Bits

[vixen4]

Hi, need some help if poss - my horse wont take the bit any more. He used to be fine (came from a riding school), but recently has decided that he doesnt want a bit in his mouth any more. What would be the best way to re-introduce him to accepting a bit again? Would maybe a rubber snaffle be better than the plain old iron one? Or do you think there could be some other underlying problem?? Thanks for your help.

[baby_steps]

Hi

Try getting his teeth checked first to make sure the bit isn't actually hurting him. if his teeth are grand then i would try a happy mouth or add bit spray to your normal bit and this should encourage mouthing and acceptance of the bit. make sure the bit is the correct size and is not hanging to high or low in his mouth. good luck with this

[EventingRed]

my horse and i just came across this problem as well. i did switch to a happy mouth, and we are getting his teath checked next week. to encourage him to take it i put it in apple juice to soak before i rode or put molasas on it. he is starting to get the idea again! good luck:)

[galadriel]

Are you using the same kind of bit?

Is your bridle adjusted the same way?

Is your bridle the same size?

Sometimes the fit of the bridle makes a difference--even when you can't see it. I have two bridles of the same size with the same bit; my horse goes much better in one of them. Why? I can't figure it out--I figure it has something to do with how the bit hangs or something...there isn't a visible difference to me though.

Sometimes the mouthpiece of a bit can make a big difference. Some horses despise a regular snaffle (broken mouthpiece). Some horses won't go in anything else. There are a number of different mouthpieces; mullen (slightly curved with no joint), regular snaffle (one joint), French link (two joints), and then a bunch of different materials that they can be made of: steel, aurigaen metal, copper, sweet iron, flavored plastic (Happy Mouth), rubber.

One of mine goes tremendously better in a Happy Mouth than in any other mouthpiece material. Some horses don't like a specific material, but go fine in a different one. Oh--some horses don't like rubber; it can make their mouths dry or taste bad.

Of course a tooth problem is always the most likely cause of a horse refusing the bit. But if you have teeth checked and teeth are fine, then there are a myriad of other possibilities.