Which bit ?

[Lorrie66]

Hi there,

Anyone really good on bit advice?
My new PRE came with a Happy Mouth full cheek jointed snaffle. I feel this is not entirely comfy for him . He rides well on the bit on & off but occasionally drops his head and yanks. He also has a flash noseband.
He seems to over salivate & constantly plays with it & the plastic is looking a little marked/chewed.
He had his teeth done the week before I bought him as were a bit sharp.

Could it just be an old bit that just needs replacing or would a double joint with lozenge help???? I'd like to ride him without the flash too. Why would he constantly play with it as soon as it is in?
Thanks

 

[vicky_sut]

If the marked / chewed plastic looks rough or sharp I would replace. You can always try a new bit and see how he goes. Why do you think he drops his head and yanks?
Does he just need a streach after working on the bit for a while or is he bored, could be he needs to be more engaged behind there are a number of reasons.

 

[celia]

I would definitely try the double-jointed, or maybe even a mullen or cambridge mouth snaffle. A lot of horses don't like the action of the single joint and you may have to experiment a little to find the mouthpiece he is most comfortable with.

I think removing the flash is also a good idea - it's only going to mask any problems he has with the bit, rather than allowing you to find a solution. Would agree with above poster that the snatching may well be a separate issue - he may be telling you that he is tired and needs to stretch, especially if he has quite a high head carriage. We had the same problem with one of ours - as his neck strengthened and he became used to the level of work we were asking for the snatching completely disappeared. We used to take it as a sign that he was tired and would encourage him to stretch (although he had to keep active so he didn't learn it was an excuse for a break!).

Good luck with him. Hope you'll post lots of pics, I love PRE's!

 

[wispa]

how about a ported pelham with a roller. Somthing to play with in his mouth without the chewing etc. Should negate the need for flash noseband, cavesson only and also have the benefit of lifting his head a touch.