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If very resistant, slide your finger
and thumb further into the mouth and pull down against the gums.
Don't worry. You won't get bitten. There are no teeth between the few at the front and the molars at the back - with quite a big space in between! |
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When you are confident that you have
mastered the art of asking the horse to open his mouth, introduce the
bridle.
It's a good idea to get the head-collar out of the way, so as not to get in a muddle. This, you can do by slipping off the noseband and re-fastening the head-piece round his neck. |
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When you are ready to start, place yourself by the side if the horse and get his attention, if necessary by placing your hand on his nose. |
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Place your right hand under the bit and slide the headpiece up his head, holding the bit roughly in line with his mouth. |
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Now comes the crucial part. As
your hand makes contact with the horse's mouth, reach up with your thumb
and finger, as you have practised.
Squeeze the corners of his mouth, or pull down on the gums until he opens his mouth. |
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As the mouth opens, start sliding the bit in, by pulling headpiece of the bridle upwards. |
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At this point, the horse will probably open his mouth very wide, which is great as you can now insert the bit fully, with no risk at all of banging his teeth. |
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Once the bit is safely in his mouth, finish the process and - job done! |