Bridling a difficult hard to bridle horse

I show you the steps for bridling a difficult hard to bridle horse and at the end of the video he bridles much easier.
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Tim Anderson
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[@skystutts]

This is one of the best and detailed instructions video for a difficult to bridle horse. Also, starting with a surenough difficult horse was very helpful as well as showing the actual time it takes.

[@hermgailey4802]

This a good one. Great job of deconstructing a familiar process that is much more complex than meets the eye. This video breaks it down into smaller more digestible pieces for both horse and viewer.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you.

[@shadowdancer1412]

You are so gentle and patient, I think you were meant to work with horses! Great video!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you

[@dariaharruff7025]

i don't belong working with horses for a freaking living i'm tired of everyone trying to force that shit down my damn throat its a mans job it's not for girls like me

[@bsnhilow]

Thank you for showing a horse that has not had previous training. It helps to see actual reactions.

[@Liz-gc6gn]

I really appreciate you showing this in real time. So many people give a demonstration and within two times. The force is taking a bit. This is so much more realistic.

[@Lana.Lulu.]

Excellent!! So many people rip that metal bit out of their horses mouth...I cringed so many times for this baby🥺 Thank you for sharing this to the world 🙏

[@ambershoaf5021]

I have a head shy horse I was told he hates his head touched and ears messed with. I watched your video this morning and tonight I used your techniques and I’m proud to say I was successful at getting him to lower his head and take his bit. Thank you for such a helpful video!

[@jordanwhite5470]

Thank you for letting us see the problem; not just the solution.

[@davidmiller327]

Very good video. Your explanations step by step about what you're doing in the process was spot on. I really like your calm demeanor around the horses. Thank you for making this video.

[@kellll3420]

Trying this today with my boy. Thank you! Will report back.

[@PallasAndDove]

The pawing was telling! Fantastic breakdown of not only the solution but the CAUSE… bravo, as always

[@kajinsautumn9833]

Do you train the owners, too? Nice job with this good boy.

[@yodaman173]

I appreciate your calm nature with all the horses you work with ❤❤❤

[@markb255]

Excellent video. Love that you show a real example and break it down very clearly. Too many video show an already perfect horse, which doesn’t help us folks who are looking to learn or correct an issue. Awesome and thanks!!

[@SyazaBnB]

An experienced horseman like Tim Anderson takes 20 minutes (recorded) to train a horse to get used to the bridle. It may take more time for some horses. This is the patience that all horsemen should have.

[@marythompson8758]

Thank you so much for breaking "how to bridle a difficult horse" into bite size pieces. Excellent video. I can now work smarter at bridling my difficult Haflinger taking it step by step, slowly with patience.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Glad this helps

[@jyawitz]

Tim ran into this yesterday with really struggling to get my new boy to stay still to accept the bridle. I knew you would have something on this…practice with my boy this am and used this and what a difference not sure he was ever hurt being bridled but it worked. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@shelm-b8p]

I really liked your breakdown. The horse I am currently riding had issues with his ears. I gently massage his ears while I am brushing him. Then I am loosening the head piece- each side one hole and remove the curb strap. Then he is completely ok to put on the bridle. As you said, bad past experience. I am just teaching him that the tack can come one without pain.

[@leo_s-z8g]

Great video, one of the only ‘how to bridle a difficult horse’ video I’ve found (as having this issue currently) that shows a genuinely difficult horse to bridle. And of course, like so often is the case, the issue is not created by the horse but by the human. Thank you for the knowledge and education. Going to work on this with my horse going forward.

[@leo_s-z8g]

If the horse shakes/throws it’s head during the unbridling, how would I go about taking the bridle off slowly without it banging the teeth?

[@jenniferjacobs663]

My OTTB wears a Nurtural brand bitless bridle. He practically puts it on himself. We both love it!

[@Equestrianista_]

My horse is extremely hard to get a bit in his mouth and very ear shy. And I was in SHOCK when you actually mentioned about horses having had a tick/ticks in their ears and them remembering the pain of that and this is what we believe is the exact cause of his ear shyness as when he was rescued from the kill pen as a yearling by my trainer (who gave him to me a couple years ago, he's now 10 but extremely green) she had to have several ticks removed from each of his ears and it was a VERY traumatizing experience for him that he has never forgot. He is also the MOST sensitive horse I have ever known. He sometimes gets so nervous his lips will TREMBLE. Although, his ear issue is only half the issue with getting a bit in his mouth. He is fine with getting a halter or hackamore on (he only hates his ears to be touched/grabbed but isnt too bothered by sliding the straps of halters/bridles over his ears usually) but he will LOCK SHUT his front teeth a lips and raise his head all the way up and then start BACKING up slowly but constantly just to try and back away from the bit. He will also move is nose/head in any direction to avoid the bit getting close to his mouth and will even duck down below all the way to the ground then shoot his head all the way up (and im short at 4'11" while he is 15.3 with a long neck lol)

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Glad you figured out what his problem was and you have been taking your time to build trust and let him understand that it doesn't hurt anymore.

[@cattymajiv]

Why on earth are you even trying to use a bit then?! If you think you will win a prize by forcing him, you are wrong.

[@Equestrianista_]

@@cattymajiv Stfu. You literally do not know me, my horse, or anything about either of us. You don't know my horse experience or riding ability and thus you have ZERO room to judge. I am ALL FOR bitless riding, I ride bitless 90 percent of the time. I am a huge advocate for animal rights and animal welfare. I don't use spurs nor a crop when i ride. When using a bit I only ever use a snaffle- usually an eggbut or or O-ring, and often with mouth guards as well. I have exceptionally light hands, I don't pull on nor catch my horse in the mouth. I typically only use bits whenever I compete in small local schooling shows (usually doing english pleasure, cross-rail hunters, and Equitation on the flat and up to 2'0") and you HAVE to use a bit to show in those classes. That said-I have never cared about winning. It is ALL about having fun furthering along my horse's training and get them out and in new experiences. You don't know me, and your ability to judge me is ZERO.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

U can use a rubber bit or a rubber coated bit; or use a braided hackamore with a snug chain curb strap ie no bit.

[@pjk1714]

Good evening and good job. The position of that head makes a difference, especially if you are shorter. Glad trust is being built. Thanks for sharing this important scenario.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you.

[@LorryMLewis]

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!! And staying calm yourself 🥰

[@mingram008]

Sir, you always have the most successful techniques for us! Haven’t failed with one yet, just have to be repetitive and consistent. Thanks for your work and sharing with us!

[@HI-bw8fe]

Exactly just what I need. Not all horses 🐎 are EASY to bridle 😅 some will even use force towards you… I struggle quite a few times with a few at our club lol. Thank you!

[@hardenbergfeatheredhorse6449]

Thank you!!! I am excited to try this with my mare.

[@edm6436]

I'm having this exact problem and having you break the process down into smaller pieces will help me stay patient and not get frustrated. This is the best video about this exact problem. Thank you!! You've given me a better plan for solving this problem.

[@iraalters3781]

Really enjoy all your videos. So easy to follow and understand.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you

[@dorothyloos4614]

I really love how kind and gentle you are with the horses you work with. Do you by chance have any video’s on horses that ignore the bit until they are really tugged on?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you. I don't think I have any videos about that specifically but maybe this will help you. I'm old enough to remember when most radio stations were AM. With AM radio stations there was always static. After a while of listening I would tune out the radio completely because of the static. Make sure that everything you tell your horse with your hands means something and eliminate all of the "static" that you're giving him that doesn't mean anything. If you do that I bet you will have an easier time holding his attention. Let me know if that helps.

[@dorothyloos4614]

@@timandersonhorsetraining thank you and I am also old enough to remember that-lol

[@AdventureHorseRidinginNYS]

This was fascinating

[@fallbrkgrl]

You really are the best at breaking things down! So calm, and patient. Another great video! ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you.

[@susankuhlman6514]

You kindness. Thank you.

[@comesahorseman]

👍👍 Well done. I'll sometimes use a split rubber snaffle to avoid banging the teeth with a metal mouthpiece.

[@finngamesknudson1457]

Sounds like I need to get a rubber bit. Our horse yanks his head away when I’m taking off his bridle, resulting in bit striking his teeth and now him resisting taking the bit.

[@Ashestoashespetcrematory]

Excellent training video. I also like the way you rub him not slap pat him. Such a simple thing can cause so much trouble letting the bit hit the teeth.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes, thanks

[@debbycave8351]

Very good demonstration. I had a gelding that would clinch his teeth on the bit as I took it off, I would wait for him to release before I continued to remove the bridle. Just like loading in a trailer, if you rush the unloading, you can create a problem.

[@brigittegeorg]

Loved this.

[@FernandoRamirez-z4f]

Great video. I will practice that lesson with my horse. Now I understand why he was behaving like that. I will try not to hurt his teeth. Thanks.

[@Mr84ortiz]

Thank you for this video. I got a older mare a few months ago and she has the same issue. I yet haven’t been able to put a bit in but I’m hoping this video will help me with her issue.

[@Grimshilde]

Great video :-)

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thanks

[@Turboy65]

I just put a cookie in my left hand with the bit in hand, too, and when he goes for the cookie, he gets the bit and suddenly the bridle is on him. Works pretty well. The horse I had this problem with was 17+ hands and even though I'm 6 feet tall, at full heads-up, I could not reach his poll from the ground. The cookie worked.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

That is getting him bridled but it's not teaching him anything.

[@Turboy65]

@@timandersonhorsetraining I'd be happy to try your method but for one problem...the horse died recently of a heart condition.

[@82Renating]

I really need to channel your steady hands and calm attitude about his head throwing. I get frustrated about their jigging, and as I get into that state I tend to allow an escape because I fear it is unfair of me to ask for a claustrophobic situation with a human who is frustrated. With a young horse I am also anxious about how the equiptment fits. I want to see how you educate about fresh horses bridling to see if you have a remedy for me.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I see you commented on a couple videos and you really nailed two big things that make everything with horse better, calm and structure. Anything you are anxious about can be fixed with education which you are doing by watching educational type videos. Structure is just planning and a good plan helps with calmness. Working with horses is a process and you will always be learning ways to do things better but that is what makes our horses better and us better people. If you are having a particular problem, send me a short video and I will be happy to give you some pointers. My email is in my contact tab on my page. Thanks for watching.

[@JudyMiller-r4s]

I got a MFT last year that had been abused by a horrible, abrasive bit, which gave her huge problems, and she was uncontrollable. The first thing I did, was get a kinder bit. She would throw her head straight to the dirt and clench her teeth, with the bad memories. What I did was buy a box of those sticky fruit rollups and stick a little piece onto the bit. Learned in no time to take the bit. Then you have to wean off, ending with just rubbing the bit with the wrapper, and also giving a little treat after she takes the bit. Once the habit is ingrained and there is no pain, you can discontinue everything.

[@lindajosefsson1686]

Very helpful videos. Thank you

[@darlenemartinez384]

I’ve taught several horses to accept the bit simply by laying the bit on top of my hand with grain in it. It takes about 3 times and assuming that you’re not the type of person who jams the bridle on as quickly as possible just to get it on you should have no more problems bridling. Go slow and easy. And before anyone screams that’s cheating…ask which way you would prefer to be treated.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Hi Tim, new to your channel, great content and I was wondering if you can talk about different kind of bits and uses. Maybe another vlog about how to train a horse to ride bitless.. thanks

[@gaileverett]

This was a great video, clear and well explained, and showing that it doesn't happen instantly. Also that this horse really was hard to bridle, unlike some other videos. Do you have any tips for people who ride lesson horses that have been mishandled by other students? I could get my lesson mare to this point myself, but other people riding her would still be banging the bit against her teeth. Would she just remember that I'm the one who doesn't hurt her?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I never let students bridle or unbridle lesson horses for this reason. Your instructor needs to assess their program.

[@DM-tf6mk]

Excellent video!!

[@finngamesknudson1457]

How do you handle removing the bridle if horse yanks there head during process? Believe we’ve bonked his teeth a few times because he yanks up faster than I lift the bit. Now he does not want to take the bit. Clearly I need to follow method in this video to get him better - but need to find solution to making removal go easier for both of us.

[@whizjeanie8087]

Great video. I am riding a horse that has the exact same problem, someone before hurt him at his teeth and now he shakes his head while i try to put on the bridle. But the problem is he is also biting into everything, the halter, the bridle, anything that comes close to him, not in a mean way, but he grabs anything faster than i can realize he already has the halter in his mouth. I would break up the bridling part like you did in the video, but how do i stop him from biting into everything all the time ..thank you

[@AmyRejmer]

This was super helpful. I have a new horse that does not want to take the bit so I appreciate all this insight. The only issue I have is that I am 5’4” and the horse is 16 hands. When he puts his head up, I can’t reach the top of it. What would you suggest for that scenario?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I am only 2 inches taller than you. It's not about size, it's about working with the horse to be agreeable.

[@AmyRejmer]

Thanks

[@gilliandarling9239]

horse might prefer a straight rubber bit

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

HINT: If a metal bit clanking on his teeth is the major barrier, then use a rubber bit, or a rubber coated bit. much easier for everyone to correct this issue.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

No. The bit is not the problem, the person putting in and removing the bit is the problem. Fix the actualy problem, when you hide or avoid a problem it will always show up later.

[@PONYHEAVEN]

Magic

[@cathycoffman5479]

If he has pain why don't you fix the tooth so it doesn't hurt him?

[@GiselleLoder-uk2om]

Great videos! Do you have any tips to get a horse to let go? I look after a 2 year old Standardbred colt who likes to grab on to the lead rope. He clamps his front teeth down and holds on tight. I use my hand in his mouth to ask him to let go but he refuses. He really likes to hold onto anything he can get his mouth on.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

That sounds like a young horse that needs a job.

[@GiselleLoder-uk2om]

@@timandersonhorsetraining he is currently in training to race. We are hoping for him to qualify later this spring.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

In that case just keep doing what you're doing. He needs to hold the bit like that for his training. He's holding it after and doesn't even realize it. Like you putting a hat on your head and forgetting its there.

[@tinaspigener2102]

Mr Tim great video. I have a new horse that has a pink nose. It was so sun burnt when I got him. I have to put sunscreen on him everyday. He doesn't like it. Do you have Any suggestions. Thanks.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Hey Tina. I buy sunscreen in a stick. Every horse gets its nose sun screened every day.

[@sidilicious11]

Have you tried a fly mask with a nose piece on it to shade his nose?

[@nessie43]

I always wonder what problem people have with that. my horse used to drop the head and took the bridle all by himself because he knew "oh here comes the bridle, so we are going out and having fun, seeing things and doings things and out of the boring stable" what are you guys actually doing to make a horse hard to bridle?? or maybe i just had a special horse who just loved to go out with me lol

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

This horse came to me to fix this and other problems with him. He had a whole bunch of problems, this was just one of them. Hard to bridle problems are usually caused by removing the bridle incorrectly.

[@pamelalang3419]

My OTTB is 16.2 and has warts in his ears. The rescue I adopted him from had their vet try to burn them out. He still has those warts and is VERY sensitive. I've been working on touching his ears but it is like a losing battle. He is too tall for me to put my arm over his neck. I did get the bit in his mouth the other day by putting my finger in the side of his mouth but can't get the bridle over his ears. I don't know what to do.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Farnam makes a pain reliever that works very good. I'd start with that or something that gives him some pain relief and try to show him you can help the discomfort.

[@82Renating]

Takk!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Thank you!!!

[@aspenmcallister5939]

My horse drops his head to the floor to avoid the bit. He doesn't like halter either. What should I do?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Evading haltering and leading is evading your leadership. Work on improving your leadership in other areas first the correcting the evading to he haltered and bridled will be much easier.

[@aspenmcallister5939]

​@timandersonhorsetraining thank you he's alot better. Now.

[@_ThisEsme_Isthekindestperson]

Hi

[@mariagillinson8527]

My horse puts his tongue over the bit when it’s in his mouth. So thought maybe riding bitless might work. Not sure what to do.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Have you had his mouth checked by a vet?

[@christielawrence4640]

Rubber bit?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I dont like rubber bits.

[@esmeraldadawnfeather6907]

Full rubber bits are too easy to chew through, and then all of a sudden you’re trying to ride a horse with nothing attached to him!

[@cowgirljane3316]

Gee, I wonder why a horse wouldn't LOVE getting a hunk of cold metal jammed in their mouth to cause pain.

[@Nowayjose69420]

A bit only hurts if you use it incorrectly 👍

[@usmdressage]

Two things this is not a difficult horse and this is a super short horse. This sets you up to look like a hero. Show an actual difficult tall large rank horse.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

None of that matters, you're just making excuses why you can't do it. The only important part is patience which is most likely the reason for the excuses.

[@k9six185]

How exactly were they causing pain in removing the bit?………I let my horses spit their bits out themselves

[@SephirothWaifu]

Love the conditioning process here but I guess its chances and trust, but I still see gap of opportunity for if the horse wanted too, while his head is down that he could-be it accidental/ spooked or antsy-is able to slam his head into your face O.O . That's a precarious situation. >< On riding lessons I've encountered two horses at the riding school that clearly need to be trained from the foundation up to being bridle and it's a real crime that no one trains them-it's all about money and on time. So, the accidents can happen in people bridling or worse and then there are the biters and kickers. The horses have established clearly, their social rank as alpha/high horse and that has been unchecked for the longest. This is all neglect on the owner's part and makes me mad that there is no type of responsibility. Time and consistence matter and you won't have to worry about the trainer to be careful or have a stable hand assist you all the time on the same specific horses. It's never a horse problem its always the human's problem and you cannot be upset with a horse because what they do it natural thousands of years of natural, survival instinct.

[@_ThisEsme_Isthekindestperson]

Thats not a bridle and a bridle has reins 5:00

[@cattymajiv]

For godsake why don't you just forget the bit?! There are tons of different ways to ride without one! And you of all people should know that. You should be recommending this poor horse not have to endure that.

[@JudyMiller-r4s]

There is more ways than bitless, to ride a horse. It depends on what you want to do. I'd hate to be on a bitless horse that bolts.. That "poor horse", is now learning not to be a poor horse with proper training that teaches him proper response. The bit is not the problem; people behind the bit is the problem. These same people, riding bitless, would not be able to control the horse, either. It's in the training, either way.