Horse itching gums...

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kandm

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I have tried my mare in various different metal bits, however starting to think I may have to try her in a non-metal bit. Whenever I put a bit in her mouth she is perfectly happy, has a good contact, rarely evasive, foams and seems quite content. However, at least once during a ridden or lunging session she will suddenly stop, drop her neck and itch (or is the correct term scratch) her mouth/gum on her leg. I don't think it's her leg that is itchy, as she always seems to want to get to the inside of her lips/gums. She will have a little scratch and will then carry on with her work without a care in the world. She does it both with and without a noseband, and I don't think it's an evasion as she carries on happily with her work. Any thoughts will be muchly appreciated! She's currently ridden in a sprenger KK ultra lozenge loose ring if that's any help. Thanks :).
 
It's not possibly a nostril/nose/upper lip itch that she's trying to get to, maybe an irritation caused by an insect?
 
She rarely rubs her gums without a bit. I'm not sure why she feels the need to scratch them. It definitely seems like the gums not the nostril. Sorry I know that's not much help!
 
Is that one of the aurigan bits? If so then the problem may be the copper content, which, if I remember rightly creates a small electric current when mixed with saliva. This could cause her gums to tingle.
Is she the same with a stainless steel bit?
 
Oh really? I hadn't heard of that one before. I haven't tried her in stainless steal thinking about it. I may have an old one I can dig out to try.
 
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