How to Bridle Train a Horse

One of the most important things to keep in mind during bridle training, is that you cannot out pull a horse! If a tug of war starts, your horse will always win ... and you will end up with an animal that has a hard mouth, and probably a sour disposition. The steps that follow will explain how to develop that flexible, responsive, "buttery" mouth you are looking for ... and help make the whole training experience much more pleasant for you and your horse.

Things You'll Need

• long lines
• good working snaffle bridle
• saddle
• your own personal riding gear

Instructions

1. 

   Start on the ground with the long lines. Whether it's a colt that has never worn a bridle, a new horse for you, or a horse you simply want to make better, it's always best to start with ground training. Just clip one end of the lines to the metal loops on both sides of the girth (or whatever apparatus you have around their belly), then run them through the loops on your snaffle bit ... and you take control of the other end of the lines. This will give you the direct touch and feel to their mouth that you need to start your training. And watching their body language from the ground can tell you a lot about what they are thinking.

2. Take a solid hold of those reins. (not pulling, just taking a hold). Before your horse learns to "give" to that bit, he must learn to take a hold of it. That's one of the principles to guiding him. So get him to make contact with that bit.

3. Begin practicing "give and take." When you "take" or touch on those reins, pulling back slightly with your fingers, your horse should "give." Meaning her nose should come in towards her chest, and she should slow down. When she does this, give back! Release your hold to reward her. When she gives, you give. If she is released at the proper time, she will release herself. That is the beginning of building a good, soft mouth.

4. Continue your training now while riding your horse. (but never completely abandon long lining, it is a good refresher and warm up for a long ride). This is the time to teach him to be flexible with his neck. Why? Try this: clamp your teeth tightly together, and then feel your neck muscles. Pretty tight, right? Now relax your jaw, and feel your neck go soft. Apply this to your training. If he is clamping down on the bit, his neck and mouth will be tight ... and you are in for a tug of war. Instead, teach your horse to bend his head to the left, then right and repeat until he relaxes and drops his chin. Always be sure to "give" when he gives. As his neck goes soft and flexible, so will his mouth.

5. Remember this analogy when you are riding: Picture a boat tied to a dock with a rope. That boat will drift away from the dock until it hits the end of the rope, then ease back. So when you ride, set your hands and put just enough steady pressure on the horses mouth without pulling, just like the boat dock. Then follow your training. When she gives, reward her with a quick release.

Tips & Warnings

• Harsh bits are not necessary. The goal is to get the bit to slide back and forth in your horses mouth. A rough bit will create a sore mouth, and that is the first thing that will make your horse want to pull on that bridle.

• Start your training every day the minute you make contact with your horse in the stall, or when you catch him in the pasture. Make sure he is responding to gentle touches and commands before you ever even get on his back.