Bitting Issue

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superpony

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I did a post a few days ago about my ex racer navicular horse whether he was being naughty or in pain. Well we did wonder if it was his saddle... so we had a super and rather brave (or some may say stupid plan!) to ride him bareback. My friend lead him in a headcollar whilst i rode him bareback, he was a star and back to his old self. So that makes me think its not pain in his back/feet.

Today since i thought it may be the saddle, i put the saddle on and got my friend to lead him again in a headcollar. (Incase it was the bridle/mouth). Well again absolute star... didn't put a foot wrong. He was so good my friend tied his leadrope round to make it like reins and she walked at the side of him, then stood in the middle whilst I walked him round on my own and he was perfect. Went where i asked/turned where i ask and stopped when i asked! Which makes me believe its not naughtyness. As he didn't put a foot wrong, unlike normally!

So.. all the signs link to bit/mouth issue.. he also was generally more naughty when I halted. And then he would start running backwards/rearing/bucking.

He had his teeth checked only a few weeks ago and his bridle fits and his bit is in the right place. When/if he becomes fully sound i'd like to do abit of dressage with him, so ideally would not want a bitless bridle (as i don't think they are allowed are they?) but am still open to the idea of them if nothing else suits him. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a bit that may suit him? Hes currently in an eggbutt snaffle so not a harsh bit at all!
Thanks everyone. :)
 
Has he still got his wolf teeth? They can get in the way of the bit, and some horses find it uncomfortable. Is your current bit a single or double joint? He might not like the nutkrackr action of a single joint, so mabe try a double or a straight bar.
 
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tinkandlily said:
Has he still got his wolf teeth? They can get in the way of the bit, and some horses find it uncomfortable. Is your current bit a single or double joint? He might not like the nutkrackr action of a single joint, so mabe try a double or a straight bar.
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Nope he hasn't got wolf teeth. But he is in a single joint, thank you for that will give it a try!
 
It really is annoying that you still cannot do dressage in a bitless.
I think its unfair for those of us who choose bitless as an option for our horses.

As you say youve had his teeth done, your vet or dentist would have noticed if he had wolf teeth. A lot of ex racers dont get a very good breaking in. Most are not really taught very well how to respond to the bit, because all they have to do is run fast, steer and stop satisfactory so do take a bit of reschooling to get it good.
A lady who liveries with us got an ex racer, and he really didnt have a good mouth. I just dont think he was taught that well. He is now riden in a halter and his brakes and steering are actually a lot better, because teaching the horse to come off nose pressure is a lot easier than teaching them to come off pressure on their sensitive mouth.

Maybe you should look into a halter or a sidepull bridle for him to start. If you can go for lessons with someone experienced with bitless horses.
When you have him going really well and responsive to the rein aids, maybe try riding with a bit as well, so you have two reins. Gradually start to introduce the bit more as you ride with the bitless, so he starts to associate your signals with the bit as well.

Nothing would ever make me ride any of my horses in a bit, because they simply dont need it. I have no interest in dressage until rules are changed to allow bitless.

Maybe you should look into the micklem multi bridle. It has wee buckles that attach the bit to the noseband, so that some of the rein goes to the bit, some to the nose.
Im not using it as a bitless because its reins are in a silly place, but i think it works quite well for a bitted horse.

It does have a drop strap to the noseband, but it doesnt need to be too tight and the horse can still open mouth.
May be worth checking it out. Hope this help.
 
Many horses find single jointed bits uncomfortable. If I were you, having pinpointed the bit/mouth as the source of the problem, I would experiment with a variety of styles and materials to find a bit that he is comfortable with. You can hire bits very cheaply from bit banks.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
Many horses find single jointed bits uncomfortable. If I were you, having pinpointed the bit/mouth as the source of the problem, I would experiment with a variety of styles and materials to find a bit that he is comfortable with. You can hire bits very cheaply from bit banks.
Click to expand...

I agree. Try findig a french link or rubber bit, something kinder on his mouth.
 
One of mine likes a Pinchless French link snaffle - they're not expensive and they are like a normal French link but the whole central part of the bit can swivel independently of the two sides.
 
Ditto French Link bit or a NS lozenge, but try smaller mouth piece rather than a chunky thicker one, TB's are know for having sensitive bars in the mouth, so although you'd think a thicker bit would be milder (which it can be) but, doesn’t help if their is not enough room to accommodate one if they have a low palate, again either of these bits will also help with this problem.

May not help, but it's worth a try.
 
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