horse no better

[Lucy J]

I rode Ciara for the first time last night since she had her teeth done and a wolf tooth out. Her head shaking is no better. Could her mouth still be sore? The tooth came out 8 days ago, the vet said to give her 5 days off.

Should I try a different bit? I just don't understand, she never used to be like this. Could she just be being naughty? I have checked her back and it doesn't seem to be that.

I though about riding her with just a headcollar to see if she does it then, because if it is her mouth then if I just use a headcollar that should stop her doing it.

Any better ideas? I'm getting so fed up now.

PS she is not so bad on the lunge with a bridle on, but always lowers her head to the ground.

HELP :(

[CarolineR]

I think she may be trying to tell you something. Perhaps she still aches from having the tooth out, or at this time of year she may be having a reaction to the pollen, so try putting a nose net on for her and see what happens.

Have you lunged off a cavassen? and what is her reaction? If she is fine then the problem must still be in her mouth so check her over carefully.

Also be very very light with your hands as she will have a delicate mouth at the moment and any undue pressure will hurt her, After having the tooth out re-check your bit to ensure it still fits comfortably in her mouth.

You say about changing the bit, but do not say what you ride her in, you could try a Happy Mouth bit for a while whilst the brusiing goes down.

Good luck and I hope she soon feel like her old self again.

[Lucy J]

oops! She has always been ridden in a german hollow mouth loose ring snaffle ad hasn't had any problems before, I may try a happy mouth. I lunge her off the bridle with the lunge line through the bit rings.

[Maria]

Can you borrow a lunging cavesson - or is she sensible enough to lunge off a headcollar? Caroline is quite right to suggest that this will give you a clear indication as to whether her mouth is still sore because you won't need to lunge using a bit.

Maria

[B W]

Check her back!