7 yo teething/ bit advice needed please

[Erray]

Hi my 7 year old highland gelding has started snatching at the reins when ridden and is reluctant to have his bridle on. I looked at his teeth today and his tushes have come through at the bottem but not the top though the gum is quite hard so probably coming through, this didn't look sore but I notice that the bit seemed to catch him here. He is in a french link and seems to have quite a small mouth. Do I just need to put the bit up a hole or is there another bit that would be more suited to him having a small mouth. He did seem to go very well in the french link before, is it normal for them to be more sensitive at this age? Could I try him in a bitless until he's got through this stage?
Would love to hear other peoples views and experiences.
Thanks!

 

[Ezme]

Weirdly our 7year old brabant/bolounais started teething on the weekend, although its his top tush on one side. He's driven in a straight bar buxton (similar to a liverpool) so we just put his bit up so its not hitting and he seems find. Unfortuantly he has to earn his money so alot of time off if not really an option, as long as he's comfortable working obviously. I think its like people when their wisdom teeth are coming through, people react differently. I do know a few horses who were exersized bitless while teething to keep their fitness up but not school just as long as the noseband is high enough because it can press on the sore area

 

[Erray]

Thanks Ezme, I actually did put his bit up a hole today and it seemed much better. He's in a bit of the same situation as yours as he's a trekking pony and we're busy at the moment so has to work. It's mainly me that rides him though so the bitless is still an option, he's not ridden in a noseband but in a headcollar under the bridle, I'll check that isn't affecting him.

 

[Ezme]

Yay I'm useful! Your horses looks amazing in your sig too