When a horse leans on the bit...

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skewby

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...what exactly is he doing in his mouth? Stupid question but I don't actually know. One person I spoke to recently said her horse would grab the bit between his teeth and go, and a drop noseband cured it for her. When my horse has spent a good few hours leaning like crazy on a mild bit on a fun ride or out hunting, his tongue can actually swell up! I have noted teethmarks on his bit, but surely if he had hold of it it would be away from his tongue? What is he doing and how is he achieving this apparent total immunity to what's in his mouth?
 
im not an expert but could he maybe be clamping it on the bars of his mouth and taking hold this way? that would mean it would rest/put pressure on his tongue. also if its a jointed bit he could bite down on the edges of the bit but it could still rest on the tongue. if its a straight bar and hes biting on it on wouldnt touch his tongue. this is what sounds logical to me anyway lol
 
What type of bit is he wearing? You say mild?? most people equate mild with thick, and if this is the case for you it could be that the bit is essentially to thick for his mouth. My boy has quite a thick tongue and short teeth meaning not alot of room for a bit. When bitting him I have to be careful to get something slim or ported or both to give him enough room to be comfy. I believe this is a common problem and misconception for lots and lots of people. Just thought I'd mention it cos once I got my lad sorted made a big difference to us (he was a leaner before).
 
Totally agree with eveshooter. My id/tb leans....or did!... on the bit and tends to evade by dropping his poll. Have just changed bit to a neue schule.......cos my trainer said he needed a thinner bit and this design is also slightly curved.Horse has a completely different way of going now seems to go into the bit more and contact is consistent. Worth a look in to I'd say
 
Hi guys yes I have all that covered, like your boy eveshooter my lad has zero room in his mouth and I only bit him in thin, ported bits to give him room.

What I want to know is, WHAT is going on in there??
 
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