Bit suggestions for young horse

[millyspaniel]

My 4yr TB throws her head about alot especially whilst schooling and when she gets excited. People have suggested maybe trying a different bit - a loose ring snaffle, she is currently ridden in an eggbut snaffle. She seems to have quite a small mouth ( hard to explain but i will try - the lip split dosent go very high up compared to most horses? does that make sense??? she wears a 5.5inch) she does have a very soft mouth and is light on the hands. Its just at times she trys to pull the reins out of my hands by pulling her head down or throws her head up and chomps the bit when she gets excited, particulary when jumping. She does wear a martingale as she does throw her head up very high but has since stopped doing this quite so much. I have checked her bridle and everything seems to fit well, but as soon as its on she starts the head shaking as if its uncomfortable?? she does this approx 1 in 4 times that i tack up. I dont know whether its habit or whether the bit is not right for her.
Any suggestions? ( i was thinking a happy mouth loose ring snaffle?)

 

[bugbee717]

have you checked back, teeth and saddle check before the bit.

 

[KatB]

Try a lozenged loose ring snaffle. It wont punish her when you take up a contact as a single joint will jab her in the roof of the mouth if you're not careful

Try and get a small diameter mouth piece aswell if she has a small mouth, as she may struggle with space

Either that, or a loose ring Nathe as they are easily acepted, and soft, but probably arent the bets idea if she has a dry mouth.

 

[millyspaniel]

Hi, yes she has had a full check up by the vet around 6 weeks ago, she had her teeth rasped (they where bad) and her saddle was fitted by a saddler - i am planning to get him out again as shes put on abit of weight since first having it fitted.
It seems to be an intermitent problem with her? mainly when shes schooled (once a week) or jumping or on the way back from a hack? it could be stress/excitement related?

 

[AmyMay]

Ditto the lozenge type bit - something like a KK, which I really like.

 

[BSJAlove]

if her teeth were bad, she might be remembering the pain still and avoiding the contact.