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but maybe Sophie could "give" a little more with her hands?
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I don't know look at the angle of the bit in Merlins mouth, looks like Soph has next to no contact, so nothing to give. I do however think her stirrups could be a littel shorter, then she good fold more, which...
What is her breeding? TB?
It's more likely the noise is air being sucked into her vagina, than her teats.
Google caslick and you will find more info on poor valva conformation and valva injuries.