Would it be more likely the bit or teeth?

JackDaniels1

JackDaniels1

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re my mare shaking her head up and down and grinding her teeth whilst being ridden.

Have booked an appointment for the dentist to come out to check her teeth (even though they are not due just yet!) I have changed her bit from what the previous owner was using (previous owner was using a happy mouth snaffle, i use a loose ring french link snaffle)

I have just ridden her, she is fine on the lunge (her head is very still) then when i got on she was ok for the first 5 mins then she starts shaking her head up and down (she does it when a martingale is on and when it is off) and trying to get her head down and opening her mouth a little then grinding her teeth.

When i got off, she did the same.
 
Could be nothing to do with the bit which is why its good to have the dentist out.

Could also be her back or the saddle, or possibly a slight pollen allergy, is it only in the school where she does this?

Is she creating too much of wet mouth? is the bit too low?

Is there any reason why you changed her bit, as it could just be this also, did she do this with previous owner, did she have martingale on before, is the martingale the correctly adjusted to the right size?

I'd go through a process of elimination.
 
I was going to say back, especially as it only starts when you're on board. I'd get that checked to be sure as i knew a headshaker who put up with 2 vertebrae out of place for a long time before it was found the be the problem.
 
If you want a name/number of a good ETD then I can PM you (if you choose to have her teeth checked) he coming out to mine on Sunday morn, really good with the horses and if they don't need anything doing, he hardly charges you anything, specially if your close to his area.
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My horse has an awful annoying tongue habit, it happens all the time. Ive had wolf teeth out, teeth done, tried probably every bit, noseband etc but I have to finally admit I think its me
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Ive had him since he was backed so hes either always done it (I cant remember right at the start ) but I didnt realise or admit I think I hang on a bit especially my left rein. Im certainly not saying its you but just a thought as I never realised at first I did it.
Im trying my hardest now to get him working from behind to a light contact and its so hard.
 
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