snatching / hanging on to the bit

[Vicki1986]

the more i school my crazy mare the better she is getting, however she has started to develop an odd habit, when i try to turn her she grabs the side of the bit really hard, sticks her head in the air (to the side) and tries to evade whatever im asking her to do, she also fall outs through the shoulder. this only lasts about 30-60 seconds as i get my seat and leg on, straighten her up and ride her forward whilst 'sponging' the rein to make the bit move in her mouth to get her to release it. (her teeth were done 2 months ago so they are fine)

she only does this in the school, not hacking.

any idea's ?! maybe i should change her bit?? i have got a waterford snaffle so im going to try that tonight and see if she can still get hold of it.

she does it in her happy mouth fulmer, so i changed to something with more links thinking it would be harder for her but she still did it in this bit >>

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

My horse does this, it is a very annoying habit. I have not found anything to 100% prevent it. Changing bits regularly helps as she needs to 'figure out' how to grab each one. i think my horse does it because she cannot bear the feeling of pressure on her tongue so she grabs the bit to stop the joints working properly. She loathed the waterford however, and went solid down one side of her mouth in it. Yuk.

The nearest thing to a solution I have found is a ported snaffle which I am using at the moment - although she still sets one side of her mouth a little bit, people have commented on the fact that she looks better in her mouth and she feels softer.

Sorry, not a lot of help I'm afraid but I'll watch this thread with interest.

 

[Vicki1986]

Glad its not just me then!!

i have to change bits regularly too as like yours, she 'works' them out after about a month or so.

i was thinking of trying a myler snaffle to see if that is comfortable for her.

i have my first dressage test on 4th nov so wanted to crack it before then ! although hopefully she only does it when excited/jumping/after cantering or when she gets unbalanced, so i'm hoping she will find the dressage dull !!