My horse is amazing when i ride him, but tacking up is brutal.
When you try to put his bridle on, he bobs his head and tries to hit me repeatedly
he also tries to avoid you by moving left, right, front and back on the cross-ties
he is so sweet, but he is so mean when bridling
I don't know what to do because normally we need around 3 people to help out with bridling him, and it still takes around 10 minutes and I can't do it on my own
Someone please help?
First: Has he had a dental recently? You want to rule out any medical problems
Second: Want kind of bit and what is his history? Some horses are more sensitive than others, and/or bits can be associated with bad experiences. Example: my mare is an ex-barrel racer that sticks her tongue out from bad training from her previous owners. So I put her in a no bit side pull and she is as happy as a clam.
Third: If none of the above apply or you need to ride in a bit, make it a positive experience by using food/treats as a reward. Either by holding grain along with the bit so your horse opens his mouth and gets his bit and the grain. Sugar cubes are best for any type of work with a bit to prevent choke.
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Also I thought I would add this story about my friends horse that isn't easy to bridle. Her mare had a bad experience with a fly mask and her ears when she was a baby. She is now also difficult to bridle because of it. So my friends unhooks one side of the bridle and puts on the top part (brow-band, etc ...) then puts the bit in her mouth and hooks everything together again. and of course gives her a treat after bridling. Now she is much easier to bridle.
Just remember to take your time and you will eventually get there.
When was his last dentistry check? Maybe something is hurting him, but the fact that he is okay to ride sortof slumps this. Still, if he is out of a date for a dentist check he should have one anyway.
Sounds like you'll have to work on training and positive reinforcement, being forced to have the bridle shoved on him every time could only worsen the experience.
If he is splendid to rise, you could try a snaffle-less bridle, less control with turns but good halting power.
Checking this horses teeth is agood idea however you should hire someone who breaks horses to bridle it a few times. Better behavior will result.
