Dressage and teeth chattering?

slumdog

slumdog

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So new giant horse has a habit of chattering his teeth when he's ridden. Not in a discomfort kind of way, he does it whether you have a contact or not, and his ears aren't back and he's willing to work, he just seems to do it out of habit, his previous owner said he's always done it. He's just ridden in a snaffle and a plain cavesson noseband. Will I get marked down in dressage for his strange habit?
 
Depends whether it affects the rhythm, suppleness, contact and overall picture / relaxation really. If it doesn't, then no it shouldn't really be marked down however some judges will see it as a sign of tension and will mark accordingly.
 
That's pretty much what I thought, although he even does it on a hack while you're holding the buckle of his reins! He's evented so he has done dressage but he's only just turned 7 and he's quite babyish so hopefully with more schooling he'll stop doing it. Teeth etc are fine it just appears to be a weird habit he's got!
 
Yes I've got one that does something similar (always has and it seems always will regardless!). The vast majority of judges see that it doesn't affect the work but the odd one will comment. It's fair enough, I can see why and I take it on the chin :)
 
It certainly shouldn't be marked down. It is not a resistance and I know of several horses that do it when they are really through and connected just as some horses grind their teeth when they are concentrating. This is why grinding teeth should only be marked down if connected with other signs of tension such as tail swishing etc.
 
Ha, ha, thought this thread referred to the rider - that and forgetting to breathe during test...

Seriously...have you tried bit butter from Horsehealth? It is good, smells gorgeous. Did purchase some gum bits (for horse, not me) but horse did not like them!
 
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