Horse not accepting the bit

[Goldenboy]

Hi,

My horse has been playing about and is doing everything in his power not to have the bit in his mouth. Before anyone asks he had the dentist on Saturday, just a quick file and all fine and dandy.

Everything else is up to date, feet, saddle, vaccs etc

What could this be, ive had him 2 years and never had a problem.

Advise please?

 

[Hunters]

Perhaps try a sweet iron bit, this encourages the horse to salivate more and 'perhaps' the horse may become more accepting once more of the bit.

 

[albeg]

Hi,

My horse has been playing about and is doing everything in his power not to have the bit in his mouth. Before anyone asks he had the dentist on Saturday, just a quick file and all fine and dandy.

Everything else is up to date, feet, saddle, vaccs etc

What could this be, ive had him 2 years and never had a problem.

Advise please?

Is he acting up since he had the dentist? If so, maybe he's a bit tender after it.
If not, have you changed his bit recently? It could be pinching him, or if it's old, it might be rough/sharp.

 

[Goldenboy]

No, he was doing this before the dentist, he has the dentist every 6 months. It is a recent thing though, past couple of weeks or so.

I've checked his bit, all seems fine I check it every time I ride and there are no rough bits and that's 6 days per week.

Thanks.

 

[albeg]

What sort of bit are you using?

 

[Goldenboy]

I have two bits

1. schooling - loose ring french link sweet iron

2. waterford - for hacking as he gets a little strong

 

[albeg]

Have you tried any other bits, just to see does it make a difference? What's his mouth like, maybe it's a space issue?

 

[Goldenboy]

I really don't know what to try.

I was going to try a KK bit as heard some goods things about them but they are so expensive to buy.

I wouldn't say he any special requirements to be honest. I just have to be careful its not to fixed as he grabs hold of it

Any suggestions

 

[peanut]

As you haven't had this happen before, I wonder if it's actually nothing to do with the bit. Maybe the problem is elsewhere and by accepting the bit he has to work and use where ever is sore.

Just a thought

 

[Tnavas]

Has he by any chance pulled back recently? If so then he could have his poll out of alignment - it will be bruised and painful so he will object to wearing his bridle.

Other things you can do - Skip putting the bridle on for a week, instead lunge him for work. Buy a pot of molasses and stick some on your thumb and push it into his mouth, press on the space between front and tush teeth and encourage him to open his mouth. Do this for several days and then put the molasses on the bit and try again.