Horse chomping bit?

[LollyDolly]

So my boy always chomps and chews on the bit, whether I am riding or if he is just wearing his bridle in his stable.
He currently has a sweet iron snaffle with a lozenge in between.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Would switching bits help or is it just a habit? If so which bit would you recommend?

Oh and he tends to 'snarl' when ridden, he sort of curls his lip back and shows his teeth. Anyway to stop this? A flash fixes this however I would rather fix the problem than try to hide it.

Suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[Bionic Boy]

Mine does this and I have worked it out that it is pain related. Have you had all the normal checks done, teeth, back etc?

 

[LollyDolly]

Yep, his teeth were in a terrible state when I got him however he has had his wolf teeth removed and he had a wave which was corrected so his mouth is now perfect. He had his backed checked 4 months ago and everything was fine so hopefully it shouldn't be pain related!

 

[Irishbabygirl]

Have you tried a normal stainless steel one? Maybe its the sweet iron?

 

[LollyDolly]

No I haven't, I suppose that it's worth a shot!

 

[mandwhy]

I think the sweet iron and lozenge are both there to encourage him to salivate, mouth and engage with the bit, so changing it would probably change that.

 

[LollyDolly]

Brilliant, thanks!

Well I will try a few bits on him today and see what he thinks!