Driving Problem

[drivin*me*buggy]

:new_shocked: OOOOOH I just had an idea, this may not apply to this situation, but when my gelding is either uncomfrontable or frusterated he sorta gaps his mouth & grinds his teeth... just a thought i had walking up the stairs lol.

But Remember Me & my horse are freaks :new_tomato:

: :new_tomato: lol

Ash

 

[Julie/Azariah]

Try a 3 piece bit, like a french link, they are much less harsh on the tongue and roof of the mouth, don't pinch. Also would suggest making sure the cavason is tight. I had a reg horse mare that did this once and they suggested putting the bit up a little for a while til the horse got used to not being able to put the tongue over. I am a person who rides "without" wrinkles, because I feel it is best to allow the horse a total release of pressure when they are correct, so this was hard for me, but it did work. We also tied a string to the center of the bit, I believe brought the string out both sides and tied it to the brow band or somewhere ( can't quite remember and that did not allow her to put her tongue over it. Was tied w/o pressure up on the bit. Didn't take long til we were just fine.

If you are using a side check or over check, keep in mind the side check is a bit easier on a beginning horse especially, and a horse that collects naturally.

Hope you come up w/ something that works.

Julie

 

[willowoodstables]

IMHO tightening the caveson is the worst mistake most people make. It doesn't teach them to keep their mouths closed and they tend to fight it to get their mouth open.

Take your bit a smear it in molasses. Attach it to his halter and leave it on while you are in the barn if you are concerned about it catching on something. I have left mine on a pony who did EXACTLY the same thing 24/7. I also tied his tongue every second time I worked him in the bit. It took a long time, but now he has a mouth like silk and eagerly looks to get the bit in his mouth (by product of putting something tasty on the bit) ANY time I bridled him I would smear the bit with vaseline and spinkle a little sugar on it..(less gooey than molasses). I actually do that ALL the time with my bits...

Patience.....that will get you farther in the long run Good Luck!

Kim