OldieButGoodie
Well-Known Member
I have a lovely IDx gelding who just won't settle in the mouth or relax his jaw so its very difficult to get anywhere near a consistent contact with him. He loves to open his mouth or lock onto the bit and lean on the rider so I am constantly asking him not to which can get very tiring. His health back teeth weight saddle fit is all good. When I got him (5 years ago) he wasn't particularly forward going due to being green and then minor health issues got in the way (all coming from him being overweight) but now he is fitter, leaner and practically bursting with health so forwardness / enthusiasm is all there.
After a few years trying different bits / bridles but not really improving anything on the locked jaw/contact issue I recently got a bitting consultant out. She inspected his mouth (also head/neck/back etc) as well as his tack and my riding. She showed me that he has a very crowded mouth - fleshy lips, huge tongue etc. So she adjusted the bridle and after trying several bits on him found one that he appeared more comfortable in. This is a bit very similar to a myler low port comfort but with a loose ring (with lip savers).
So with the new bit working quite well for him I now have to think about the opening mouth issue. I don't like flashes so have tried using various drop nosebands, a micklem (pretty much the same as the drop to be fair), plain nosebands and no noseband. Its clear to me he hates having his mouth enclosed by a strap (although please be aware I don't fit it very tight!) and will fight the strap constantly (he has broken quite a few drop nosebands doing this). But if you use a plain noseband/no noseband, yes, he is more relaxed and initially goes really well, but he then realises he can evade contact by opening his mouth. He then proceeds to pull / lean and it all goes to pot.
Having now tried a few lessons without a drop my instructor now wants me to put the drop back on because him opening his mouth isn't doing me (or him) any favours. She pointed out that he is going forward nicely but when he starts opening his mouth (and then leaning) it will not only make him difficult to ride but will lose marks in my dressage tests!
So... Is there anything else I can try with my horse (that is also dressage legal, even though I only do unaffiliated Prelim)???
After a few years trying different bits / bridles but not really improving anything on the locked jaw/contact issue I recently got a bitting consultant out. She inspected his mouth (also head/neck/back etc) as well as his tack and my riding. She showed me that he has a very crowded mouth - fleshy lips, huge tongue etc. So she adjusted the bridle and after trying several bits on him found one that he appeared more comfortable in. This is a bit very similar to a myler low port comfort but with a loose ring (with lip savers).
So with the new bit working quite well for him I now have to think about the opening mouth issue. I don't like flashes so have tried using various drop nosebands, a micklem (pretty much the same as the drop to be fair), plain nosebands and no noseband. Its clear to me he hates having his mouth enclosed by a strap (although please be aware I don't fit it very tight!) and will fight the strap constantly (he has broken quite a few drop nosebands doing this). But if you use a plain noseband/no noseband, yes, he is more relaxed and initially goes really well, but he then realises he can evade contact by opening his mouth. He then proceeds to pull / lean and it all goes to pot.
Having now tried a few lessons without a drop my instructor now wants me to put the drop back on because him opening his mouth isn't doing me (or him) any favours. She pointed out that he is going forward nicely but when he starts opening his mouth (and then leaning) it will not only make him difficult to ride but will lose marks in my dressage tests!
So... Is there anything else I can try with my horse (that is also dressage legal, even though I only do unaffiliated Prelim)???