Update: the head twisting was definitely hind end related. I injected his stifles and got shoes on him all around, and the difference is night and day. He still chomps and twists a bit, but usually only when he’s upset his buddies left him. It is greatly reduced, and I can take a soft feel of him now!
I’m still putting fitness on him, but he’s happy to wear a bit (using the rope D ring from Sweet Billy’s right now). I get some good stretches when trotting uphill, and as I said the twisting/gaping/chomping is reduced and situational.
TBD if I end up playing with bits, but in case anyone has the same issue, I wanted to update that it wasn’t teeth or bit or training (or not entirely).
