Tongue over bit constantly whilst out hunting

[LouSheridan]

My ex-racehorse has recently embarked on a new career, hunting! He is such a good boy and seems to thoroughly enjoy his new job. The only problem I do have with him is he manages to get his tongue over the bit, and then all steering and brakes fail! I currently have him in a fulmar-snaffle with a flash noseband. I have tried a dutch gag, to try and encourage him to lower his head, only to discover that poll pressure=big tantrum! I have tried a grackle noseband and every other type of snaffle. He doesn't have a 'bad' or hard mouth, it's just this tongue business.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

 

[aaa000AAA]

I am not sure if they are still made now, but I used one of these sorts of bits in the past just for a few weeks and it worked wonderfully to get them out of the habit. might be worth chatting to the hunt stables if they have one of those endless tack-rooms filled with treasures to see if you can borrow one
It's a french link type snaffle, but with the centre joint shaped like a long losange, approximately 1 inch long, in both directions from the central link, this rests on the horses tongue and did the trick nicely
you can buy rubber versions which you can link over a bit, but if he is clever he'll probably find a way of dislodging it from the bit and spitting it out after having a good chew!!

 

[simplyhunting]

Ever tried an australian cheeker? these seem to work well for horses that put their tongue over the bit as it lifts it within the mouth, another possibility is the kineton noseband? although suggested as strong it also has a lifting effect on the bit and worked well with my 14.3 who developed a habit on trying to put his tongue over the bit and be rather strong

 

[LouSheridan]

Thank you! Do you know, I've worked in racing for the last 14 years & the aussie noseband didn't even cross my mind, duh!! I shall give it a try before I try a kineton.

 

[JenHunt]

have you tried something as simple as putting the bit up one hole on the cheek pieces? may just be enough to stop him doing it!

 

[simplyhunting]

welcome good luck

 

[LouSheridan]

Oh, I've had him smiling!!

 

[MrWoof]

My ex-racehorse has recently embarked on a new career, hunting! He is such a good boy and seems to thoroughly enjoy his new job. The only problem I do have with him is he manages to get his tongue over the bit, and then all steering and brakes fail! I currently have him in a fulmar-snaffle with a flash noseband. I have tried a dutch gag, to try and encourage him to lower his head, only to discover that poll pressure=big tantrum! I have tried a grackle noseband and every other type of snaffle. He doesn't have a 'bad' or hard mouth, it's just this tongue business.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

How about something as simple as a Tongue Strap??
Many 'chasers and point-to-pointers wear them.
Maybe your fellow did in his previous career.
Could you not contact his last Trainer and ask?

 

[LouSheridan]

Thanks MrWoof,
I have ridden and looked after this horse since he was a 3yr old, I worked for the trainer who then gave him to me when he retired (he is now 10). He has never had any need for a tongue tie before. They are ok for the duration of a race, but not really suitable for 5 hours out hunting, his tongue might drop off!!

 

[suzysparkle]

You could try a bit with a port in it. Mine was forever doing this until I put him in a mullen mouth with a port. Gives him much more tongue room and harder to get it over as well!

 

[MrWoof]

Thanks MrWoof,
I have ridden and looked after this horse since he was a 3yr old, I worked for the trainer who then gave him to me when he retired (he is now 10). He has never had any need for a tongue tie before. They are ok for the duration of a race, but not really suitable for 5 hours out hunting, his tongue might drop off!!

Point taken!! However, why not try the TS. Not as tight as one might use when racing but just enough to stop him. Otherwise as SS said, try a bit with a port. Would be very interested to know what you find which solves your problem.

 

[LouSheridan]

Thank you! I'm going to go straight out tomorrow and get one with a port to try on him, am hunting on Saturday so will let you kniow if it works for him too!