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Valentine Arabians
Gold Member
United Kingdom
586 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 12:20:26 PM
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We were wondering if anyone had any bright ideas to help us!
Our one young man was bitted as a 3 year old (3 years ago!), for showing, but has not had a bit in his mouth since!
As he is now about to start his 'education' and can be a bit (sorry for the pun, non-intentional) of a handful, we want to have a bit in his mouth before starting work...he will not entertain the idea, at all! We have tried jam...he likes the jam but....... I have even gone out and bought a "Happy Mouth" flavoured Peanut bit but I think that we are going to have trouble with that.
Liz
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Liz & Walter Downes
www.ValentineArabians.com
Lincolnshire |
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lehla
Silver Member
United Kingdom
336 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 5:08:51 PM
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| hi there i know this is silly question and im sure you have had them checked but has he had hs teeth looked at as i know up till this year jack needed them having a look at every six months i have had really good results with happy mouth bits jack has a happy mouth pelham to be shown in and at home he has a happy mouth hangin cheek with a peanut i do know some of the range of happy mouths dont suit as some designs are quite thick in the mouthpeice and some arabs can be sensitive to this have you tried the straight bar h mouth has again some dont like tongue pressure nathe bits are very good as well for arabs which bits have you tried? i have quite a few diffrent happy mouth bits your welcome to try pm me if i can be of any help lehla |
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Valentine Arabians
Gold Member
United Kingdom
586 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 5:24:44 PM
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Hi Lehla,
Thank you for your comments and offers of help.
Yes, our young man has had his teeth looked at, and they are ok! His teeth aren't the problem, it is his mind-set....'nope, you ain't putting THAT thing in my mouth'! I even tried putting his show halter on, that didn't work either and his show bit is as narrow as they come (and jointed)! I think that we will have to wait until he is tired after being lunged and then try... He is a 6 year old  , who I am sure is only 3 in HIS mind, as his full (slightly younger) cousin is backed and in race training.
Is that Jack in your signature picture? He is gorgeous, but then I have a soft spot for the gingers...foundation mare = ginger!
Liz |
Liz & Walter Downes
www.ValentineArabians.com
Lincolnshire |
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lehla
Silver Member
United Kingdom
336 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 5:53:03 PM
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| hi liz its a pain when they have that stubben streak jack can be quite i mean very stubben at times its a case of just working through it the lunging sounds good idea especially after he might be that tired its not an issue the offer still there if you would like to try bits im sure i could start my own bit bank he he that is jack in sig picture (indian golden king)do let me know how you get on lehla |
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sub
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1919 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 7:44:50 PM
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He may not like the feel of the metal - or then it could just be attitude!!
I would try and wrap the bit on his inhand bridle with latex bandage and then smother it in molasses or treacle.
It's nice and tasty and more inviting to put in his mouth - it will encourage him to mouth on the bit too. Be warned though - it's very messy, but should do the trick.
Happy mouth bits have a funny texture too - I would stick with metal and use a french link as there is plenty of play in them - good for busy minds - I know quite a few horses who refuse to take the bit when its a happy mouth - I suppose it's a bit like us with things we touch! |
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Theo
Silver Member
England
368 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2009 : 9:20:39 PM
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Hi Liz,
Sounds as you've been working to his terms over the last 3 years, and now for something 'different' he's throwing his 'toys out of the pram'!
Personally I'd take the relationship back down to a level playing-field. Getting him to accept the bit and bridle through his conscious decision. I would perform 'Join-Up' and 'out smart' rather than out force a 6yo stallion.
Good luck!
T x |
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Mrs Vlacq
Platinum Member
Wales
3776 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jan 2009 : 7:05:16 PM
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Wrap a bit of bread around it and use a warm alloy (like cyprium/aurigan). Try when he has had a workout, is listening etc, bum agiant the wall and make sure someone tall enough to go with him ....
If he is really not wanting to play, i bet if you hung a big on a rope from the rafters he'd play with it  on his own terms...
Once you are getting somewhere bit him 4 or 5 times a day for short spells (so he loses interest and goes to eat) |
    
- V Khazad - V Calacirya & V Sulime - Quarida(L) - V Boogie Knights - V Hamra Tofiq |
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Milotkha
Gold Member
535 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2009 : 4:32:21 PM
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Oh I hope you figure this one out Liz..!
You have left him long enough.
Good Luck with him. |
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horsey
Gold Member
England
725 Posts |
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Valentine Arabians
Gold Member
United Kingdom
586 Posts |
Posted - 03 Feb 2009 : 11:59:12 AM
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Firstly, thank you to everyone for their helpful advice...the bit went in this morning, stayed for a while, we took it out and then it went back in...with the aid of honey (thank you horsey)! As you can imagine, everyone and everything was sticky, but it worked.
Secondly, the reason we have left William for so long, is that although he is now 6, he is very immature and I was waiting for him to grow up a little...how long is a piece of string? Anyway, he has been lunged with his bridle and the bit insitu and was excellently behaved, only one rear the entire schooling session.....yippee...!
OMG, the next thing will be the saddle............
Perhaps now he is starting his further education, he WILL grow up some more.
Thank you all, again.
Liz |
Liz & Walter Downes
www.ValentineArabians.com
Lincolnshire |
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Kizzys Mum
Silver Member
England
389 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2009 : 9:05:08 PM
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| He sounds a challenge but a bundle of fun, if you get fed up of getting sticky, melt a sugar cube in a syringe Kira has had this for mouthing and goes silly for it can't wait for the bit to go in |
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