head tossing / bit/ teeth check?

[fresian]

Having issues with my cob that I've had for a little while now- some of them are to do with planting etc and testing me out. However he has recently started tossing his head up and down when ridden and trying to evade the bit. When I get off he lowers his head to the ground. He has only done this once in the past but then returned to riding fine until now. I thought it might be the noseband as it is on the last hole (I'd have to get some more holes put in) however when I undid it completely the behaviour did not stop so I am thinking it is probably not that.

The first time he did this a while back i tried lowering the bit, he was slightly better for a couple of seconds but then tried to tank off etc and carried on head tossing. In between he has ridden absolutely fine which is very strange.

He is very reluctant to let me look inside is mouth/gums etc to see if there is a problem there.

He had his teeth checked by the vet three weeks ago. (saddle also).

Would there be any point getting a dentist out rather than the vet? and/or what should I be looking for inside the mouth and regarding bit placement etc?

Any help much appreciated as it is very frustrating and making me wonder if my new horse is right for me :confused:

[fresian]

forgot to say what bit he has- an egbutt snaffle which is curved

[xloopylozzax]

i would check the browband aswell- if its too short (which is really common, so dont worry) then it will pull the bridle onto his ears and irritate him.

[cloudandmatrix]

maybe he doesnt like te single joint- try a french link

[cobbycob]

Hi, how old is your horse ? I had a similar problem with mine and it was his wolf teeth coming through and the bit was touching them every now and again. Did the vet comment on these at all ? might be worth getting a dentist in to double check its not a tooth problem.

[Lobelia Overhill]

I had a 3 ring Dutch gag and my horse was constantly shaking/tossing his head, getting behind the bit and all sorts, so I changed to a French link snaffle and things have been going better, he still tosses his head, but he doesn't do it as much, or as often, and thankfully the brakes still work!!

[fresian]

thanks for the tips- he is 7 so might be worth getting a dentist out however the vet just told me they were all fine and had been done not long previously- i might try making some adjustments with the bridle and see if it is any better or possibly trying the french link snaffle. Should i just be looking for any marks inside the mouth to indicate a problem that the bit could be aggrevating? thanks