Horse using bit as pacifier

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Louby

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I think this is the cause of my horses spooky behaviour. He draws his tongue back constantly and goes into another world. My friend says his eyes change, as if in a trance. Hes done it for years, as long as I can remember and despite trying probably every bit on the market and noseband I cant stop it. He is mouthy and grabs his leadrope and reins, although I am working at this.
Friend said the other day she turned him out and he walked right into her when she stopped, he isnt bargy or ill mannered............. he had the leadrope in his mouth, messing with it and in another world.
This morning he was doing his usual tongue habit whilst we were hacking out and a bike flew towards us, he suddenly 'woke up' and spooked badly. I try changing flexion, etc etc to keep him 'awake' but nothing I do keeps him focussed when hes in trance mode.
Anyone ever had a horse that does this and any advice?
Thanks :D

Oh teeth etc fine.
 
yes and she has never grown out of it but she isnt spooky with it thankfully but it would help if she concentrated a bit more

what bit are you using, we have tried allsorts but have just tried a hanging cheek mullen mouth so it stays very still in her mouth.... atm this seems to be a bit of a breakthrough ;)
 
Ive got one of them too!
I find he leans on it though, in trance mode of course :eek:
At the mo Im using a Sprenger KK as I recently bought him a Hanging cheek tongue saver and the bugger kept getting his tongue over, something hes never done before. Ive tried mylers, NS, sprenger, pee wee, thick, thin, ported, mullen, french link etc etc. It drives me mad!
 
lol, well we only changed to that recently as I rode it and said I def couldnt ride it in what we had! bless them. she doesnt go too trancy when ridden... but def does on the yard with a leadrope if allowed.

of no further help then I'm afraid, tongue save was going to be our next possibility!
 
I think I prefered the hanging cheek in the past because theres not as much movement so I dont have the constant pull, pull, pull on the reins as his tongue draws the bit back, Even my vet commented on how strong his tongue is! No wonder really, it must be the fittest part of his body! :eek::eek:
 
Thanks, I tried a hackamore but he hated it, to be fair I didnt get out of the school as although he will usually turn, stop off my seat, I had no turning or brakes. He kept stopping and rubbing his nose on his leg. I also need to use a bit as we compete at dressage, ok not this year but hope to again soon.
 
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