What bit to use for busy mouth

[MayLeigh]

I have a ottb that is a very anxious horse that gets himself worked up. He also has a tendency to grab anything near his mouth. Reigns mostly, but when bridling him he tries to grab that, and he’ll grab the halter as you put it over his head. He seems to like to chew on them or just hold them for comfort. Is there a bit that might get him to quite down and stop trying to grab everything? I looked at rollers but people are saying that their horses then see work as play.

 

[ihatework]

Sound more like you need to work out what is going on between his ears than what you put in his mouth.

For riding, horses with active mouths (often, but not always) are better with fixed cheeks and it’s worth trying mullens, nathe types. One of mine who was quite busy is better in a single joint than a double joint.

 

[scats]

Sometimes horses fussy in the mouth are more settled in a Mullen mouth than anything jointed. I’d personally avoid anything with a roller/barrel.
Also, try fixed cheeks rather than loose ring.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would try a mullen mouthed bit and I would try a variety of materials to see which keeps his mouth quieter. I have heard of a horse which was allergic to s/s and got a sore mouth from it. If your horse's bit makes his mouth feel 'fizzy' he is bound to play with it.

 

[scruffyponies]

Agree with trying a mullen mouth, but I have also had success with a hanging snaffle. Sometimes just steadying up the sides is enough. Personally I also like sweet iron / copper, to give them something to feel and taste; seems to settle them.

 

[Annagain]

The only bit my busy mouthed boy will settle in is a mullen mouth hanging cheek.It's stays very still in the mouth so he has nothing to play with / fight against. We have the Myler version as it was the only one I could find that was big enough but I'm glad he does as it looks like a really kind bit to me - it has quite a thin mouthpiece and the curve is very pronounced so plenty of room for his very large tongue. A micklem bridle also made a big difference to him.