After watching Kendra work with Nuri in the bridle, it was decided that we needed to back up and make clear up any confusion he had concerning the bridle and bridling. When working with a young horse and the bridle, I always assume when there is a problem that it is due to confusion or lack of understanding on the horses part. In the two videos you will see the process of how I helped Nuri be softer with the bridling process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdixF_NoeRE
In the beginning you can really see how short his attention span is, he looks a bit like a boomerang head constantly taking his head back. But it is nice to see how quickly he comes around with softness and willingness. The little detail of Nuri willingly keeping his head in my direction is such a subtle thing that it is easy to miss.
https://www.youtube.com/user/JulieRobinsHorses#p/a/u/2/DfeTFJqR9cM
Waiting on him to soften is where the earning his trust begins. This is laying the foundation for how he feels about all that we might do around his head like clipping, de-worming and more. In this last video, you can see how once the bridle is on, he is comfortable to say with me and close to me while he gets comfortable with the bit in his mouth.
https://www.youtube.com/user/JulieRobinsHorses#p/a/u/0/H4g-guJZe94
Each time we bridle Nuri, we will take the time to repeat the steps that are necessary. If something is working, like him staying soft and keeping his head near me, I will just go on. If there is a problem, I will take the time to work through it like you saw in the video. My goal is to have him with me mentally and to physically have no worries when I put on or take off the bridle.