VioletStripe
Well-Known Member
Hello! Hope you're all well and enjoying the wonderful winter riding (and mud 
)
Long story short, I'm looking for some bitting advice!
I am a stickler for getting him seen by the dentist, and he's never had any problems. All but last time I had the dentist (around 4 months ago), the only thing she noticed other than the slightly sharp edges from usual wear and tear, she asked if he likes to crunch and hold on to the bit, as he had basically made himself bit seats. I have noticed he likes to crunch and take ahold of it, despite all the regular checks.
- He's never had teeth problems, and he's seen by a teeth specialist vet who I've found to be superb.
- He's ridden in a micklem bridle and a Sprenger Ultra, or an NS Trans Angled or Team Up.
- Regularly seen by physio, and that's only for check ups and maintenance, usually nothing odd to be found.
- Regularly seen by saddler, again usually just a check up with nothing really to be found.
- Not lame in any way, tracks up and moves freely.
- Happily works on the bit, (almost) never on the forehand or in a false outline, and will also happily work long and low.
Vet said she didn't see any reason to worry, they're not harming him, they're not sharp, and she doesn't think it points to anything else.
Just wondering if anyone had any experience of this? He doesn't feel tight when I ride him, but he does like to play with the bit and sometimes really hold it - yet never goes hard or leans?
Does anyone have any suggestions as to why he might do this, or if I should change his bit, or just accept the fact he does it? He performs well at local dressage and jumping, and nothing appears to be 'wrong'. I've tried a straight bar happy mouth but he didn't really take to it, nothing wrong he just didn't work as nicely as he does in the Sprenger.
Thoughts? Sorry, it's a very meander-y and non-specific post, just a musing that I had after my evening ride. Many thanks
)Long story short, I'm looking for some bitting advice!
I am a stickler for getting him seen by the dentist, and he's never had any problems. All but last time I had the dentist (around 4 months ago), the only thing she noticed other than the slightly sharp edges from usual wear and tear, she asked if he likes to crunch and hold on to the bit, as he had basically made himself bit seats. I have noticed he likes to crunch and take ahold of it, despite all the regular checks.
- He's never had teeth problems, and he's seen by a teeth specialist vet who I've found to be superb.
- He's ridden in a micklem bridle and a Sprenger Ultra, or an NS Trans Angled or Team Up.
- Regularly seen by physio, and that's only for check ups and maintenance, usually nothing odd to be found.
- Regularly seen by saddler, again usually just a check up with nothing really to be found.
- Not lame in any way, tracks up and moves freely.
- Happily works on the bit, (almost) never on the forehand or in a false outline, and will also happily work long and low.
Vet said she didn't see any reason to worry, they're not harming him, they're not sharp, and she doesn't think it points to anything else.
Just wondering if anyone had any experience of this? He doesn't feel tight when I ride him, but he does like to play with the bit and sometimes really hold it - yet never goes hard or leans?
Does anyone have any suggestions as to why he might do this, or if I should change his bit, or just accept the fact he does it? He performs well at local dressage and jumping, and nothing appears to be 'wrong'. I've tried a straight bar happy mouth but he didn't really take to it, nothing wrong he just didn't work as nicely as he does in the Sprenger.
Thoughts? Sorry, it's a very meander-y and non-specific post, just a musing that I had after my evening ride. Many thanks