tongue over bit

[preciousgem]

The horse we just bought was being ridden with a loose ring snaffle but she kept putting her tongue over it. Any suggestions on what to do for this?

[Mehitabel]

1) get teeth checked, and while you're at it get EDT to assess how suitable her current bit is for her mouth conformation and make suggestions.
2) narrower bit, somertimes they put tongue over if it's to much of a mouthful
3) french link or straightbar instead of single joint
4)eggbutt rings, hold the bit stiller in the outh so not as tempting to play with.

[slimjim]

Flash noseband to hold mouth shut could also help - can't get tongue over top very easily without opening mouth

[xloopylozzax]

maybe a bit with a port to make it harder to get the tounge over
it depends on what you are planning to do with the horse (discipline wise)

[allthegearnoidea]

Echo all the above.However there are cases where horses do this out of habit and they get kind of a rush, release of endorphins from doing it.So after a long time its very difficult to stop, as they are kind of addicted to it, like biting your nails or smoking.
Cant remember where i heard that, but it does make sense.
The pony i ride does it and has done it for years, he only does it for a few seconds and then puts his tongue back, it doesnt seem to cause any problems, but then we are only hacking - it may be different if we were competing.Although i did see a horse at a show once that for the whole time he was in the ring had his tongue hanging out loosely- flapping in the wind it was- it looked really funny, but it did nothing to mar his ridden ability he looked lovely.

[western-saddler]

I understood it can be due to pain. My horse used to do this until I started using a Baucher hanging snaffle - a 3-piece one. This lifts the bit off the tongue a little and my horse was so much more comfortable in that. I tried all sorts including the Myler correctional bits, tongue flaps, nosebands, etc. Then it was said to me that it is a symptom of his discomfort so then I really started investigating. He was so much happier bitless and I kept him bitless for years. The last few years though I have gone back to a bit (Baucher was recommended). Also, to have light hands helps a lot. I thought horses found it more uncomfortable to put their tongue over the bit than under a comfortable one? Anyway, good luck and let us know if you cure it and with what. :)