tongue over the bit

[paintponylvr]

Naturally is always good! So glad - it even sounds like he's working on it.

Funny you asked that - I didn't have a mullen mouth to try w/ some of mine to see if it made a difference. I have one now...

 

[Kendra]

I did switch my youngster from the french link to the mullen sooner than I usually would have because he insisted on putting his tongue over. Hard to say if that helped or if it was just the timing - he was ready to get over it!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I just ordered a mullen. I've never used one, so it will be interesting to see how he likes it. Now, if only the weather would cooperate so I could play outside...

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

I have six driving minis and only one does not prefer the mullen. He likes a regular snaffle as long as it isn't too thick in the mouth piece(s)

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I'm working with the mullen. I think he does like it better than the french link but he's still putting his tongue over. I'm just going to relax about it, however, as I think when he gets more experience he will give it up.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Hurrah! Ground drove today and tongue was still under the bit when we got home! I believe we are making progress.

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

He is starting to find his way.

 

[FurstPlaceMiniatures]

Yay!

Some horses just have different bit taste than we think they would! Glad he's liking the Mullen!

We had a big colt that HATES thick bits. Think 'bleh bleh bleh' ears pinned head tossed won't remotely be 'on the bit' hates with a rubber or thick eggbutt snaffle. Put him in the thinnest freakin thing you can find, he calms right down and gets right on the bit.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Weather has not cooperated lately, but finally was able to get him in the regular cart today. My sister helped at first, keeping a lead rope on, but soon unhooked that, as he was doing very well. We did some figure eights in the yard first, then went out onto the road. We did turns, transitions, up and down some embankments, and a big spray rig even passed him on the road. AND he kept the bit in his mouth properly! Good boy!

One thing I noticed with him, and I've seen this before when a horse is new in harness: they need to figure out that their body is hooked together. They have trouble getting the hind end to work with the front end; pushing the load, instead of pulling. But by the time we had gone up and down the embankments a few times, he was figuring it out.

This was his first time wearing breeching and having a load (me). Have used blinders on him once ground driving, and he was fine with them, but I'd rather work with an open bridle when we're starting out.

We are turning back into our gate from the main road, on our way home, in the photo. My husband took a few pictures--so helpful to get a better idea of tweaking the harness.

 

[paintponylvr]

He is looking good. Glad to hear that he's figuring it out and that relaxing about the whole issue is working!

Thanx for sharing the pic of him.

Congratulations!!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

We went out again today. I was by myself. My husband did hold him while I got into the cart, just to be safe. He behaved perfectly and we had a very nice drive. Just went a little over a mile, however, to keep it short and sweet. Plus it is 70 today and he is too hairy for hot work. We drove to a neighbor where brick layers are at work. He was interested, but handled the activity and new surroundings very well. I asked him to "push" his load up an embankment and he did use his hind end today.

No problem with the tongue over the bit again today!