Chop a horse properly
As a beginner, would you like to snaffle your horse yourself? The buckling of all straps must be exactly right so that nothing rubs. Some horses put their heads up very high or do not open their mouths willingly. This can be a real challenge.
The chopping takes place in the Stallgasse
The best way to open a horse is in the stable lane, not in the box. Because there it can elude you and turn away again and again. Better to tie it on the stable lane with a halter and rope. Place the bridle close to hand on a saddle stand. Of course, you must have cleaned your horse before you step on it. The head area should be free of dust and the mane should be properly brushed so that the headpiece can easily be slipped on.
Reins over the neck prevent it from running away
- Stand in front of your horse's left shoulder and pick up the bridle with your left hand. Slide your arm from the front under the headpiece so that it can rest on your arm. So you have the bridle ready and both hands free at the same time.
- Loosen the holster and pull it back over the neck. Your horse is still tied up and the rope's panic hook can still open with sufficient pull.
- Now take the reins in your right hand and pull them loosely over your head to your neck. Your horse is now tied twice.
- If you are sure that the horse will not slip away, you can now loosen the halter and hang it on the hook in the stable lane. For starters, you'd better leave the halter on your neck. This gives you more security.
Chain halter for horses - this is how a lead chain is used
In the case of young or spirited horses, the owners often become a ...
Trimming requires skill
- Grasp the bridle with both hands at the level of the browband and bring it in front of the horse's head. Leave enough space between your hands for the horse's head.
- Raise the bridle high enough so that the bit approaches the horse's mouth. Many Horses then open the mouth on their own so that you can push the bit in without any problems.
- Next, pull the headpiece over both ears. Check immediately whether the cheek pieces on the right side do not interfere with the horse's eye, as they often do not immediately slip into the correct position.
- Arrange the mane hair on the neck. Pull the crested hair forward and divide the mane exactly at the neck. You have to pull all mane hair back so that it does not tangle with the headpiece.
The bit and buckles must fit properly
- The bit must rest properly in the mouth on the tongue. Check this out. If the bit is broken twice, the individual struts can twist. This hurts the horse. Check this and correct the position of the bit if necessary.
- Now check whether the bridle is properly seated on your head. Sometimes the pelvic section is crooked. Then you have to compensate for this. With a combined bridle, first close the buckling of the cheek piece. Make sure the leather is properly seated so that there are no chafing spots.
- Now close the throat strap. When closed, two fingers should fit between the gaiter and the strap.
- Finally, close the chin strap. Proceed with caution because the corners of the mouth are very sensitive. The buckle should be as close to the bone as possible. Pull the protruding piece of leather through all the tabs.
- Detach the halter from the neck and hang it on the stable wall. You have now trodden your horse.
Inserting the bit - tips
- Many horses do not open their mouths by themselves to pick up the bit. Here you have to help gently. The correct position of the bit in the mouth is on the toothless shop, between the incisors and the molars. If you put two fingers in the mouth and press precisely and carefully on these shutters, you will get your horse to open his mouth. You don't have to worry about being bitten because your horse has no teeth at this point.
- You then have to hold the bridle in your hands differently. Grasp them with your right hand at the level of the browband and guide your arm around the horse's head. You bring the bridle in from the right side of your head. With the palm of your left hand, you put the flat of your hand under the bit, lift it to your mouth and press on the tray with your thumb. As soon as your horse opens its mouth, push the bit in with your left hand and at the same time pull the bridle over your head with your right hand.
With a little practice, you will find it easier to break open. It's easier than it looks at first.
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