Is it the bit and if so what options????

B

bedbug

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 April 2008
Messages
291
Location
North Wales
Visit site
After a period of time (indescriminate) he starts to shake his head up and down. Not excessivly and he doesn't raise it to high, it is more moving his nose up and down rather than the whole head. He usually starts if we have been needing to apply the brakes (no I don't just use my hands/reins). He only does it when we are in walk, nothing at all if we are in trot or canter or if something gets his attention then he stops. He also on occasion will riase his head and open his mouth.

I have tried to check inside his mouth (but he hates having it opened unless he is yawning) and I can't see or feel anything.

his teeth are fine and his saddle and back have been sorted within the last month.

He is currently in an eggbut snaffle and has only been backed about 10 months and if it is relevant he is a cob so can be quite strong if he wants to be.

I'm getting worried he is in pain or just really hates his bit and if I don't get this sorted he could end up being a headshaker from habit of doing this.

Help!!!!!!
 
How old/fit is he? sometimes when they are young I think they start to ache a bit and normally start to head shake and want to stretch down?
 
He is 13. he was initially backed at 3 and then turned out for 9 years as the owners found him to strong. He was then rebacked and been continuing his training since then.

He does school a bit like a 4 year old and yes when I give him a long rein it does reduce him doing this but I wasn't sure if it was more to do with the fact that there is only a very light contact.

fitness wise he is I would say about average but has only come back into regular work for the last 6 weeks.
 
Don't know if this helps (and I am in no way an expert) but my coblet hates any bit other than a straight bar - he fights with me, opens his mouth, shakes his head around etc. His teeth have been checked and the EDT (who is very well respected) said it's quite normal for cobs not to get on with jointed bits due to the conformation of their mouths, and he recommended I stick with straight bar bits. Might be worth trying some different mouthpieces?
 
I too have a cob and she used to fight with me a lot out hacking..now she is in a straight bar she hasnt snatched at the bit once! Its always worth trying lots of different bits as every horse is different x
 
Suspect it is his muscles getting tired if he's been back in serious work for just a few weeks. Walking on a contact is actually quite hard work, and particularly cobby types often find it easier in trot or canter.
It is also possible that his mouth might be a bit sore - you might have to get someone to hang on to him while you have a good look. Make sure the bit is fitted properly - if it's too low it could be touching his teeth and making the gum sore.
Once you've eliminated this, try not to let the head wobbling become a habit - I know cobs that get very insistent about relieving tired neck muscles! Keep the walking on a contact to short periods and where it's safe to do so walk on a long rein.
 
Thanks so much everyone...right...now to go scrounging to see what bits I can borrow to try him in and pluck up the courage to have a proper look in his mouth....think I m,ight have to boorw some steel toe capped shoes before hand...hehe

Ironhorse...I agree I think part of it maybe he is getting tired neck muscles so will try him on a long rein more to see of that helps
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top