Opening mouth to avoid me??

[Dizzyblonde99]

When I've been riding my pony hes taken up the habit of just opening his mouth :S I'm guessing this is as a result from my riding. What am I doing wrong and how can I stop this??

Thanks

 

[Pearlsasinger]

It could be lots of things, not necessarily your riding.
Check your hand position, make sure that your thumbs are on top, as if you're holding coffee cups, have the rein between your ring and little fingers, held above the knuckle nearest to the fingernail. This allows you to make adjustments with small gentle movements. Check that your hand position is not fixed but that you move your hands with the horse's head movement.
Look carefully at the bit, especially if the problem has just arisen, there might be a rough patch which is annoying the horse.
Have the horse's teeth checked as any irregularities there can cause irritation against the bit. Your dentist will also be able to advise about a suitable bit to fit the horse's mouth shape.
Please do not start to use a drop/flash/grackle noseband to close the horse's mouth without finding out why this is happening.
Hope this helps and you find a sloution soon

 

[Dizzyblonde99]

Thanks the dentist is supposed to be coming soon so will talk to him about it

Must admit I am a bit lazy with my hand postion

Being a clever boy hes proberbly caught on.

 

[Cliqmo]

Also in your siggy the chestnut stood still is quite overbent, if this is the chap with the problem it may be he is uncomfortable? Don't wish to be mean but it could be worth considering?

 

[Dizzyblonde99]

O deary feeling meen never herd of over bent b4
So made it up to him today went for a very nice long gallop

Any way he was pretty good today so hopefully it was just the grass coming through will make sure I check with dentist wen hes over though.
Thanks