Horsesarelife
18th Oct 2004, 09:20 PM
Lottie my 15.1 cob is not happy in her mouth at all. We have not had her that long and she has never seemed completly happy with her bit. When she first came she was ridden in a dr. bristol but that went back to her owner so since then we have tried quite a few different things ( i think the dr. bristol was probably too strong anyway).
So far- dr.bristol- ok. but not completly right.
single jointed snaffle- leans terribly.
french link hanging cheek- didn't try this for long but she obviously hated it so i stopped.
single jointed dutch gag- plently of brakes but still not happy.
At the moment she is in a loose ring french link with a copper lozenge- she started off really well in it but doesn't go as well in it any more.
She doesn't like having any bits that i've tried in her mouth and athough she is happy to have her bridle put on once it is on she will imediately open her mouth to try to get her tongue over the bit and will really resist, i don't think its naughtyness either so keen to solve the problem rather than clamp her mouth shut with a flash noseband. She has recently had a new saddle fitted and seems well in all other ways.
The only things i can think of are-
Her teeth need doing- although a dentist checked hers a couple of months ago when she first arrived and said to call him in 6 months, i think i will get them checked again though just in case.
or- being a cob she has a big tongue and low palate so finds all the bits i've tried too thick for her little mouth.
Have you got any suggestions of bits/ i could try bearing in mind that she is quite strong. I am completely open to any suggestions.
Sorry it is soooooooo long. Thanks for reading it- if you managed to get through it:D
The only other thing that i can think of is that she headshakes mildly when stressed or when there is lots of pollen about.:
So far- dr.bristol- ok. but not completly right.
single jointed snaffle- leans terribly.
french link hanging cheek- didn't try this for long but she obviously hated it so i stopped.
single jointed dutch gag- plently of brakes but still not happy.
At the moment she is in a loose ring french link with a copper lozenge- she started off really well in it but doesn't go as well in it any more.
She doesn't like having any bits that i've tried in her mouth and athough she is happy to have her bridle put on once it is on she will imediately open her mouth to try to get her tongue over the bit and will really resist, i don't think its naughtyness either so keen to solve the problem rather than clamp her mouth shut with a flash noseband. She has recently had a new saddle fitted and seems well in all other ways.
The only things i can think of are-
Her teeth need doing- although a dentist checked hers a couple of months ago when she first arrived and said to call him in 6 months, i think i will get them checked again though just in case.
or- being a cob she has a big tongue and low palate so finds all the bits i've tried too thick for her little mouth.
Have you got any suggestions of bits/ i could try bearing in mind that she is quite strong. I am completely open to any suggestions.
Sorry it is soooooooo long. Thanks for reading it- if you managed to get through it:D
The only other thing that i can think of is that she headshakes mildly when stressed or when there is lots of pollen about.: