5 Year old- Bitting issues..

[ElliePippa]

Does anyone have any advice for my mare.
Ive just got a very green 5year old ISH 16.3 mare. Shes very willing, but im worried that shes having an issue with her bit. She came with a wilkie snaffle, which she doesnt seem to like, as she grinds it with her teeth and throws her head down.
We put her in a eggbut snaffle instead, she was a little better, but was still grinding at the bit with her teeth.
Now, is this simply due to her being young and green- ie, will she later learn to accept the bit?
Or is this her way of telling me she wants a softer bit? Ie rubber, or a snaffle with rollers?
Help much appreciated
Thanks xx

 

[Eriskayowner]

What mouthpiece are you using?

 

[Show Girl]

Have you tried the happy mouth bits? All the youngsters I've worked with have gone really well in them.

 

[kirstyl]

Does anyone have any advice for my mare.
Ive just got a very green 5year old ISH 16.3 mare. Shes very willing, but im worried that shes having an issue with her bit. She came with a wilkie snaffle, which she doesnt seem to like, as she grinds it with her teeth and throws her head down.
We put her in a eggbut snaffle instead, she was a little better, but was still grinding at the bit with her teeth.
Now, is this simply due to her being young and green- ie, will she later learn to accept the bit?
Or is this her way of telling me she wants a softer bit? Ie rubber, or a snaffle with rollers?
Help much appreciated
Thanks xx

Sorry to sound like broken record, but have you had the dentist to her? Youngsters' teeth grow so quickly so probably worth eliminating any problems before you start. I have been lucky with my current horse who is an ex racer I'm re schooling as he accepts the bit and doesn't open his mouth and is mouthing well(he is in a Neue Schule Team Up). Never used one before but he really seems to like it. Other thing is to get yourself a decent instructor who you trust to help you. Far easier to work through problems with good support. Good luck!