Bit help please?

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noodle_

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The 4 year old is currently ridden in a loose ring snaffle (rubber one) as last year she started being a cow when ridden in her full cheek (metal?) one...

Soon discovered her teeth needed to be done- so that was all done (along with physio/vet/saddle fitter in november/december)....shes been fine up until around 2 weeks ago in her loose ring snaffle... and then decided we have lack of breaks.

i trust her and she will stop - but not always when i ask. (partially down to schooling too i am aware)

But my friend rode her the other day too in the field and commented how strong she is (partiacularly in the last few weeks)....

I dont want anything harsh/severe in her mouth - but mabey i need to change the bit?? perhaps back??

Im utterly clueless about bits.... my last horse had a gag in as he had no breaks and bolted... this 4 year old i have is lovely and very willing - sometimes abit much!

help?? (sorry for the essay :o )
 
Do you have lessons? Maybe it would be worth keeping the same bit but having a few lessons with a good instructor and looking at the schooling. Or keep the bit mild but try different metals/mouthpieces? What noseband is she ridden in? Maybe its her teeth again?
 
I have an instructor but havent managed to get around to booking lessons :o

due to one thing or another (namely uni!!) i havent found the time to book - i just ride when i find a spare hour through the day - i cant be pinned down for an hour lol!

anyhow - i sholud be ok after next week as i have finished until may - so could book in soon :)

Regarding her teeth.... when i lead her from her reins - she kinda resists? if thats the right word - almost shakes her head as if to say "get off" - ridden shes (other than break failre) shes fine!

last time it was her teeth she kep shaking her head when ridden and wouldnt go forward?

dentist is out in august but if she needs them sooner i can ring up and book in - whatever she needs she gets. :)
 
Look in her mouth every day, checking for inflamed gums, or any resistance, I always ask my instructor to ride my boy for the last part of the lesson, so I know he is getting taught something, I am astounded other peeps don't take the opportunity to see the horse going well.
 
ok thanks. i am booking in with the physio within the next 4 weeks too so will get the dentist out sooner

but for now - bits.... if i can try something else to check if it is that?? :)
 
If all health checks come back clear I would start with a simple loose ring french link snaffle and plain cavesson nose band and some lessons. You need to look at the shape of her mouth, a snaffle with a single link may be knocking her on the roof of her mouth. Make sure the bit is the right size and fitted correctly. Its hard to advise without seeing the horse, I'm sure the people you have coming out will help advise you.
 
Your dentist is probably the best person to advise on bitting as s/he will know which bits suits your horse's mouth conformation. I would ask the dentist to check that the bit fits correctly as well, if your 4 yr old has grown, the current bit might be rubbing/pinching a little.
When did she last have her teeth done? If it was last August, I would get the dentist back asap, to check. If it was recently, I would get another dentist to get a 2nd opinion.
If you are still having problems after a dentist visit, it would be worth experimenting with different bits/materials. Some horses have definite preferences. IMO few horses go really well in a single jointed snaffle, most will go better in either a french-link type or a mullen-mouthed bit.
 
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