Bit problems!!!

[Tashamarie]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone could help.......my horse always seems to play with his bit a lot (he throws his head around terribly too) - almost as if I had caught his tongue in it....so much so that I have got off a few times to make sure that it isn't caught funny......could this be a problem with the bit, or could he be trying to tell me something else??

[liz--y]

i'd get his teeth cheaked by a densist, if there isnt anyproblems there maybe try a straight bar, may also be a pollen allergy. but would rule out teeth first

[ros]

Yes, I think he's trying to tell you something. It could be the bit, it could be teeth, it could be your hands - you'll probably be the best one to answer to that ;) .

[Kay101]

He may be trying to tell you to loosen your reins. That's happened to me before on some different horses. After I loosened my reins, they stopped messing with the bit.

[Aly]

What is the anatomy of your horses mouth like? Are you using a jointed bit like a snaffle or french snaffle for example? If the horse has a low pallate he may be experiencing discomfort from the join(s). As others have said, get the dentist out to check everything for you, and then if everything is ok, and the problem persisting, try changing to a different bit, like a mullen mouth for example. Some horses just plain resent the way a jointed bit jabs them every time the reins are touched. Others, as someone else suggested, get stroppy over too much rein contact. It may also be that he is trying to get his tongue over the bit, or just messing around.

[nakedescapee]

What kind of horse, how old, etc.

My 20 yr old Standardbred mare does the same thing. Her teeth are fine. She was on the track then was a broodmare. On the track they tied her tongue when she raced plus it has been a long while since she was ridden so she just doesn't know what to do with her tongue when the bit is in. But she also throws her head when she is just walking in the field... don't know what that's about. :rolleyes:

I have been told that a good way to get her accustomed to the bit is to put the bridle on and just let her wear it while I groom so she can get used to having it in her mouth but, when I saw her in the field throwing her head for no particular reason, I decided it was less a bit problem and more just a habit.

Good luck!

[cha cha]

I had my horses teeth checked and they were fine .. Checked the bridle it was fine .. changed the bit to a KK Sprenger Ultra Snaffle and now he does not throw his head around any longer .. Myers are good as well .. They are both well made and seem to work .. ;)

[Tashamarie]

Thanks all for your advice -

Im using a Dutch Gag with a jointed bit..........he used to be a driving horse and although we were grateful to inherit the tack when we got him, I think this bit was the one which the previous owner used to drive him in,,,,,,,,it doesn seem to tip quite a lot in his mouth with the smallest amount of tension in the reins....i havn't heard of the KK Sprenger Snaffle - could anyone tell mw what this is like.......would a fixed bar bit be a good idea to try maybe???

[liz--y]

maybe he doesnt like the gag action. try a bit hire so you can try some out till you find something he works well in