Anyone had the same problem - Advice Please??????

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sarahwilkes

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I have been lucky enough to have a new horse
15hh cob. only a baby 3 1/2.
my plan is to do some show cob classes in the future.
I am riding her in a myler comfort snaffle with a plain really soft caverson noseband.
She is a very easy ride but does constantly play with her bit and curl her nose. It has caused her nosedband to rub her under her jawline.
I didnt really want to go down the line of a flash/drop noseband.
Has anyone else experienced the same thing - what did you do to rectufy the situation?
Thanks for looking hope you can help me.
 
Try changing the bit. Why not try something very simple and old fashioned like a loose ring snaffle and see if there is a difference.

Sorry, but I am a bit of a luddite when it comes to bits, in my book there isn't a lot wrong with a loose ring snaffle to start off with.
 
If you want her to be more settled in her mouth i would try a normal snaffle as pinkweasel suggested. Either loose ring or solid rings (if that makes sense!) She should hold the bit a little more in these and not play quite as much. Have you also had her teeth checked? She could be fidgeting due to being uncomfortable?
 
I would also seriously think about turning her out in the field for the summer and letting her grow up.
3 1/2 is still very young to be worrying about rein and bit contact
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Thanks for the advice guys,

i did start off with a loose ring snaffle and she got her tongue over the bit. would you try a loose ring french link maybe?

she is not naughty or resisting in any way just a little playful and lacks concentration.
she is only freshly broken, so i just want to do a little hacking out before letting her have the summer off to mature with our other youngsters.
 
I would try a french link loose ring aswell. Also remove the noseband to stop it rubbing, it is not really a bad thing that she is playing with the bit, I would think that once you bring her back to work after the summer and begin to take up more contact the playing will lessen. At the moment she is playing with it and not fighting it so I would just let her be.
 
I would remove the noseband completly, and certainly try a french link, dont worry about bit playing if shes only just been backed, just hold a very light but constant feel within your hands, and let her figure out her mouth
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I would get a qualified EDT out to check the mouth and teeth. Sounds more like discomfort than any thing else.
 
I may be stating the obvious here - but she'll be teething...and they are often 'mouthy' until they have a 'full mouth'.
It might be worth checking her mouth as they can develop sharp bits on their teeth whilst the baby teeth are being displaced by the permanent incisors - perhaps she's got little cuts or ulcers.
I'd put her in plain snaffle as pinkweasel suggests, remove the noseband, and not do very much before turning her away.
If you're good with your hands, you could always try her in a bitless bridle until she's finished teething - although do take care, as these can be harsh on the nose, chin and poll if you are not gentle.
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Thanks so much for your help and advice.

i had the same rule of thought myself although she is such a special girl i didnt want to spoil her.

i have already had her teeth checked and all is well on that front. she has never behaved in a manner that would suggest she is in pain. she is just a playful little lady and walks out with her ears pricked all the way.
 
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