New horse snatching at the bit

[saranichols]

Help! I have just bought a new horse, a 7yo thoroughbred mare. She is constantly snatching at the bit, and although I have contacted the previous owner regarding this, they mentioned using side reins occasionally and it would stop it and it is just a habit. Does anyone have any advice as she's pulling my arms out! She is in a plain noseband and a snaffle. Thank you

 

[Littlebear]

Help! I have just bought a new horse, a 7yo thoroughbred mare. She is constantly snatching at the bit, and although I have contacted the previous owner regarding this, they mentioned using side reins occasionally and it would stop it and it is just a habit. Does anyone have any advice as she's pulling my arms out! She is in a plain noseband and a snaffle. Thank you

my current horse did this when I got her, turned out saddle that came with her didn’t fit properly and her back was sore, got that sorted and over a few months of just quietly riding and not reacting at all to it, it went away and never came back x

 

[be positive]

It may just be a habit but something has caused it, at the moment it will be hard to do much to find out what the problem is as it could be her teeth, her saddle, something deeper rooted that requires the vet or a physio to treat, it may be in part lack of schooling, short cuts being used rather than teaching her to soften.
Do what you can to assess where the issue starts, has she had her teeth done recently? was she vetted? can you assess the saddle fit yourself and check whether she is sore or overreactive anywhere, try doing simple stretches, tummy lifts and see how she responds, lunge with no tack and see if she looks happier and whether she is moving freely.