Bit choice

Y

Yorkshire93

New User
Joined
22 December 2012
Messages
2
Visit site
Right im new to this so patience please haha!

Ill start from the beginning, ive had my boy in many bits from loose rings to hanging cheeks to dutch gags, and the best bit he has ever gone in is the Pelham. He is a very strong horse and has the power in his neck, hes mouth is very soft. He is currently in a medium port Pelham (good for horses with fat tongues and small mouths)

However, when I have the bit on the right hole, he gets his tongue over it (has only happened past few times) but when I put the bit up a hole, he is fine little stronger in his mouth but not much. But he then fidgets with his mouth I don't know what he is doing,, but it is usally towards the end of a hack he does it.

Hes had his teeth poll everything checked

So heres what im thinking - could the medium port Pelham be too strong and try a rubber bit?

Could he not have the muscle in his neck and finds it uncomfortable? - PLEASE NOTE on a hack I DO NOT make the horse stay on the bit constantly, if we are on roads or going down hills he is on the bit other than that he is nosey :)

Could he just be fidgeting with the bit and needs one of the roller bits or whatever they are called so he has something to play with?

Could the bit be too high in his mouth?

I would NOT like to move him out of a Pelham as seriously I have tried so many bits and this (considering) is the best bit he has gone in, id rather keep the Pelham but change the bit in his mouth.
 
It's hard to say what his problem is exactly without seeing it, however if the bit is now too high it explains why he is fidgeting with his mouth. However it sounds like he evades the contact anyway. If he's had all physical checks already, then it leaves just a training/riding issue as the cause, so imo you need an instructor to watch & see what exactly is happening.
 
Prob a good idea for someone to see what is happening from the ground so you know how he is doing it - if its the port he doesn't like could you try a pelham with a different mouthpiece like a french link or lozenge? (Sorry don't know much about pelham mouthpieces).
 
Would it be worth looking at something like a myler pelham? It is also possible that he finds the mouthpiece too thick, I have to use quite a thin mouthiece on my mare as she has a small mouth with a thick tongue. She goes very well in the myler high ported pelham.
 
You could try bit wrap (latex bandage) makes the bit rubbery without being too thick or needing to buy more bits. You can get a roll on eBay for 7.50, cut in strips and pull tight to wrap round. It's cohesive.
 
If your horse is trying to get his tongue over the bit, he is trying to relieve pressure on his tongue.

There is nothing wrong with using a pelham if you are both happy with it

Have a look at a tongue saver pelham, or myler with a large raised port
 
Last edited:
What happens when he gets his tongue over the bit? Mine does occasionally and hates it! There's a bit of head tossing and fiddling from him until he's got his tongue back where it belongs. He hates high fixed bits, so they stay low and we put up with the occasional misplaced tongue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top