Arab refusing bit contact????????

[unicorndanca]

Am having problems with my 9yo mare avioding contact with the bit. She goes slong fine on a loose rein but any attemp to get her on the bit will lead her to shake her head continually or put her head/nose sky high. She has had her saddle fitted for her and her teeth done not too long ago. Any advice???

[belle]

I just wondered what bit you use for your Arab?

My Arab mare has to have a very thin bit as she has a tiny mouth, she wont tolerate a bigger bit. Also she used to shake her head if there were lots of flies, or if she was in season.

[unicorndanca]

I'm using a snaffle bit (not thick) with full cheekpiece as rings seemed to pull through her mouth. I know what you mean about flies but its cold and no flies thank goodness and its not just when shes in season. Sometimes I use a jointed kimblewick with the reins only on the rings and she is just about perfect in that but don't like to use it. Think it is the curb chain she respects.

[ros]

Why not just let your mare tell you what she likes? It's her mouth!

Have you tried her in a non-jointed bit, by the way? And is the snaffle you're currently using single- or double-jointed?

[Cobby]

Arabs tend to have small mouths with low palates - it may be the 'nut cracker' action of the snaffle touching the roof of her mouth that she doesn't like. She might go better in a french link or mullen mouth. My cob didn't like a jointed snaffle either, she would keep opening her mouth, she is now much happier in a kimblewick. I think that as long as you are light with your hands it is not a severe bit.