Bit rubbing corners of horses mouth??

Tiarella

Tiarella

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I'm having a few issues with bits rubbing the corners of my horses mouth. I've had him 6 months (he is now 5) and tried a fair few bits but seems most happy in the myler comfort snaffle which he is in now. All bits I have tried rub the corner of his mouth - this happens whether he is on a contact schooling, hacking on the buckle with no contact at all. I have tried normal bit rings, the Acavallo gel bit rings, Vaseline, loose ring and eggbutt. He seems to favour thin bits due to low palate and large tongue and I NEVER pull him into a contact, he would panic and just lift his head - caught him a few times doing a bit of jumping and he does react, so have to be careful.
His mouth is black skin, but currently pink, never raw. I am at a loss what I can do/use? I don't *think* it's my riding as I'm very conscious of it so careful to keep a consistent gentle contact, or on the buckle if hacking.
 
Are you absolutely certain you're using the right size bit? Sounds like you might be using something a bit on the small side. Check. At five he may well still be growing and his bit size might actually have changed since you got him.

If your bit checks out as being the right size, maybe try something like the Stubben Golden Wings range (specifically designed for horses with delicate lips) or consider going bitless, at least temporarily, to give the corners of his mouth time to heal up before you try putting a bit in again.
 
Thanks guys - will attempt to take a pic but technology isn't my friend! I do think the myler comfort snaffle is quarter of an inch too big but the Acavallo gel rings should sort that out as they go over the bit too and make it a lot steadier. My myler is 5" but have also tried a 4 3/4" and a 5 1/4" but all still rub. I can go in the school bitless, but not sure I'd brave it anywhere else 😳 I obviously would give him time off but he is a Connemara and judging by event lines on hooves is a laminitic so wanting to keep him in full work to make sure it doesn't creep up on us!
 
It's of no help, but my instructor and I both had issues with the myler comfort rubbing, about an inch up from the mouth, it's plenty big enough in both cases xx
 
LiffWee93 said:
It's of no help, but my instructor and I both had issues with the myler comfort rubbing, about an inch up from the mouth, it's plenty big enough in both cases xx
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If it was just the myler that rubbed him i'd get rid straight away but I've tried cheap bits and NS ones and all just seem to rub the black skin off. even gel rings with Vaseline all over doesn't help :s
 
Does he have a really dry mouth? often that is the cause of rubbing as the corners stay dry, try using him something to encourage salivation sometimes a sugar cube or mint before work can be enough, bit butter may be useful and worth trying.

I find vaseline useless and prefer something thicker like sudacreme that will stay put longer.
 
I'm having similar issues with lola atm, but an eggbutt seems to have helped her :( is he particularly light in the mouth? Lolas always seemed worse when she was lighter for some reason xx
 
be positive said:
Does he have a really dry mouth? often that is the cause of rubbing as the corners stay dry, try using him something to encourage salivation sometimes a sugar cube or mint before work can be enough, bit butter may be useful and worth trying.

I find vaseline useless and prefer something thicker like sudacreme that will stay put longer.
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Yes, at the moment he doesn't salivate as much as I'd like so maybe that's why? Makes sense! Will try sugar cubes, but he is so laminticy I just worry it'll tip him over the edge. Will have a go with sudocrem too :)
 
Tiarella said:
Yes, at the moment he doesn't salivate as much as I'd like so maybe that's why? Makes sense! Will try sugar cubes, but he is so laminticy I just worry it'll tip him over the edge. Will have a go with sudocrem too :)
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One or two should suffice, don't go overboard and risk laminitis!!
 
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