Clip on tongue spoons?

[Serianas]

My NF is a pain in the butt for getting his tongue over the bit. He can still manage it with a high bit (any higher and he wont be able to see around the bit rings!). I have just bought a new saddle, and I think now is the time to address the pony-going-around-the-school-like-he-should-be-licking-a-lollipop issue. His back, teeth etc have all been checked out. One of the things the dentist pointed out is that he has a rather fleshy tongue, with a sort of knot in the middle, hence he is ridden in a snaffle with a lozenge. Hes not strong or a puller.

Anyway, getting to the point, you can buy snap on plastic tongue spoons to help, but im a bit sceptical (also a little worried in case he swallows the darned thing)... anyone used a fixed spoon/clip on spoon?

 

[Dave's Mam]

I used one of these.....

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/cottage-craft-rubber-tongue-guard-black.html

 

[Serianas]

That's the one! Did it work and was it secure?

 

[Shazzababs]

I have a metal tongue port. It looks like a W and goes on a separate sliphead. Worked a treat, I tried to find a link but I couldn't.

I found it much better than the rubber ones, although its less easy to hide for dressage or showing

 

[Shazzababs]

Found one: http://www.saddlery.biz/zilco-tongue-clip-stainless-steel.html?gclid=CPugsqGk8soCFQ-3GwodkgACsg

 

[Damnation]

Just want to say, your horse has a large fleshy tongue, so he is probably putting his tongue over the bit because he feels he can't swallow.

By using one of these, you may cause other behavioural issues if he feels he can't swallow.

I would personally be looking at a ported mouthpiece to give him more room for his tongue, not simpy putting the bit higher in his mouth.

 

[Dave's Mam]

That's the one! Did it work and was it secure?

Yes on both. A pain to get on, but fine.

 

[Annagain]

Mine has a huge tongue. He got it over every jointed bit I ever tried, even those with lozenges but he's absolutely fine in a Myler mullen mouth. I bought the Myler as it was the only 6" mullen mouth hanging cheek I could find but it's far more curved than a "normal" mullen mouth so I think that's helped too. Generally, if they're comfortable with a bit, they don't try to evade it.

 

[Mike007]

I hope this link works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-aV0Rsxmg&list=PL5U1kbKqHXzWpTPrs4PsR1A5VQThCji_C

 

[Templebar]

Im going to try one of these for my sensitive tongued mare http://cotswoldsport.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_66&products_id=659

I dont like the idea of using those tongue guards as if they are uncomfortable then thats how they are getting around it, address the issue dont mask it else you might end up with a bigger problem.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Surely the best thing is to work out why he is putting his tongue over the bit. Presumably because he is uncomfortable, at best. He obviously needs a different bit, I would try a mullen-mouthed or ported bit, horses with fat tongues are usually more comfortable without a lozenge or peanut.