Bit chomping - any advice?

[Rattie]

My mare chomps on her bit and crosses her jaw when we are hacking and I ask her to stop.

I know it's through anticipation and inpatience (she is very keen) and although doesn't do anything silly like jump around and does keep all four feet still, I don't like this habit and worry it could damage her teeth, although she is checked regularly.

She is ridden in a full cheek frenck link snaffle and has a flash noseband.

Anyone have any ideas how to discourage this habit?

 

[teddyt]

Make sure that the rider isnt causing any issues through innappropriate contact.

Could she have wolf teeth or bone spurs on the bars? You can get your vet or qualified edt to check for these.

You could try wrapping the bit with latex to cushion it. You get it in a bandage and cut a strip to go on the bit.

You could try taking the flash off. She might open her mouth to try and make herself more comfortable, so using a flash can make the problem worse.

Also, look in her mouth and make sure that the bit isnt digging into the roof of her mouth and that it isnt too big.

Lastly, learn to use your seat more so you rely on the reins to stop by a minimal amount. Pulling on the reins just hurts the horse and isnt a long term good form of communication. You and the horse need to practice stopping and slowing down by using just the weight aids.

 

[Rattie]

Thanks for all that Teddy T - all sound advice!

She has her teeth checked every 6 months by an EDT so am pretty confident there isn't a problem there although will mention it on next visit.

Will def look into the latex idea and double check the fit of the bit.

She wears a flash to prevent her getting her tongue over the bit, my aim is to be able to ride without it eventually but so far we haven't quite got there.

I don't really use my reins for downward transitions, I can get her to stand using my seat but even if I have the reins on the buckle, until I ask her to move forward she will chomp the bit which is why I wonder if its just habit now to her which I need to somehow break.

 

[eggs]

She wears a flash to prevent her getting her tongue over the bit, my aim is to be able to ride without it eventually but so far we haven't quite got there.

If she is getting her tongue over the bit it might be worth making sure that the bit is not too low in her mouth. If it is low it could also explain why she is chomping it.