Biting Recommendations - Bar Pressue

[SirBrastias]

Obliquity horse has regular vet check, saddle recently checked and chiropractor/sports physio every 6 months as well as EDT 6 monthly visits.

Background 6yr OTTB (2 years out of racing)- does a bit of everything, hacks, schools (flat and jumping). From day one has always stuck tongue out of one side of the mouth. Sometimes relatively settled, sometimes not so settled in the mouth. Can be very 'chompy'. Bumped into a groom from his racing days who commented he had always been like it.

Had a biting specialist out who spent 2 hours swoping bits in and out but couldn't find anything that showed an improvement. Felt when horse had something to focus on (i.e. jumping) tongue pops back in. This was probably 12 months ago.

Initially EDTA visit showed poor teeth with ulcers on the inside of the cheeks - hence 6 monthly visits. Body shape completely changed since racing, really working well and is looking quite impressive but can't help but think the tongue out is due to discomfort/tension.

Ridden in Neue Schule turtle top snaffle with grackle. At last dental visit EDT suggested horse might be sticking tongue out to relieve bar pressure. Looking at getting a bit specialist out again (any recommendations for the west midlands area?) but wondering if the collective horse and hound experience has any recommendations to try? Anyone had something similar?

The other thing I was thinking of trying would be a micklem bridle...

Just looking for suggestions. In every other area the horse is pretty perfect, just trying to help if he is uncomfortable.

 

[SpeedyPony]

Would it be worth trying a rubber/leather mouthpiece? It won't stop bar pressure, but will provide a bit of cushioning which might help?

 

[little_critter]

Just resurrecting this thread. My horse is indicating discomfort.
I had a bit fitter out a few weeks ago but unfortunately he didn’t really display the symptoms during the appointment. Bit fitter did note he had an old small bone spur on his right bar which I think explains one of his symptoms.
He’s snatching at the reins (not tying to be strong, just release the contact. And I ride with a light contact)
He’s stiff / resistant to flexing right.
Can I have suggestions for bits that have minimal bar pressure please?

 

[Kaylum]

Have you tried a mullen loose ring?

 

[vhf]

Just resurrecting this thread. My horse is indicating discomfort.
I had a bit fitter out a few weeks ago but unfortunately he didn’t really display the symptoms during the appointment. Bit fitter did note he had an old small bone spur on his right bar which I think explains one of his symptoms.
He’s snatching at the reins (not tying to be strong, just release the contact. And I ride with a light contact)
He’s stiff / resistant to flexing right.
Can I have suggestions for bits that have minimal bar pressure please?

I have a sensitive mare who is quick to let me know what she doesn't like; after lots of trial and error I am 90% sure it's bar pressure that most gets her goat. She is happy in a cheap hollow mouth single joint sweet iron loose ring with gel lip guards which extend to the bars. According to decent EDT other than a tiny delicate mouth, there's no issues going on. My oldie had a weird blind wolf tooth thing when I first got her, and although we compromised on a waterford for jumping and a verbindend for dr, she was always happiest bitless which we used everywhere else.

 

[Elno]

My new horse has the same issue. The vet decribed him to have hyperplastic bars (which might explain why he was likened to a freight train to race and why they used a rather harsh bit, poor baby). She recommended a bit lifter or Micklem bridle with clips attached to take the pressure of the bars.

Fager, a Swedish bit brand, has several bits to relieve bar pressure.

Bits for a sensitive bars

Choosing a bit for a horse with sensitive bars can be a challenge. All horses are different and need different help from the bit. We are here to help guide you to the best option for you and your horse!

fagerbits.com