Help with really fussy/mouthy horse..

I have a dressage lesson booked with a very well recommended trainer next week, I've had some replies from the bit hire shops as well but I may just hold off until my lesson, maybe?
 
Had a few more thoughts about your issues, I am sure you have looked at all sorts and you sound very experienced, but just in case there is something here of use:-

1. When you said back was checked..was it by the vet? is there any chance whe has any neck or poll pain? Can you find any sore spots, how is she with carrot stretches etc?

2. I personally hate bungees...but as you have a lesson booked could your instructor assess her on the lunge with a bungee? constant gentle pressure and see if she is evading and causing tension through her back as a result (she would send her head up). Some people love bungees...I do not personally recommend using one....just use it to see her reaction. I am not saying it is your hands by the way but at she keeps evading it is difficult to keep constant gentle pressure.

3. How does she react to poll pressure? do you use a rope halter or be nice? is so what is her reaction?

Just a few things that might help...you never know!
 
EquestrianFairy said:
Ideally I want to try and hire before buying-
I can hire the sprenger and the Cambridge one but not the nathe. She chews like mad and I can see the nathe getting eaten within days!

I borrowed a bit less bridle some time ago and she was exceptionally unhappy about the pressure action.
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i have a rockin s snaffle for sale, totally amazing for my old fussy mouthed horse. im only asking 30 for it and local to you. have a look here (its the ported one)
http://www.markrashid.com/forsale_bit.html
 
Parker79 said:
Had a few more thoughts about your issues, I am sure you have looked at all sorts and you sound very experienced, but just in case there is something here of use:-

1. When you said back was checked..was it by the vet? is there any chance whe has any neck or poll pain? Can you find any sore spots, how is she with carrot stretches etc?

HAD A VET AND A PHYSIO- NO SORE SPOTS AND CARROT STRETCHES WITH NO PROBS.

2. I personally hate bungees...but as you have a lesson booked could your instructor assess her on the lunge with a bungee? constant gentle pressure and see if she is evading and causing tension through her back as a result (she would send her head up). Some people love bungees...I do not personally recommend using one....just use it to see her reaction. I am not saying it is your hands by the way but at she keeps evading it is difficult to keep constant gentle pressure.

SHE WAS RIDDEN BY ONE, BUT I FEEL SHE RODE HER TOO RESTRICTIVELY IN THE MOUTH AS SHE PLAYED UP MORE. SHE HAS BEEN LUNGED IN A BUNGEE- 9/10 SHES OK- IF YOU PUSH HER SHE WILL REAR. SHE DOES COME ONTO THE BIT THOUGH AND DOESNT EVADE GENERALLY.

3. How does she react to poll pressure? do you use a rope halter or be nice? is so what is her reaction?

IVE NEVER USED ONE AND HAVE A COMFORT BRIDLE SO THERES NEVER BEEN ANY ADDITIONAL PRESSURE- HOWEVER IF I PULL ON A HEADCOLLAR (SAY SHE TRIES TO RUN OFF) SHE WILL CHUCK HER HEAD UP THEN.

Just a few things that might help...you never know!
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THANKS :)
 
Just wondered if you had managed to resolve your issues? My mare is very similar not fussy in the mouth as such but has TMJ/Poll issues and is a bit backward, rears if too much pressure put on - hates bungees etc. She has had masses of treatment, we are making huge progress since i started having Craniosacral work but its still slow progress. Am considering a Micklem bridle myself and came across this post.

Hoep she's going better :)
 
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