mouthing issue advice/ideas please??

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amandal

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Hi just after some ideas/suggestions. Young sec d mare just turned 5 backed 18mths ago. Has been ridden in a French link and is nice and soft in the mouth lots of foaming however is increasingly leaning/biting down on the bit , pulling to the right and really chewing?? So much that she's not looking where we are going! It started about a year ago but only slightly and normally on our way home from a hack but it has increased and today hacking was a nightmare. Have tried a straight bar rubber snaffle and also an eggbutt snaffle with no change. Her saddle is recently fitted and her teeth were done 6mths ago (i have booked the edt for next week to check) she doesn't do it in the school or if she's interested in what's ahead! Eg deer , jumps. So not convinced its her teeth......any ideas??

Thanks for reading.. Large g&t for all readers! X
 
It may sound silly but are her ears ok? As it can effect balacnce ect, although you have mentioned it was only on your way home hacking.. Just a thought as I wanted a g&t :p
 
Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination! I only thought of it because a friend of mines horse used to tilt it's head when you schooled him, and found that he had an ear infection that he had for sometime.. Maybe have the vet have a quick look if the dentist or saddle fitter can't find anything wrong.. It could be wolf teeth coming through maybe?
 
Mmm if I'm honest, if its not teeth or saddle and she only does it when she's hacking, she may be eager to get home. Do you hack in a loop or do you have to turn back on yourself?
 
Always in a loop. It is becoming ridiculous and spoiling our time together :-( and it started today when moving away from the yard!! I feel its an evasion tactic?? She's as bright as a button and Will take the p##s when she can! X
 
I hope you get to the bottom of it, I'm out of ideas .. Maybe see what saddler ect suggest and then go from there.. She may just be anxious about leaving the yard, what does she do if you hack in company?
 
** I can't edit on my phone! Forgive me for reiterating the saddler!! I have only just read the post properly (doh)
 
She does it in company more than alone as she has more to think about when alone! I do think its a bad habit more than anything!!
 
Well first of all lots of foaming is not a good sign, it's a sign the horse is having trouble swallowing. If a horse is relaxed in the mouth it should have enough saliva to make sort of lipstick around the mouth and no more.
So I would wonder if her TMJ has issues, poll, neck, back, etc. And have you had yourself checked out? Maybe you're riding her crooked
 
Have you tried altering the height of the bit in the mouth? Some horses are happier with them a little lower or higher than normal. Have you tried a really thin mouthpiece? That would give her more mouth room. Maybe on with less play than a french link, mine fiddles too much in a french link.

I would experiment with the noseband too. See what effect riding without one has then see what happens if you use a snug cavesson, then a drop or a grackle.

Also when she does this what happens if you drop the contact so you are on the buckle? Or if you ride her forward strongly with your leg? How about if you give her lots to think about by doing transitions and lateral work?
 
Though I would be getting teeth done asap. Preferably by a vet if they were done by an edt last time.

Getting back and neck checked is sensible.

And if you still don't fix it get a good instructor to look at you and to ride.
 
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