Mare being difficult to get bridle on

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite

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My cob mare is 8; and when I bought her (as a "project") it soon became obvious that she had a headshaking problem, which was made a helluva lot better by using a nosenet, to the extent that this summer it has been hardly noticeable, if at all.

She's been ridden in a ported pelham which I've borrowed from a friend, and have recently bought another pelham, exactly same style and size, so I can return the original pelham to friend as I'm wanting to return it!

Mare has had a bog-standard cavesson leather bridle up till now; I have just bought her one of the endurance-style synthetic ones, as I thought that might offer her a little bit more comfort??

I also changed the bit on it, so that she had the "new" bit fixed on to it.

She has been really really difficult to get the bridle on this week particularly; this has developed into an escalating battle and she just clamps her mouth shut and won't co-operate! She can be an opinionated mare, but I am trying to give her the benefit of the doubt on this that actually there might be a pain issue involved.

Later this morning I shall fix up her leather bridle with the original bit on it, to see if that makes any difference.

Her teeth were checked by the vet on a routine vac's visit in June; he rasped off a little bit inside her mouth, but didn't express any other concerns. It is my normal practice to use the vet for routine dental work, I trust him, and it's what I do.

I've noticed that inside her mouth, on the bottom of her jaw, both sides, there looks to be something on both sides which is looking a bit sore and raw even, a bit like a little sunken tooth if that makes sense?? I think it may be what's called the "Canine" teeth?? But not sure.

I'm concerned, as normally she's a fairly co-operative mare, and when I had her first and tried to ride her, she did "say" that her back was hurting (by moving away quite deliberately from the mounting block) - at that time she had physio and has been fine since; so IF she is "saying" something about her teeth, then I want to be hearing it!

Anyone had a similar experience with a mare about this age?? I've always had boys before, so the mare thing is a little new for me!

Before anyone jumps on me, I WILL be asking my vet to take a look and would defer to his advice re. any possible referral/treatment needed.

Hope someone can throw some light on this?? Anyone had a similar experience I wonder??
 
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Some mares can get canine and wolf teeth - and these teeth can be small enough to not erupt properly. Getting the vet to check again would be what I would do.

Another thing that can really upset a horse is a rough surface on a bit - yep, even some new ones can be not quite right, I had one that had to be sent back unused because it had a flaw in the mouthpiece. Also, is there any rough stitching on the noseband? It doesn't have to be very much if it's in the wrong place and check how it lies on her face in relation to the leather one. Worth a little check.
 
yep would def take a look for some unerupted teeth. One of mine (mare) had some canines that I could feel like tiny nobbles below the gumline, I had the dental vet come and pop them out and she was much happier afterwards. Catkin makes good points about the tack too.

eta the same horse also recently started to expel a small fragment of wolf tooth. I didn't even know she had had them, but they must have been removed at some point before I got her at 9 and a bit was left behind :rolleyes: that came out quite easily too and resolved the contact issue we had been having. There had been no sign of it only a few months previously. It's surprising how quickly these things can start to have an effect.
 
If it's any use at all, my older mare spontaneously sprouted a canine at age 12. It did bother her as it erupted, she would suddenly tuck her head in and start squeaking her tongue against it (the noise set my teeth on edge *shudder*). Dentist confirmed it wasn't there when he'd done her teeth a month prior, and said to keep an eye on it. Thankfully once fully erupted, all was fine.
 
Well....... update from later in the morning.

Tried to get her "old" bridle on her this morning, earlier, mare said "nope" ain't doing that!

I have a professional who helps me with behavioural and other issues with my horses, so I will ring her tonight to see if she has any insight.

Have rung the vet and am on his schedule for a visit hopefully Thursday afternoon or possibly Friday.

Will update when more is known!

This has come on quite suddenly and inexplicably! Mare went for a lovely ride at the weekend and we were cantering away quite merrily! - and now this.........

Anyway, we'll see what the vet says.

Thank you everyone for your input.
 
I know you have said the vet has checked teeth but if it continues it may be worth getting a qualified EDT to have a look , they often pick things up that a vet may not as have a lot more experience. Hope its sorted soon
 
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