alternative to flash, part 2

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keanmu

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Actually, looking at pics of me riding him he's got his mouth open in all of them. Not wide open pulling me just, lips parted showing his teeth and in a few pics his teeth are parted too and in some his tongue is out. Wondering if it is still a bit problem and considering a ported bit now, thinking about his tongue. Also, on reflection he does chew on his bit ALOT, the soft happy mouth has had his teeth in it.

What do you think? Hard to ask for advice here as I don't speak the lingo enough yet.
 
If his mouth is only open a little then I would leave him be. If he is to mouth the bit and relax through his jaw then he needs to be able to move his mouth! A happy mouth is quite a thick bit so if he doesn't have much space for a bit then you might find it is just a little bulky for him? If he has a large tongue (if his tongue is out?) then I love the tongue saver bits from cotswold sport. Shaped in just a way to give more space for a larger tongue. Fab! http://cotswoldsport.co.uk/shop/ind...&search_in_description=1&keyword=tongue+saver
Am a big fan of the loose ring, or baucher if your horse prefers a little more of a steady contact on his bit.
(usual teeth check question too!)
 
That is why I don't really like happy mouths, they can get very badly chewed and can get sharp and cause discomfort.

Why not ditch the flash, ride in just a cavesson and try a couple of different bits.

What is his mouth like? Big tongue? Fleshy? Small? Get his teeth checked and talk to the EDT about bitting.

Subject to what the EDT says I'd maybe try something that won't take up too much room with a french link or lozenge type joint first. Maybe in sweet iron if he isn't keen on steel bits. Happy mouth and rubber bits tend to be a bit bulky too and if he hasn't got much space in his mouth a bulky bit might make him uncomfortable. See if you can borrow something.

A different bit may solve the problem entirely, or it may not. I ride a horse who opens her mouth purely so she can ignore what she is being asked to do, she is comfortable, happy and capable of the work but likes to tank around on the forehand if she can, and to enable her to do that she'll open her mouth. She isn't too bad on the flat but xc it is dangerous, changing her noseband gives me control back.
 
His teeth are checked every 6 months, they were last done in January of this year and checked just last month. No problems there.
 
keanmu said:
His teeth are checked every 6 months, they were last done in January of this year and checked just last month. No problems there.
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In that case it would be worth asking your EDT about his mouth conformation, although you know his teeth aren't causing a problem horses mouths can be very different and this can make a difference to the type of bit they are most comfortable in due to the space they have in their mouth.
 
Not very good pics but best to show you his mouth....(hope these work)

This first one was when I had had him for only a few weeks.....he wasn't pulling, he was just biting the bit.

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Katt said:
In that case it would be worth asking your EDT about his mouth conformation, although you know his teeth aren't causing a problem horses mouths can be very different and this can make a difference to the type of bit they are most comfortable in due to the space they have in their mouth.
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I wish it were that easy. The denists here are dentists and nothing more. They are not willing or trained to advise on bits.
 
The dentist doesn't need to tell you what bit to use, but if they could explain his mouth conformation to you then you can use that information to find a comfortable bit for him. If the pics you posted are his usual way then it looks like he really isn't comfortable in his bit. Loose the flash and find a comfy bit for him. Iiwy then I would get the dentist to explain his mouth confo (large tongue, fleshy bars, low palatte etc.) then get on the phone to the bit banks for their advice.
 
What happens if you take off the flash and ride just in a cavesson? Is this as wide as he ever opens his mouth?

I would try a metal bit that takes up less space and see if that makes a difference (all without the flash).

I'd also check that the bit is sitting at the right height in his mouth, if he is chewing it then it might need adjusting.

That amount of mouth opening wouldn't worry me really, but it could be that he is leaning on and resisting the flash, in those photos. I'd take the flash off, he will either be much worse or much better. If he's better then problem solved. If he's worse then you need to do some more investigations.
 
Katt said:
What happens if you take off the flash and ride just in a cavesson? Is this as wide as he ever opens his mouth?

I would try a metal bit that takes up less space and see if that makes a difference (all without the flash).

I'd also check that the bit is sitting at the right height in his mouth, if he is chewing it then it might need adjusting.

That amount of mouth opening wouldn't worry me really, but it could be that he is leaning on and resisting the flash, in those photos. I'd take the flash off, he will either be much worse or much better. If he's better then problem solved. If he's worse then you need to do some more investigations.
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Taking the flash off is fine for schooling, he does it about the same but he also crosses his jaw with out the flash. Whilst out riding with out a flash he opens his mouth WIDE.
 
So, conculsion is to take the flash off and try a thinner bit. Still double jointed? Still loose ring? What about something with a port in it. Any suggestions?

I see me visiting the tack shop and buying 10 different bits to try - LOL
 
Thanks for that. I will call and see if they can help me but I live in the Czech Republic and I don't think they will deliver to here. We don't have any such service in the Czech Republic so buying a load of bits may be my only option. Luckily the lady in the horsey shop is great and will let me return the ones I don't need,.
 
Yes definitely still double jointed, and probably still loose ring too. Try and borrow one first to save yourself some cash.

I'd talk to the EDT about mouth conformation before you spend any money though.

Take the flash off and if you need it for fast work use a grackle instead as this will stop the jaw crossing where a flash won't.

I wouldn't go for a port as they don't actually tend to offer much tongue relief.

It would really help you to have a read of the section on bits and nosebands on the sustainable dressage site, it includes really straight forward explanations.

http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/index.php
 
They might not deliver to you, but they will offer advice anyway. Def worth calling a couple for their suggestions with no pressure to buy. At least it cuts down your options of what to buy and gives you a better chance of getting it right for your horse.
 
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