Horse opening mouth - bit evasion?

[moneypit1]

When I jump Fly he gets quite strong and I have noticed he opens his mouth sometimes when he takes a hold. I have recently put him in a loose ring snaffle (was jumped in Tom Thumb) and he does seem happier in that his shape is better and he is not "crabbing" over the jumps so much. I have taken the matingale off (doesn't need it) and also the flash attachment to the noseband. His mouth opening worries me in that although it doesn't affect me up on top in terms of control etc, surely it must be uncomfortable for him to make him open his mouth? I do not want to tie it shut with a flash as this must be worse for him. Sorry, haven't explained it very well, just wondered what bit I could try that would be more comfortable for him? Did wonder about French Link, but think that might be a tad too mild as he can be quite strong. Any suggestions?

 

[Honeypots]

I would definitely try a french link or lozenge.. It could well be the single joint he doesn't like. One of my ponies has a low palate and really objected to a single joint. He may well be being strong due to being uncomfortable and you may find him easier in the correct bit even if it seems less severe

 

[blueberry]

Hi, personally, between a french link or a lozenge, i prefer a lozenge.

As he seems to be evading the bit (or contact), it may be worth getting a good trainer down to assess him on the flat. Does he do this when doing general schooling or is it just when he is jumping?

Whenever i have a bitting concern or question that i just need to run by someone i always call Heather at NEUE SCHULE
www.neueschulebits.com

She is a bitting expert and very helpful. An awful lot can depend on mouth conformation.

good luck

 

[muffinino]

Has he learnt that opening his mouth means you have less control? Titan is well behaved and works nicely on the flat and has a soft mouth. But if we're out hacking and go for a gallop or out hunting, he has learnt that opening his mouth, sticking his tounge out and crossing his jaw means I cannot do much except haul on his mouth to stop, which obviously isn't something I want to do.

He is ridden in a french link eggbut snaffle which is strong enough for him normally but for hunting I have to put him in a grackle to stop him doing his little trick. The first couple of times he objected, running backwards, twirling around, mini rears, but I rode him through it and now have much more control without ruining his mouth. He is ridden in a flash for showjumping/cross country, more as a precaution than anything.

 

[vicm2509]

I would go for a lozenge aswell. Baron hates single jointed bits and tries his best to evade them. Although I do use a flash as advised by my instructor, I find him much more relaxed in a loose ring losenge bit.