Why is my horse suddenly biting the bit?

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LadyGroom

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Hi there

I'm currently riding a 4 year old ID mare she was broken last year but she was late accepting the bit so made for difficult handling both with putting a headcollar on her head and a bridle! I rode her on saturday morning and she was lovely however today I rode her today and she has started biting the bit and pulling her head down which means when im trotting her around its difficult to get any shape out of her that doesn't look like a blackpool donkey!

Any idea why she may be doing this?

Cookies for anyone who got to the end :D
 
My TB is a chomper, I've accepted that as she's 15 now and not going to change - however, I asked the same question when I got her as I hadn't seen her do it when I tried her. The first suggestion was have and EDT to see her. Sounds like she's trying to snatch the bit - you'll get better advice from others in that respect.

First port of call though would be a dentist in my book. :D
 
Thanks :D I did once ride a TB bitless and had no problems with her being head strong at all :) Because I ride for a breeder (and these horses are very expensive) do you think its worth my while talking to him and making some suggestions or should I keep my mouth shut for now? :)
 
When were her teeth done? Is she tight in the neck or over her back?

Maybe ask the breeder if it would be worth having a dentist out or have a body worker out, especially if it's a new thing she has started doing.

If I were a breeder, I would 100% listen to what my riders were saying especially when it comes to new things my horses were doing under saddle.
 
My mare went through a period of chomping but since I had her from birth, started her, knew when it started, I was able to deduct it was from being uncomfortable and anxious about what was going to be asked. At any rate she doesn't do it anymore.

Are you saying she basically has her head near the ground? She's chucking it down and wanting to work from there? This is overloading the front end. To me I would be thinking something is bothering her behind. Hind end might not be strong enough or she has issues.

I would say something but if you get a "blow off" response don't take it personal. I once told my trainer one of mine was having issues with his hocks. He told me I was transfering my thoughts to the horse. Yup. When prepping for one of the Classics he broke down in front rather badly although he was saved. There's only so much of overloading a front end can take sometimes.

Terri
 
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