A 'Bit' Sore

[Kelly_Milton]

I have a horse that has a sore on the left side of his month, were his bit is. I was wondering if anyone could suggest a different bit that might help this heal or if anyone has had this problem.

He is just starting to learn self carriage and is very good in the mouth, if you rode him you wouldn't think he had the sore. The side of the sore is his "heavy side" if that makes sense, my instructor and I are trying to help this by doing lots of suppling exercises. I'm not rough with my hands and do not hold that rein heavier than the other.

The bit we have at the moment is a Eggbutt french link. I was thinking of trying a loose ring, do you think this would help?

[Tangle]

It might be worth a try, but to be honest I'd be dubious - loose rings can pinch, so I can see it might make the sore worse :(.

Have you double checked for any rough patches on the bit that might be responsible?

[Bay Mare]

No bit is going to help it to heal. You'd be best taking him bitless until the sore has healed up otherwise it's a bit like wearing the same shoes over a blister, it's going to rub and rub and will be very sore. It may even lead to problems in him accepting the bit if you're not careful.

Rather than working in an outline you may need to go back a step and get him working long and low and reaching for the contact. Is your RI getting you to work him from the back end forwards (ie engaging the hind legs to achieve the outline ultimately) or is she working on getting the head in a 'nice' shape. It SHOULD be the former!

Do a search on 'outline' and 'on the bit' on here. You'll see some very interesting and informative discussions.

[Jaimee]

Yeah I think give him a short break to let it heal is the first step. Also a french link eggbutt is probably the best bit you'll find as long as he likes it- and he is going in self carriage it seems he does. I cant see how he would get a sore mouth from your description? I'd look for a cause, hands would be my first to look at. Maybe get your instructor to check.