Sore mouth - with pics!

J

jackobear

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 July 2007
Messages
197
Visit site
Hi all

Thanks for your posts so far. I have taken a few pictures of the horsies mouth so you can get a better idea. As you can see the sore is on the corner of his mouth. It actually looked less sore this morning - it was def redder last night when I discovered it last night after riding.

I have also posted a pic of the bit I use. People at yard who had a look think it seems to be the bit too. He was only done by denist 3 weeks ago so don't think its his teeth but I am open to suggestions and ideas and stand to be corrected!!

I am planning on giving him 2 weeks of work without a bit (just lunging and free schoolong) to let it heal but any ideas on bits to use in the future and ways of stopping it happening again if possible. Someone suggested putting vaseline on his bit before riding. He has quite a fleshy mouth as you can see!

I hunt him in the winter so maybe it has stemmed from this as his is a strong bugger and really pulls so need ideas for a soft but strong bit for next season too!

Interesting comment about happy mouth- do people agree that happy mouths are not very good?

Here goes (not posted pic before so hope it works!):
IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm72/jackobear2/P6070032.jpg[/IMG]

P6070034.jpg


IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm72/jackobear2/P6070035.jpg[/IMG]
IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm72/jackobear2/P6070037.jpg[/IMG]
IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm72/jackobear2/P6070041.jpg[/IMG]
 
You could ride in a Hackamore until it heals.
If you run your finger over the bit are there any sharp areas?
Hemorrhoid cream is good to soothe and reduce bleeding.
If they really are determined pullers then any bit can cut them, so maybe try to work on the brakes in general.
 
I might look into a hackmore if the probs persist but think I would need some help using it!

I couldn't put hem cream inside his mouth could I??

He is only strong whilst hunting and x country but I would have sometime over summer to use a kinder bit but would eventually need a solution for hunting too!
 
Hackamore isn't all that different, mainly I find the difference is with steering you have to use a lot of leg to make a good turn, I suppose it doesn't have the subtlety of a normal bit.
Cream in his mouth wont do any harm, I've used it before with no ill effects (on my horse I hasten to add!) might not taste great tho!
When he goes how does he avoid the bit?
 
Recently he has been really pulling on the right rein and is really relcutant to bend to the right...can see why know.

The rest of the time (unless hunting) he is not that strong put does def lean on that side. My instructur tells me not to fight him on that rein but to give and release. Will have to practice that.

Rubbish thing is that I was meant to be doing a hunter trial on sun (last one for ages) and but this means I have to withdraw! Oh well better than making him do it when he is sore!
 
I think it was a bit high a couple of times when I rode him recently. Let it down a hole about two weeks ago but maybe the damage was already done :
 
As the cut is on that side it is hard to know whether the pulling caused the cut or the cut caused the pulling.
Let it heal and start again if he is still leaning do lots of lateral work to supple him and see if it improves.
 
Thanks for all the advice. Off to get my hem cream...hope its not behind the counter that could be embarassing!

Still open to suggestions whether I should try a diff bit?
 
Just a thought - is the bit a little big ie too wide? Sometimes when you pull on one rein the bit slides through and then the jointed part comes into contact with the soft lips and causes a problem. This is more likely to happen with a french link because the joints of the link are nearer to the edges (does that make sense?).

If you can get a finger either side when the bit is in his mouth, try using rubber biscuits (or bit with smaller link). Link bits are kinder than those with one joint as they don't have that awful nutcracker effect, but sometimes the link is just too large for the pony's mouth.
 
Happy Mouth bits will definitely rub more than a metal mouthpiece. Either a hackamore or a combination bit would give you control without risking his mouth. Ultimately, improving his schooling and responsiveness will be the best solution.
 
youch looks sore.

I think it looks bit related also, my horse had a similar thing a while ago. It was related to sharp edges on teeth and her bit though. If you had dentist 3 weeks ago I doubt it would be teeth.
I would try a hackamore you may find he goes well in it, its not that different to riding with a bit, just stick to one with short shanks and have someone show you how to fit it, gentle hands and lots of leg and you would be fine.

Otherwise I'd try another bit and see if that helps, def not a happymouth though IMO they do not create a happymouth!

ETS - if he will let you rinsiing with saline solution will help and apply bonjela
 
This used to happen to my horses mouth tried loads of different bits and they all caused problems
Now using a myler mulled mouth bit and his mouth has been fine - he also really likes the bit and goes really well in it

Expensive but worth it
 
Thanks v much for all your posts. Has been very help. Got the hem cream and he doesn't mind me putting it in at all so must not taste of anything! Bonjela is a good idea too.

I am going to look into a hackamore- bit nervous about using one but think its just because its a bit different. Will see how well its healed in two weeks time
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top