Horse mouthing/chewing bit?

[Holly_09]

Hi,
Hoping I don't get flamed for the novice post, but if I don't ask I won't learn...
My share horse seems to mouth/chew the bit once we've warmed up and started doing some basic schooling.
Now I believe mouthing/chewing is a good sign, as it means the jaw is relaxed, however she seems to really try and stretch down and I lose most of my contact with her. Are my hands too heavy? Or is this normal?

I do really want to get some lessons soon, the issue is I can only ride on the weekends at the moment and the usual instructor can only teach on a weekday. I'm pondering whether to go back to the riding school for some work on my position...
Thanks

 

[Sophie192]

From what you've written it seems to me as your horse is working in a long low outline which is good = acceptance of the bit & relaxed but i could be wrong.. but it wouldn't be your hands being too heavy as the horse would most probably become more hollow with heavier hands Hope this can help.

 

[Tickles]

If you aren't having lessons at the moment then I'd err on the side of letting horse have more regular stretches down and not worry too much about loosing the contact. Just make sure you are offering the stretches (like a dressage rider doing a free walk on a long rein and then taking the contact back). That way you should have a happy stretched horse but also one who is listening to you.

You can work on more of a contact during lessons.