Bit cutting/rubbing mouth- anything to help?!

E

EquestrianFairy

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 October 2006
Messages
6,502
Visit site
I was called to the RS yesterday as my ponys bit has rubbed her mouth, its only little rubs nothing huge but obv i dont want it happening again (they are on the inside of the corners of her mouth)

Shes only being ridden by experienced riders so theres no blame there and shes very soft mouthed i dont really know why or how its rubbing.

Its a full cheek french link and is the correct size but could someone recommend me a bit that hopefully wont rub?

Thanks
grin.gif
 
Some horses mouth's are just more prone to being rubbed; make sure the bit isn't too high in her mouth firstly, apply vaseline to the corners before you ride (some people on here have also advised hernia cream/sudocream) and use rubber bit rings and that, I'm afraid, is about all you can do...
 
i'd put her in a hackamore for a few days or give her a little holiday. is it a rubber or plastic bit, these are more abrasive. i'd put her in a sprenger or something similar that's made of metal that tastes nice so will encourage her to salivate, which will lubricate the area. i'd use Vaseline or my personal fave, Eliz Arden 8 hour cream, on the sore spots. tbh no bit should rub like that, i've had horses tear the corners of their mouths because they pull like a train against the contact (esp xc) but if the horse is accepting the contact, the bit should never rub.
 
rubber bit rings should help, i wouldnt change your bit if its what she is used too and she goes well in it, a few days off to clear the sore bits that are there would be a good plan too if poss.
 
You say she is only ridden by experienced riders but someone is obviously being heavy handed, if she's in the same bit she is always ridden in and it hasn't happened before then an outside force has caused it i.e. a rider.......
 
[ QUOTE ]
Its bascially impossible for a full cheek to rub



[/ QUOTE ]

I have to disagree, any bit can rub the corners of the mouth, anytime there are two surfaces in contact with each other there is the potential for rubbing to occur.....
 
Clean smooth stainless steel will not rub, it has very low friction, and in the case of a full cheek no moving parts with potential for chafing.

When it gets dirty it can rub, as friction from grease and crud will occur.
 
I say experienced riders but i suppose they could also be abit heavy handed with her.

They are adamant its an old injury but shes never had it with me and shes had 7 months off for her foal so even if there were some rubs there previously id be inclined to think after 7 months off any ridden work it would of healed perfectly well anyway.

Shes only been back in work 4 weeks where she is now and is back in the same bit as she was before.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Clean smooth stainless steel will not rub, it has very low friction, and in the case of a full cheek no moving parts with potential for chafing.

When it gets dirty it can rub, as friction from grease and crud will occur.

[/ QUOTE ]

SS can and will rub! It has a reasonably smooth surface and yes this does help to stop some of the friction but it can cause rub sores in the corner of the mouth, yes a dirty bit is more likely to but a clean one can too.....
 
[ QUOTE ]
Clean smooth stainless steel will not rub, it has very low friction, and in the case of a full cheek no moving parts with potential for chafing.

When it gets dirty it can rub, as friction from grease and crud will occur.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually the OP doesn't state if it's a full cheek with a fixed ring or a loose ring. If it is a loose ring it could easily rub.
 
[ QUOTE ]

Actually the OP doesn't state if it's a full cheek with a fixed ring or a loose ring. If it is a loose ring it could easily rub.

[/ QUOTE ]
Its the third paragraph on the original post!! *rolls eyes*

"...full cheek french link"
 
[ QUOTE ]
Its bascially impossible for a full cheek to rub

So my guess: someone didn't clean the bit and hard crud on it has rubbed your horse.

[/ QUOTE ]
That would be my thoughts exactly CSJ. EF, I'd ask them to make sure they are cleaning the bit after use. Scrubby gunk does dry out and can chafe the corners of the mouth. As CSJ says, this bit shouldn't rub.
 
THe Vaseline idea sounds good but this actually softens the corners of the mouth so could make it worse.

Lavender oil is Anaesthetic and Antiseptic and toughens the skin so is a better idea (it is used on burns patients)

Alternatively you can stitch Chamois leather around a spare bit and soak it in Alum solution and just attach it to a headpiece or a bridle for 20 mins twice a day.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top