit when she is on the ground, just not when a person is on her. She is quite smart, and generally gives in to the fight quickly. I have had the saddle fitted and been assured by 3 different people that the saddle fits and is not pinching her, the bit is the proper length and tightness in her mouth and the veterinarian cannot find anything in her mouth or otherwise to suggest any kind of underlying medical issue. I own both her mother and father and both are very easy going horses as is she, however her mother was a very strong willed horse and it took 3-4 good fights before she would give in. I have not moved to another bit because I'm not sure what our problem is. She listens to leg ques extremely well at the walk, however at the jog everything falls apart and she will not listen to anything I ask. She has never been abused or had a bad experience with the bit in her mouth, I have owned her since birth. Other than this issue she is perfect and the easiest horse i've ever trained, very willing and wants to please. Help us please! |
