My mare who was backed only a short while ago has been mainly lightly hacked so far (not too much schooling as yet). She has sometimes got into the habit of doing a spin round to head in the other direction if she suddenly comes up against something she is afraid of. Consequently I'll apply leg and rein to urge her forward. However, at some point she opens her mouth and the bit pulls right through her mouth. I wouldn't say I was too heavy handed as I ride quite loose reined with her. I have been reluctant to try nosebands etc but will if I need to but would rather hear other suggestions please as to what to try to avoid it... Full cheek bit perhaps? Etc....
I would use a full cheek on her- (not a fulmer unless you want to add extra leather bits to keep it at the right angle) try a french link one of these as some arabs resent the nut cracker action of a single jointed bit. Maybe try this first then if this doesnt resolve the situation try going down the different nose band route. Some people i know start all their youngsters in flash straps so they never learn to open their mouth- but i normally find less is better. Hope you find something that works- p.s they sell bit rings with small brush bristles on that you can use if she repeatedly spins one way but i would only use this as a last resort. xx
i have this problem with my stallion most bits just pull through his mouth so i now have him in a straight bar with big d rings. And i don't have this problem no morei also got a smaller bit so there wasn't movement in it and he really likes it and alot more control.
I am using a sprenger r s dynamic egbut (basically a french link but with a curve built into it to allow for the shape of the tongue) and that seems to help this problem. B
A french link with the link 'the other way' is a dr bristol.
I have found using a LOOSE drop noseband or flash helps greatly if you want to be consistent with your bit. Just fasten it to the same tightness as you fasten a cavesson noseband and the feel of it touching the lips seems to put them off. A full cheek is also a good suggestion, but make sure they are quite long cheeks, I've seen a few bigger horses end up with the cheeks inside their lips, then panic ensues and we've ended up starting their bitting again.
Good luck anyway, hope you find a solution!
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. ~Winston Churchill (Even if it ends with a minute in the mud)
Bit Question
United Kingdom
Posted - 05 Sep 2010 : 4:21:15 PM
