Need advice on bits

[rubyrace]

My mare used to be easy to tack up, I had a sweet iron snaffle with full cheek pieces for her and she seemed happy enough. When that bit was ruined after 6 weeks though, I decided not to buy the same one again so I bought the same bit in stainless steel. Now, she sees me coming with the bridle and puts her head in the air and generally doesnt want to be tacked up. It seems to me that the bit is the problem since she was alright in the last one but not this one. The new bit is a little bit fatter in the corners than the old one.

Also, just in the last week, when I ask her for a canter she throws her head down and sets her head and runs for it. This is new for her and I am wondering if she is just fresh maybe and getting fitter - I got her after a two year break and straight from the race yard.

Any advice on either would be great

[dixieniki]

Hey!
have you wondered if maybe she might need a rasp?! maybe she just needs a little check see if she has any sharp teeth.. a vet can check if one on ** yard or a good dentist..
failing that have you tried looking in the corners of her mouth to check its not split or sore? try a little vaseline on the sides of your new bit to see if this helps with the little changes. good luck!
xxxxxxxxx

[Spuds]

she might just need a visit frm the dentist, or she could be a bit sore, as sweet iiron bits are designed to soften the mouth up. maybe get another sweet iron bit, but look out and treat for rust as rust attacks sweet iron a lot.

[puzzles]

I agree with the dentist option - but i also think you've answered your own question in that she responded well to a arubber bit but not a stainless steel. It seems she has a very sensitive mouth; perhaps a flexi rubber/plastic mouthed bit, or other sweet iron (i.e. nickel/copper, or one from the Myler range - FAB stuff! - ) would help.

:-)

xx