This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training & Conditioning Horses » Tack and Training » Bits and Bitting Horses » Bridle Topics Not Covered Above »
  Discussion on Tongue over bit
Author Message

Posted on Monday, Mar 11, 2002 - 3:12 pm:

Hi, my name is Jessica.
Since I bought my paint mare she always puts her tongue over the bit.First, I tried a flash nose band, and this didn't work. She even gets her tongue over a curb bit. She listens to whoa and the turns.
How can I prevent this not to happen?? Please help.

Posted on Monday, Mar 11, 2002 - 5:30 pm:

Hi, Jessica,
Do you have an experienced trainer or horseperson who can help you be sure the bridle is fitting your horse correctly? I hesitate to tell you how high the bit should come up into the corners of your horse's lips, because it is different for different horses. I would say there should probably be at least one wrinkle on the corners of your horse's mouth when the bit is in place. You can try raising the bit higher in the horse's mouth by adjusting the cheek pieces, but I believe that less pressure is better. If your bridle won't allow you to raise the bit, it is probably too big for your horse. You may need to punch some holes or get a smaller size. You may also want to try a bit with a key in the middle. Sometimes having a key to play with will keep the horse's tongue occupied so it won't go looking for trouble. Please let us know more information.
Thanks,
Holly

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 - 7:52 am:

Jessica,
Maybe try tightening the caveson? Worked with my horse.
Sharon

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 - 3:07 pm:

Try a fatter snaffle along with a tighter caveson. It worked for me and now my mare doesn't do it anymore no matter what bit I'm riding her in.

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2002 - 6:08 pm:

It really all depends on what is going on in the horse's mouth.

Things to consider:

How are her teeth? Are the wolf teeth removed?

Feel all over the bit, is it smooth?

How are the rider's hands? Quiet? Yielding? Gentle?

Is the bit wide enough? Too wide?

Is the bit too high in the mouth, not high enough?

Is the bit too thick? Not thick enough?

What is the shape of the horse's mouth? Height of pallet? Does the tongue look healthy and uninjured/unscarred?

What is the bit made of? Is the horse's mouth dry? Is the horse tense?

What happens if you ride without a nose band?

Does the horse lunge? How does it accept the bit then?

All this kind of observation/information would give someone some ideas of what to change to make the horse more accepting of the bit.

Sorry I don't have a magical recipe - it really does "all depend." Do you have someone you can work with who can advise you?

Cheers.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC