Chompin' at the bit!

Today was a big step for little Siren! She is slowly being submerged into the world of adulthood. Whether we like it or not, we all grow up. However, there are many steps that that are involved in this growing up process for a little filly. Today, Siren got a bridle put on for the very first time! She had a smooth snaffle placed in her mouth. She most definitely was not a fan of this unfamiliar devise at first. While she did willingly accept the bit at first, she soon began to think that this was a mistake! She was chomping on the bit  for quite some time. This was most definitely a strange feeling for her. She seemed to quickly get used to the feeling as the chomping slowly subsided. My next step was to lead her around. I tried to simulate how the bit would be moving and feel feel in her mouth while a rider is on her back and steering. She was surprisingly alright with this new sensation. She turned, stopped and backed. Then I wanted to lunge her with the bridle on. While she had no reins attached at this time, (I attached the lunge line to her halter which was on under the bridle) she still had to get used to moving forward with the bit. She had the hardest time getting used to the concept of "forward motion". Her reaction was almost comical! She acted as if it were impeding her ability to move! She was okay at the trot, but she was very hesitant to canter. Once she did canter, she dropped her head into the bit and was bouncing around! She quickly realized that this was not going to hinder her movement or ability to  continue forward and settled into her normal, casual canter around the lunge line. I am so proud that she is learning quickly and growing up so wonderfully. While I am sad that she is no longer my tiny little baby, I am happy that she is growing up well and will soon be old enough to explore a many new aspects to life.