Head Tossing and Bit Chewing

[claireelizabeth]

Our lead rein pony is prone to throwing his head about (esp. on way home from a hack) he also constantly chews his bit (does this with his lead rein jockey or a more experienced rider). He'll also try getting the bit between his teeth, going above and below the bit!

Saddle, back and teeth have all been checked. His schooling does need some work so was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what I should be focusing on with his schooling to help with this issue.

He is ridden in a snaffle, I've tried a eggbutt and loose ring and he seemed better in the eggbutt.

Any ideas welcome

 

[Lippyx]

I would defo try the schooling if you can. How old is he? Some horses chew on the bit as a habit, all beit caused by something uncomfortable, and even now its not, they still chomp.
I alway thought loose rings are better as it stops the horse from being able to grab the bit, as I guess that is what most chompers are trying to do, BUT if he is happier in the egg-butt then leave him with that!
Does he snatch at the reins?
The head tossing could be a form of hayfever/allergy. Have you tried a nose net? Horlicks (in my siggy) will often shake her head up and down on the way home, or after a schooling session. I leave her to it, as I think of it as her way of relaxing, its when it starts happening during the schooling that I would be worried about.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I once had a youngster who always started to shake/toss her head on the way home from a hack. I realised that her browband was too short and was pressing on her ears. It was only as she got tired that it bothered her. Have you checked her bridle as well as her saddle?

 

[Munchkin]

Maybe an odd Q but is he Welsh?

Welshies have notoriously thick tongues and if the bit is single jointed it could be hitting the roof of his mouth. If you haven't already, try a French link and see what he makes of that

 

[claireelizabeth]

He's 7 but a young 7! He is still quite green esp. in the school.

In general he chews everything, he picked up the whip today and started chewing it when my back was turned, he'll chew the fence, reins, lead rope (likes to get hold of this in his teeth when being led given half a chance) and me! He's particualry bad when he's being asked to do something he'd really rather not or when he's a bit impatient.

I tried a flash but like the loose ring it just made the head tossing worse, I don't want to just strap him down and if anything I'm sure that will just give him more to fight against.

 

[claireelizabeth]

Maybe an odd Q but is he Welsh?

Welshies have notoriously thick tongues and if the bit is single jointed it could be hitting the roof of his mouth. If you haven't already, try a French link and see what he makes of that

Yes he is a Welsh, he's in a F Link though, the vet recommended a thicker bit too but different bits don't seem to make a difference or we've not tried the right one!