Advice Please

[moli]

My mare has recently started putting her tongue above the bit whilst we're out hacking and sticking her nose in the air.

Should I consider a flash noseband or a new bit? She is currently ridden in a loose ring snaffle. Her tack hasn't changed at all lately and this has never been a problem.

It is really putting me off taking her out and she's started to do this when being schooled.

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.

[Lancashire Lass]

Hi Moli,.... when was the last time you had her teeth checked? I would be inclined to make sure that everything is as it should be in her mouth and with her teeth before you start to think about changing the bit or adding a flash nose band, it could make matters worse! If her teeth and mouth are OK I would ask the horse dentist/vet about the conformation of her mouth and the most suitable type of bit that could be used. All horses mouths, palates, teeth, thickness of tounge are different shapes and sizes and it might be worth asking a professional/someone more knowledgable in this field of their opinion.

Just my opinion you understand!!!

Let us know how you get on.

:)

[moli]

Hi Lancashire Lass,

Thanks for responding. I had her teeth done about 3 months ago but will make an appointment to get her done. I don't want to put her in a flash as she's never had this problem before.

Thanks.
Moli.

[larri]

Moli were her teeth done by the vet or a proper equine dentist?
It can make a huge difference - a lot of vets aren't particularly good ( sorry Pony vet!!:o )

[moli]

Hi larri,

Her teeth were done by an equine dentist who is one of the best around.

moli

[ros]

I agree with Lancashire Lass - horses don't usually try to get their tongues over the bit unless something is uncomfortable. It could be something as daft as just putting the bridle back together on the wrong holes after cleaning (and I'll admit to that!). If your tack hasn't changed but she's only just started doing it, then 10 to 1 something else HAS changed. Is she young enough to be teething? Has the bit developed any rough edges? (Isn't it wonderful, all the detective work you have to do when you own a horse?!)

[ilovebacara]

how old is your horse?? because it could be that her teeth are still growing through and that causes alot of discomfort! check over everything before you start adding 'extras' to her bridle cos that usually makes it worse! also when your dentist comes ask him/her what bit they would advise that you use because they can tell you all about how your horses mouth has developed and they will suggest a different bit for you to use! it might not be the bit but about 90% of probs are to do with discomfort so get it checked out!!

[ponyvet]

You're right larri - some vets aren't good at teeth, but not all equine dentists are qualified. You need to make sure you use a registered equine dentist, so ask what your dentist's qualifications are. If he doesn't mind you asking he's probably a good one, but if he gets offended then I wouldn't trust him.

A shiny set of rasps cost only £600, so anyone can look the business, but not necessarily know what they are doing! I have seen horses mouths which were probably worse after the "dentist" had seen them because the mistake the bad ones make is to try and make the teeth smooth - you want to remove any sharp bits, but the horse needs rough edges and surfaces to grind up it's food!

The best equine dentists are BEVA EDT (= British Equine Veterinary Association Equine Dental Technicians). That means they have been on several courses and are usually very good. It is possible to have a good equine dentist who isn't a BEVA EDT as the qualification is still quite new, but if you're looking for one then I'd go for that first!!

Specialist equine vets are usually not bad with teeth. Some of us really like doing teeth - I think it's quite relaxing - but I always sedate the horse so I don't have to mess about - also I think the horse is less stressed about it too!

[RingLass]

Hmm ... if the horse's teeth are fine, and the bit is on right, etc. then perhaps your rein contact isn't right or something. Is she putting her tongue over the bit at any particular time ? Maybe she doesn't like something you're doing. Ask an instructor or someone.
My chestnut gelding was always very strong-willed and, in turn, strong-pulling. He leaned directly into the bit, constantly trying to gain control. When I corrected him for that, he would put his tongue over the bit, again trying to gain control. So I started to use a tongue-tie whever he used this. I'm not talking about a super-tight plastic band plastering his tongue to his jaw, I'm talking about a soft cloth band that allows him to move his tongue in his mouth (while not cutting off circulation), but not enough movement to put the tongue over the bit. It's not cruel or inhumane as long as it's used carefully.