Brused mouth

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Hancoxfamily

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Hi everyone I noticed today that my mares mouth looks brused she's in a happy mouth straight bar full cheak snaffle I'm lunging her every day for 20 to 30 mins with very loose side rains until she has her new saddle fitted in 2 weeks time so I've not ridden her for 2 weeks eather I was really shocked to see this is this something I should get the vet out for or change bit she's very sensitive in the mouth this is why I have her in this bit is this bit harsher than I thought. ? Any advice would be really appreciated thanks x
 
When lunging with side reins there is really limited elasticity in contact. If you were riding you would be making minute adjustments to the contact responding to her head carriage and her way of going. Side reins can't do that. Even though you have them quite loose they must come into play at some point unless they are flapping about her knees! It sounds like she has set herself against the bit and bruised herself.

Certainly try lunging without the bit for a while. If you settled on the happy mouth after a period of trial and error then on balance it may well be right for you both - albeit not with fixed reins. But if it was a default choice type of bit it would be worth exploring softer options for her. A straight bar bit can be quite unforgiving.
 
That makes sense about the side rains and I thought that last night about the straight bar is harsher than a lozenge snaffle but she just doesn't seem to like the jointed bits is there a bit you can think of me trying she leans on the bit my old trainer gave me a mullen bit but she hated it it was the one were each side moves independent x
 
There is such a massive range of bits available now - try calling the bit bank and chatting to a bitting advisor. I'm sure there will be something which suits. Plus you can hire bits for up to 30 days to be sure they suit which avoids a very expensive mistake!
 
I sympathise! I have a "naughty pony bit bag" from some 12 years in BS Juniors with all sorts of ponies. None of which of course now fit our horses! Being able to hire for a decent amount of time really makes a difference.

That and second hand tack sales....
 
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