Mouthy Horse Eats Bits

[Rusty15]

[QUOTE=sascha;8274146]
I’ve had this tab opened for over a week. Finally got a chance to watch this video. It may help you to narrow your choices somewhat

https://www.facebook.com/GavSays/videos/974081595969747/?pnref=story[/QUOTE]

What an interesting video! I’m glad you posted it. My horse isn’t helping me make this any clearer though lol. He doesn’t open his mouth. He doesn’t raise his head, and he doesn’t drop his head. He. Just. Chews. He also does stick his nose out and get a bit heavy on my hand, but that is probably an education issue as much as a bit issue.

[poltroon]

So a few teeth marks on your metal bit aren’t a big deal. As long as it’s still smooth, that wouldn’t be a problem for me.

Sometimes a horse like this just doesn’t like a bit moving in his mouth. A mullen can help with this. The downside of the mullen is that the shape is unforgiving. I like the Duo/Nathe bits for this reason, but those can be expensive with a chewy horse.

You might also try changing the width of the bit and changing the adjustment to be higher or lower; a drop noseband or Micklem may hold the bit steadier for your horse so it’s not slopping around in his mouth.

[Rusty15]

I just saw this type of Myler. I wonder if he wouldn’t like the wider port + roller.

[Rusty15]

[QUOTE=poltroon;8277981]
So a few teeth marks on your metal bit aren’t a big deal. As long as it’s still smooth, that wouldn’t be a problem for me.

Sometimes a horse like this just doesn’t like a bit moving in his mouth. A mullen can help with this. The downside of the mullen is that the shape is unforgiving. I like the Duo/Nathe bits for this reason, but those can be expensive with a chewy horse.

You might also try changing the width of the bit and changing the adjustment to be higher or lower; a drop noseband or Micklem may hold the bit steadier for your horse so it’s not slopping around in his mouth.[/QUOTE]

The copper had GOUGES since it’s so soft. I mostly just don’t like how irritated bits seem to make him.

[Rusty15]

Now some of you mentioned putting him in a Micklem. What do we think of PS of Sweden’s similar bridles?
http://www.psofsweden.com/en/for-the-horse/bridle/jump-off-revolution.html

http://www.psofsweden.com/en/for-the-horse/bridle/high-jump-revolution.html

[poltroon]

[QUOTE=Rusty15;8278107]
Now some of you mentioned putting him in a Micklem. What do we think of PS of Sweden’s similar bridles?
http://www.psofsweden.com/en/for-the-horse/bridle/jump-off-revolution.html

http://www.psofsweden.com/en/for-the-horse/bridle/high-jump-revolution.html[/QUOTE]

The reason I suggested the Micklem is because of the way that the drop strap below the bit creates an extra level of stability for the bit against the mouth.

The first bridle you linked to is really just the same as a flash noseband in that action; flash nosebands make me grumpy because they pull down the face and IMHO kind of provide the worst of all worlds in terms of anything you’re trying to accomplish. But, in any case, a flash is perhaps more readily at hand to try if you want to try it.

The second bridle you linked to isn’t dressage legal at the moment.

[Rusty15]

Oh I didn’t check but saw people doing dressage w/ it so assumed. The Micklem just fit oddly on his face but maybe another size could could be adjusted to fit.

[poltroon]

That second bridle has a noseband very like a figure-8, so you could try that too, but I think if the Micklem didn’t work, I’d try the drop noseband next. Because the drop has more stability than a flash, you can get some of that bit stability without having to make it so tight.

[Rusty15]

I might try an oversize micklem and see if that can be adjusted to his face better. I’d like to avoid the drop if I can bc they’re so darn ugly. Stupid reason but I can’t help it lol.

[Rusty15]

Well. Tried the Herm Sprenger Comfort Mouth Snaffle…it was by FAR the worst. I didn’t even bother riding in it. Honestly if I would have left it in his mouth any longer than I did I think he would have had a meltdown. I tried adjusting it to different heights and such but he wouldn’t close his mouth just frantic chewing and sticking his tongue out and shaking his head the INSTANT I put it in his mouth. I lunged him with his side pull hackamore and I didn’t even need my chambon. In a bit when I lunge him he usually has his head up like a giraffe, today he was soft and round and carrying himself and focusing exceptionally well, especially after a week off! Got some nice calm licking and chewing as well. He just loves that dang side pull!

[tollertwins]

if that is the ported one - if your guy has a shallow palate that could have been into the palate.

my guy has really narrow jaws, and the double jointed bits usually sit right on the edge of his tongue IF the bit is totally still…take up a little contact and the edges of his tongue get squished. if you use something like an opening rein the center bit ends up on his bars.

[Rusty15]

[QUOTE=tollertwins;8290892]
if that is the ported one - if your guy has a shallow palate that could have been into the palate.

my guy has really narrow jaws, and the double jointed bits usually sit right on the edge of his tongue IF the bit is totally still…take up a little contact and the edges of his tongue get squished. if you use something like an opening rein the center bit ends up on his bars.[/QUOTE]

I have no idea what he has! Actually the dentist just happened to be scheduled to come out in a few weeks so I’m going to make sure I’m there and ask them what his mouth conformation is like. I just kinda feel bad though for trying to force him to wear a bit when he so absolutely is visibly happier, softer, and free-er moving without one. Part of me really does want to compete on him some day because if there’s one thing I have a talent for in the horse world, it’s dressage. I love riding tests and I’m very competitive but yet I’d have to haul pretty far to hit any shows because there are almost no english riders, let alone dressage, in my entire state. So the reality and practicality of showing (and therefore needing a bit) is not that great. Sigh. Well there’s my stream of consciousness for the day…

[Rusty15]

Well I’m completely perplexed. Something made me put my old single joint full cheek on him today because I was having a little bit of trouble communicating with the side pull, and he went perfectly. He only chewed on the bit a teeny bit while I was adjusting it and right after I got off him. He packed it around like a pro and rode great. I’ve used this bit on him before and did not get this reaction. I’m totally confused. I just hope it wasn’t a fluke.