Bit problems

[rogerlaura]

i am using a 3ring copper mix lozenge gag on my pony but it has given him bruises is there anything i can do or put on it to help it heal?

also i want to do working hunter on him he is 14.2hh what bits can i use and also what can i use for riding club ode's and he can be strong :S

 

[rara007]

A pelham?

For the dressage of ODE's you will need a snaffle though, as he is used to the Gag a Baucher might be best, with the same lozenge mouth peice.

How hard were you using this Gag to cause bruises

I know one of ours mouths cuts very easily with almost no rein pressure as he crosses his jaw and has a fat tounge, but bruises

 

[Brandysnap]

Hi teamroger,

The bit you're using, as it's 3 ring, has a very strong action, especially if used on the bottom ring.

Re your question on WH, which also relates to bits...

I'd love to help, but without seeing you + your pony, it's impossible to say. (Except to say that relying on a strong bit is usually the worst answer)

Best thing is to get someone knowledgeable, to help with your riding, which is what we all need.

So my best advice, matey, is to get a good local trainer to say what he/she thinks.

Join your local riding club, then you'll get details of up-to-date rules about bits, etc (yawn!!), and probably get vibes on who's great local trainer (at that moment!...). Along with load of new friends!

And hope i've helped. BS x

 

[suzysparkle]

Where abouts is it bruised??

What breed of Horse is he? In what way is he strong (ie head down, head up, leans, opens mouth etc etc) and what noseband do you use? Also, what sort of mouth conformation does he have (ie does he have a large tongue / fleshy lips etc)? Do you have lessons with anyone?

PS Just a thought. Copper bits can make the Horses tongue go dark. Is it this that you have seen??

 

[rogerlaura]

hi he is a tb/quater horse ha isnt really strong schooling as i use a myler ful cheek but jumping and xc he can be strong and puts his head down and in and sometimes leans . i use a normal bridle with a flash attachment im not sure about mouth conformation?? and im not currntly having lessons but am starting to soon

 

[rogerlaura]

hi Rara_2009 i am on the junior relay team and i have been practasing for that and i suppose just pulling him in jump offs and whilst practasing for that

 

[0ldmare]

Are you sure it really is bruising and not discoloured from the bit? As someone mentioned, above you can get this from certain bits eg copper and sweet iron etc

 

[suzysparkle]

If he's leaning then you might be better trying a waterford. It's very mobile and gives them nothing to lean on.
Are you absolutely sure it is bruising and not just discolouration? Seriously, I used to use a myler on mine and even the copper strips turned his tongue black. I now use a bit made from stainless steel and this doesnt happen.
The other thing to look at is how it fits. Sometimes loose rings can catch and it would be worth trying biscuits (the rubber rings). Could you post a picture?
One last thing, flash nosebands can actually be the culprit of causing injury inside the mouth because they squash the inner cheek onto the teeth. It depends on where the bruising is. Really hard to say without seeing it.