Chewing on the bit

[Katie-gillingham25]

I have a 5 year old mare who’s been out of racing for about 18 months. Slowly bringing her back into work but she is constantly chewing on the bit, she’s in a happy mouth loose ring snaffle. She can also try and snatch the reins, she isn’t overly keen on contact. Other than having her teeth done which she has had does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

 

[TheMule]

I have a 5 year old mare who’s been out of racing for about 18 months. Slowly bringing her back into work but she is constantly chewing on the bit, she’s in a happy mouth loose ring snaffle. She can also try and snatch the reins, she isn’t overly keen on contact. Other than having her teeth done which she has had does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

Most areas will have a bit fitter and it's well worth investing in some proper help to look at the mouth conformation and bridle fit. Hopefully your instructor can also offer some guidance. Many horses don’t like the happy mouth bits I find- they're a bit too thick and not shaped well for the mouth. You might try a little lozenge or shaped mouthpiece like a Myles comfort snaffle in the meantime.

 

[Breather]

Try rubber bit rings? And/or a gel pad over the poll.
It worked for my ex-racer.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Back and saddle issues can present with chewing and snatching on the bit.

I would check the saddle and get a physio out if you haven't already.

Also a happy mouth bit made my Arab's mouth bleed after 1 short session in it, apparently some horses just don't get on with them it's do with what they are made of.

 

[Beausmate]

It's likely the bit is too thick for her. My ex-racer has such a tiny mouth, I've switched to using a hackamore as even a 12mm thick mouthpiece is too thick for her and she can't get away from the pressure. She is also five, but has the mouth of a three-year-old.

 

[lizziebell]

As well as looking for an appropriate bit, do you have a trainer. She’s still young and depending on how she was retrained, she may not truly understand the contact. A lot of people think if there’s no physical issues and the bit is comfortable, the horse should automatically be accepting of the contact and quiet in the mouth, but it’s not that simple and does take training and time.

 

[Birker2020]

Most areas will have a bit fitter and it's well worth investing in some proper help to look at the mouth conformation and bridle fit. Hopefully your instructor can also offer some guidance. Many horses don’t like the happy mouth bits I find- they're a bit too thick and not shaped well for the mouth. You might try a little lozenge or shaped mouthpiece like a Myles comfort snaffle in the meantime.

I agree. I would try her in a narrower mouthpiece.