Tense mare, opening mouth, any advice?

[Evil_Cookie]

My tb mare is always trying to open her mouth when ridden, even when she appears soft elsewhere. Her teeth and back have been checked and are seen to as needed. I use a flash noseband on her to prevent her opening her mouth fully and evading the bit. But she still 'bares' her teeth somewhat in an attempt to open her mouth. I wonder whether a change of bit might make her more comfortable or something else? I think its arissen through tension as she's a tense mare, she doesn't do it when working completely relaxed, but I feel she's now adopting it as an evasion to using her body correctly. Any suggestions?

Sorry its so long... Am at a loss as what to try with her... She's ridden in a kk ultra snaffle, would a comfort bridle help or is this purely in the mouth?

 

[kerilli]

i'd change to a drop noseband first, see if she prefers that. it doesn't have to be tight to be effective if fitted correctly (4 fingers' width above top of nostril), allow 1-2 fingers' width behind chinstrap part. that might do the trick.
i'd try a Myler comfort snaffle too tbh, either 02 or mullen mouthpiece, ideally with full cheeks as this works best with the drop noseband, keeps it totally still. also aids with steering (the full cheeks), and if you use keepers, the bit won't rotate at all.
a lot of horses love this combination.
if you really want to try it, and can't find them, i can lend you both, but you'd have to pay postage etc. i have loads of spares of this bit and drop noseband.

 

[pickwickayr]

ive been having similar bitting problems with my TB. i phoned heather from neue schule for advice and she told me it sounds lke the bit he has is too thick for his small mouth and that is why he is opening his mouth and trying to get his tongue over the bit which he also does. i have a neue schule bit on order to try for him

might be worth giving her a call and see what she suggests

good luck