mouth problems, ideas anyone?

[madhector]

my tb gelding is just coming back into work for bout the one hundreth time, and keep having probs with his mouth, he is very strong, cant really be schoolled as has many feet probs that mean he gets splints if he goes in circles too much (long story!) tried him in loads of different bits, causing me to be bolted with on many an occasion, and finally settled on a jointed pelham with an elastic curb (hates curb chains, just make him bounce) prob is before i had him he raced, evented and sj, and then got hammered around the countryside till i rescued him

and has a large amount of scar tissue where the bit sits, theres no pain but whatever i do, when i ride him he gets cracks at the side of his mouth where the scar tissue is, is worse in less harsh bits as he pulls more, these cracks take ages to heal and he ends up resting again! tried a hackamore and was too scary for words! really want to get him fit again but seem to be fighting a losing battle, any ideas please! sorry long post

 

[Chills]

I know it may sound strange, but have you tried applying haemaroid cream? My lad used to get rubs and flaking lips from his Happy Mouth bit and this really worked to clear it up. Might be worth a try to help him along.

 

[Baggybreeches]

I am having the same problem at the moment. Have you tried a hackamore with a bit? The idea being that you ride of the hackamore and the bit is there for emergency! I would also try a combination bit as they take pressure on the nose rather than the mouth.

 

[madhector]

might be worth a try, but the only combination bits ive seen cost a fortune, dont know if i can afford to get one unless im sure he would respond to it, will def try the hemoriod cream

 

[Baggybreeches]

Try the bit banks where you have two week trial and can swap about until find the right one! Someone else has mention the H cream to me aswell.

 

[madhector]

will do, how do you fix a hackamore and a bit on together/ just like a double i take it? might be worth a try

 

[Baggybreeches]

Yeah just use a sliphead for the bit (straight bar for sore mouth is best btw), and attatch the hackamore to normal cheekpieces. I find that the bit has a psychological effect so is not really needed (hoping).

 

[madhector]

will try, already have the hackamore from my last attempt!(is english one ok?) will let you know if i come back alive!

 

[ThomasTank]

Dont know if this will help you but I had the same problems with my cob. I have found a scamperdale pelham is brilliant. no more sore mouths.!!

 

[madhector]

just had a look at one online, looks interesting, but he tends to grab straight bars and go, very quickly, for a long way, till very tired!

 

[ThomasTank]

You can have 2 reins or roundings and a curb chain!

 

[ThomasTank]

and i was told that coz the bars go round the corner so to speak , it doesnt rub and give sores. you could always hire one and see. its the only thing i have found that works. thomas takes off too - hence mt name!!

 

[madhector]

worth giving a go, aslong if you take responsability for yet another possible near death experience

where do i find one?

 

[ThomasTank]

Oh [****] i cant take responsibility for myself !!!
not sure where to find one but will ask my friend or if you are in south east you can borrow mine

 

[madhector]

in suffolk, in the middle of nowhere, prob shouldnt borrow it you may never see it again...will either work and you will never get it back

or it wont and hector and me and bit will be going to fast to give it back!

 

[ThomasTank]

you could point him in the direction of kent!!!
can you get one from a bit bank. have to say i sometimes have to tighten the curb chain but i think it has a bit of poll action there too!

 

[madhector]

will do, look out for the cloud of dust

(or should i say mud?!)

 

[ThomasTank]

Good luck. I think i have tried every bit known to man. Now Thomas is in his 30 and still tanks off with me through the woods or on grass. I found that anything jointed made the problem worse and because of the lack of nerve endings he didnt feel a thing !
would love to know how you get on or where to sent the get well soon card!!!!

 

[madhector]

will let you know

just have to wait for the last cracks to heal...