Headstall design for short mouthed horse??

1horsegirl · 09-22-2008, 03:26 PM

My horse is a beautiful TW cross and she has issues with throwing her head when she has a bit in her mouth. This is why the previous "adoptees" returned her, and I ended up with her. Well, she was ridden yesterday for the first time, and I got to see first hand. She tries to push the bit forward everytime the reins were pulled (left, right, back) we were using a long cheek snaffle 5". I realized that her lip line does not go very far back, and that the bit is very uncomfortable for her, even with the slightest pressure. So my question is: How can I adjust her bit on the headstall to accomadate her short lip without affecting her teeth?

Jrchloe · 09-22-2008, 03:35 PM

When was the last time she had her teeth checked? She may need to have her teeth floated. Or have you considered trying a double jointed bit because it sounds like (if its not a dental issue) that she does not enjoy the nutcracker effect and is trying to tell you. Maybe think about loosening your caveson as well.

Peetz · 09-22-2008, 09:43 PM

Ya, check her teeth first. Then use a bit that is not broken in the middle. or a bit with a middle piece that will not poke her in the pallet. She may have a low pallet and it hits the roof of her mouth and just plain hurts. Also, this could be a habit to get out of being riden also. If she tosses her head and avoids the bit, then gets out of being worked, she has learned what works and needs to unlearn that bad habit.
But, like Jrchole, said, check teeth first.

Jrchloe · 09-23-2008, 02:00 PM

When the vet comes after they check the teeth ask to check the area where the bit sits as well. There may be some bone growth where the bit sits that might be causing discomfort as well and that will help you decide if you need to get a bit with soft plastic or if a metal double jointed bit will be just fine. Right now you could try lunging or double lunging her with a lunging caveson or a well fitted halter (so it doesnt go over her opposite eye) to work on voice aid response so when you are in the saddle you don't have to rely as much on the bit to ride but your voice and then teach her to respond more to your seat and leg. Also after all is checked out work on bit acceptence and start slowing (almost like shes just been first introduced to the bit). She needs to learn that the bit is there for direction and guidance and is not a painfully enemy.

luvs2ride79 · 09-23-2008, 02:07 PM

Go bitless! I've know two other gaited horses with the same issue and both did WONDERFULLY with a Dr Cook (or similar type) bitless bridle. There is a learning curve of course, but after a few arena rides, most horses go in them nicely.

Dr Cook has a guarantee, so if the horse doesn't go well in it, you can return it within 30-days for a refund. http://www.bitless.com

Have the vet check for wolf teeth too. My mare ended up with one that caused some serious head shaking. Once it was pulled, she was good to go! I also ride her in a bitless bridle for trail riding.

Rhythm 'n Blues · 09-23-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvs2ride79

Have the vet check for wolf teeth too.

I second this thought! They are not comfortable for the horse with a bit in their mouth, so having those checked for always a good idea.

JBandRio · 09-23-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1horsegirl

She tries to push the bit forward everytime the reins were pulled (left, right, back) we were using a long cheek snaffle 5".

Assuming the 5" is referring to the length of the shanks, that makes it *not* a snaffle, and by directly pulling the reins on this bit, it's not surprising she's uncomfortable.

If the 5" refers to something else, let me know

09-22-2008, 03:26 PM	#1
1horsegirl Full Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Central Kansas Posts: 134 Images: 28	Headstall design for short mouthed horse?? My horse is a beautiful TW cross and she has issues with throwing her head when she has a bit in her mouth. This is why the previous "adoptees" returned her, and I ended up with her. Well, she was ridden yesterday for the first time, and I got to see first hand. She tries to push the bit forward everytime the reins were pulled (left, right, back) we were using a long cheek snaffle 5". I realized that her lip line does not go very far back, and that the bit is very uncomfortable for her, even with the slightest pressure. So my question is: How can I adjust her bit on the headstall to accomadate her short lip without affecting her teeth? __________________ Angela

09-23-2008, 02:07 PM	#5
luvs2ride79 Senior Member+ Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,191 Images: 37	Go bitless! I've know two other gaited horses with the same issue and both did WONDERFULLY with a Dr Cook (or similar type) bitless bridle. There is a learning curve of course, but after a few arena rides, most horses go in them nicely. Dr Cook has a guarantee, so if the horse doesn't go well in it, you can return it within 30-days for a refund. http://www.bitless.com Have the vet check for wolf teeth too. My mare ended up with one that caused some serious head shaking. Once it was pulled, she was good to go! I also ride her in a bitless bridle for trail riding. __________________ "To be an equestrian in the classical sense is not just to be a rider. It is a position in life." --Charles de Kunffy EquineFriends.com2HotToTrot.com Anti-Slaughter and PROUD! StopHorseSlaughter.com I've Been Snowballed!**

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09-22-2008, 03:35 PM	#2
Jrchloe Full Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 219	When was the last time she had her teeth checked? She may need to have her teeth floated. Or have you considered trying a double jointed bit because it sounds like (if its not a dental issue) that she does not enjoy the nutcracker effect and is trying to tell you. Maybe think about loosening your caveson as well.

09-22-2008, 09:43 PM	#3
Peetz Full Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 147 Images: 3	Ya, check her teeth first. Then use a bit that is not broken in the middle. or a bit with a middle piece that will not poke her in the pallet. She may have a low pallet and it hits the roof of her mouth and just plain hurts. Also, this could be a habit to get out of being riden also. If she tosses her head and avoids the bit, then gets out of being worked, she has learned what works and needs to unlearn that bad habit. But, like Jrchole, said, check teeth first.

09-23-2008, 02:00 PM	#4
Jrchloe Full Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 219	When the vet comes after they check the teeth ask to check the area where the bit sits as well. There may be some bone growth where the bit sits that might be causing discomfort as well and that will help you decide if you need to get a bit with soft plastic or if a metal double jointed bit will be just fine. Right now you could try lunging or double lunging her with a lunging caveson or a well fitted halter (so it doesnt go over her opposite eye) to work on voice aid response so when you are in the saddle you don't have to rely as much on the bit to ride but your voice and then teach her to respond more to your seat and leg. Also after all is checked out work on bit acceptence and start slowing (almost like shes just been first introduced to the bit). She needs to learn that the bit is there for direction and guidance and is not a painfully enemy.