Should I change my bit?

K

kylie88

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 September 2009
Messages
361
Location
Kent
Visit site
Just woundered if anyone else has had this, im not sure my pony is 100% comfortable with his bit. he is in a hanging cheek french link and does go nicely in it bit when i first put his bridle on he opens his mouth, like its annoying him and as soon as i stop what im doing when im ridding he starts chopping and crossing his jaw, hes had his teeth checked and my instructor says im not being to heavy handed but maybe his previous owner was as ive only had him a yr and hes only 5 so when i forst got him i thought it was babyness and teething.
Do I change my bit or just accept its somehting he does
 
If he was truly settled in his mouth he wouldn't chomp or cross his jaw, I quite like ported bits as it gives them somewhere to put their tongue and this quite often settles them.
 
I dont like ported bits on a baby.

Is there a reason for the hanging cheek? He might not like the poll pressure.

Do you have problems steering or anything?

I like to start youngster in a wide barrel myler - most of them respond very well in it. Saying that, one of mine detests it but he is more established. I tried him in lots of bits and different bridles and finally settled on a loose ring jointed snaffle and flash. After 18 months he hates it so am re-investigating more bits and bridle combinations.

Its a case of trial and error but have a look at your horse's mouth conformation and see what kind of room he has. Try loads of bits to see how he reacts. It may be the bit, it may be the bridle (have you tried a drop or even a grackle?)
 
Thanks, thought it would be a case of trying different ones.
he was in a french link eggbutt ( still crossed jaw etc )but can b a lil strong so opted for hanging cheek jst to giv a bit more control as didnt want anything to harsh due to his age
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top