|
|
Discussion on Bit suggestions for mare twisting head?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Sbawer1
|
Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2006 - 10:23 pm:
My mare has started to twist her head while I ride her. It is very annoying. I am riding her in a loose ring french link snaffle. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to correct this? Is it a bit issue? I don't know what to do....
|
Member:
Kthorse
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 7:33 am:
Has she always had this bit? Is it a new thing? Did you change bits recently? Otherwise I would definatly get her mouth /teeth checked. Usually they throw there head up if the bit is too painful and maybe twist her head. I would get her mouth checked before you think of changing bits. The bit itself is a pretty good bit. after her mouth is checked if the french link keeps her doing this I would change to a nice fat eggbut. That is if she doesnt have a small mouth or palat.
|
Member:
Ajudson1
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 7:47 am:
With just her halter on, push on the sides of her jaw along where her teeth are. If she has sharp edges there, she will let you know. Wear your helmet in case she really flings her head. You can do that much while waiting for an equine dentist to show. My mare was doing that a few years back, and got so bad she would literally run sideways from the pressure on one side. Her mouth was full of sores from sharp edges...imagine a mouth full of cankor sores and someone pushing on your check. It sounds to me like your horse may have the same problem(s).
|
Member:
Canter
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 8:27 am:
If the bit fits and your horse's teeth & mouth check out fine, it may be an avoidance issue. My mare will do the same thing occasionally when she is being lazy. If this is the case, put your leg on and push her forward, making sure she's driving from the back end into the bridle. At the same time, make sure you have a steady outside rein and a soft inside rein. This always works to straighten out and steady up my mare.
|
Member:
Sbawer1
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 10:06 am:
Thanks for the responses. I am going to have the vet check her mouth today!
|
Member:
Mientjie
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 1:16 pm:
My mare Amanda did the same thing 2 weeks ago and pushed the bit to the side of her mouth. We had her teeth checked and the where VERY sharp. The chiro also worked on her jaw as it had shifted to the side! The mystery is how that happend. Now she is her happy and normal self again. I hope your mare is better soon.
Lea-Anne
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 6:48 pm:
In addition to the above comments regarding teeth and jaw maintenance and checks you may want to try Robert Cooks Bitlessbridle at www.bitlessbridle.com (people who have seen my postings are probably groaning right now as I am such a fan of this bridle!). It is used in lower level dressage, jumping and trail riding, english or western. All my horses have calmed down profoundly. They respond to a feather-light hand, their gait is smoother and they seem more aware of foot placement. I believe they are now less focused on mouth discomfort and more sensitive to riding aids. Out one horse was a horrible head-tosser regardless of bit choice and now is quiet, responsive, and frankly a different horse to ride.
|
Member:
Kthorse
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 7:15 pm:
Yes Ilona silly me forgot to mention this wonderful invention. Thumbs up
|
Member:
Sbawer1
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 7:47 pm:
Hi. I tried the bitless bridle when I first got my mare. Didn't like it so I returned it. The vet said the bit she is in is too small.... I am going to try a larger one tomorrow. We'll see.
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 8:06 pm:
You might want to measure your horses mouth before buying a new bit, if the vet didn't already do so for you. Just take a piece of heavy string and knot one end, then put through the horse's mouth and either mark with a pen, or tie another know where the outside of the lips are and measure the string on a ruler. A too tight bit will pinch and cause lots of problems, and a too large one isn't much better.
Also, I have some comments regarding the bitless bridle. Mainly, I don't believe it's legal to show in if the horse is over 4 yrs. of age, or has ever shown before in a bit - at least it's not at AHA shows. I'm not familiar with other breed rules.
other comments I have I'll try and find the original thread regarding the bitless bridle and post there.
|
Member:
Morg1
|
Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2006 - 10:35 pm:
If that doesn't work check out Myler Bits. I'm a big fan. I've seen first hand the difference they can make with a horse that is trying to avoid the bit. They have a website where you can post what you are using and what the horse is doing to avoid the bit and they will make recommendations on what bit you should try. She may be telling you that she needs to go to a gentler bit. I know that there are tons of things for you to try, so this is just another option.
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 12:31 am:
I found this web-site some time ago that gives an animated depiction of different bits and their function. I think you might find some information there that can help you find a bit that your horse will happily accept.
www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php
|
Member:
Ilona
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 12:35 am:
This was another site I found compelling.
I am dedicated to the bitless route, yet do understand that we all have different opinions and desires. This article and bit caught my attention. It too might be helpful.
https://www.markrashid.com/Bits.htm
|
Member:
Hwood
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 12:55 am:
Thank you, ilona, for the bit information. Bits and hooves are two of the things that fascinate me the most . . .
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006 - 11:24 am:
GREAT site!! Thanks so much for posting!!
|
|
|
