Bitting advice please

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charliechocolate

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I have a 5 year old ex racer (last raced Feb 08) been doing lots of lunging and starting schooling sessions now. I have had all checks done and everything O.K. He is very settled on the lunge and works happily in a nice outline and I currently use a full cheek french link as turning in the school is a little issue (as with most racers he likes straight lines!!) The problem is when riding he chews at the bit constantly, he is still very wiggly and evades a little but after about 15-20 mins he will settle into a soft outline but still chews all the time. I was thinking of trying a myler but wanted to know if anyone else has experience of a youngster/ex racer chewing like this, have heard it can be nervousness from racing days but would appreciate some input.
 
Not sure if thi will be any help, but will post it anyway. I think that constant chewing can be nervousness from racing days. My ex-racer never did it, but I know others that did. If all the usual checks are fine and the bit is in the right place etc, then in my opinion he just needs to be happy with the bit and learn to relax with it. With mine who didn't chew, but always put her tongue out, I didn't think about head position or anything, I just got her really understanding the basic aids (hand ones and leg ones) with a light contact, and also taught her to stretch down on a long rein. Did in-hand stuff in the bridle too, so she knew what the bit meant, like a gentle pull on it does mean stop, but the pressure is released immediately. She's fine now and comes naturally into an outline.
Sorry not to much use, and I'm not sure what level your boy is at, but good luck anyway.
 
I have an ex racer that i now do dressage with. I started him in a loose ring french link snaffle & whilst I worked him deep it was fine but as soon as i picked him up to work correctly on the bit we had serious contact issues with him chewing and head tossing. I started him again with ground work & had serious physio sessions swapped him to a neue schule hanging cheek with lozenge and he has been amazing I think he feels more secure in the contact. He was ok in a myler but still avoiding the contact.
 
You should make sure there's differentiation between the bit your horse used to race in, and what you ride in. Chewing is, to me, a good sign - like youngsters do when you put a bit with keys into their mouth - so choose a bit with a mild action and i'd say time and patience are the options here.

The bit choice you have is excellent for youngsters - I'd just try and focus on 'fun' things like schooling when hacking or even changing the metal of the bit to something with a better taste (or honey and water mixed in a flower sprayer does basically the same thing)

Have fun with your ex-racer, it will come with time. He's just a wee baby. Keep him occupied and it will hopefully gradually lessen!
 
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