Chomping on the bit

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peanut

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Recently my 5 yo has started what sounds like grinding her teeth on the bit whilst schooling. She's in a Myler comfort snaffle and has always gone really well in it, but has started making this strange chomping sound sometimes.

A fellow livery told me that it's a sign of stress and now I'm really worried.

The dentist last checked her in September and she's never had teeth problems.

Any ideas please??
 
Was the dentist a qualified EDT? My horse was doing this a few weeks after having his teeth done and I was suspicious, so I had a second opinion on his teeth from an EDT who was briliant - he said there were some really sharp edges right at the back of his mouth - the previous dentist missed them. I've not had a problem with him doing it since.
 
Just the usual schooling and she's actually been applying herself and working better than normal. She's a quite hot headed and not an easy ride at the best of times.

If it's stress, is that from too firm a contact? She has a lovely mouth and I couldn't bear to damage it in anyway.
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Maybe I should try a different bit for a while.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Was the dentist a qualified EDT? My horse was doing this a few weeks after having his teeth done and I was suspicious, so I had a second opinion on his teeth from an EDT who was briliant - he said there were some really sharp edges right at the back of his mouth - the previous dentist missed them. I've not had a problem with him doing it since.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but I think I may get a second opinion in that case.

Thank you.
 
Mine does it sometimes. Her teeth are fine, she's also in a Myler comfort snaffle, and her back and saddle are fine, she's just a grumpy old bag and it's her way of showing when she doesn't want to do something! She does it when she thinks she should be allowed to watch what the geldings in the school/field next door/walking past/in the yard (she's a real tart!) are doing, and I inconvenience her by asking her to work!

Your bit is about as nice as they come so I wouldn't worry about changing that. It might just be her way of telling you she's a stroppy teenager and doesn't really see why she should have to!
 
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It might just be her way of telling you she's a stroppy teenager and doesn't really see why she should have to!

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That makes total sense!
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My chap does it sometimes, I was advised to have a better contact rather than a softer one (by that I don't mean hang on), because if the contact is too soft its a bit like loosing the connection on a mobile phone, simply annoying. Other than that it could be when she is a little tired or finding the work harder than usual that day.
 
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