March 9, 2011 Articles >> MANE TRIMMING AND BRIDLING THE DIFFICULT HORSE

MANE TRIMMING AND BRIDLING THE DIFFICULT HORSE

By Pat Wolfe

1.      It is very difficult to trim a mane or to bridle a horse when he is tossing his head around.  Here’s a way you can keep him still and cause him no stress while you work with him.  You can hold his head down with binder twine.

2.      Take three pieces of binder twine and tie them together.

3.      Take the centre of the twine and place it on the horse’s poll under his halter.

4.      Pass one loose end through the ring on the side of the halter, then between the front legs and up over the back of the horse.

5.      Do the same thing with the other loose end, finishing with both ends lying over the horse’s back.

6.      Get the horse to lower his head with a treat.

7.      While his head is lowered tie a shoe string bow on his back.

8.      When the horse tries to raise his head, he will put pressure on his poll.

9.      After a couple times trying to raise his head, he will remain quiet, with his head lowered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.      Once you have the mane trimmed or the horse bridled, simply untie the bow on his back.

After several days using this technique, the horse will lower his head himself, allowing you to bridle him without the use of the binder twine.