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Bit problems

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1K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  Corporal 
#1 ·
Spice doesn't like a single jointed snaffle or a french link. She likes a mullen mouth more but I don't. I think she has a smaller mouth and everyone I talk to says she'll get over it but honestly if she doesn't like it that probably won't change, I mean she has 12 years of bad experience with bits.

Before I got her she was rode in a kimberwick with a low port, again kimberwicks are not high on my like list because I'm not sure how they are suppose to be used. I can't find a ported snaffle for less than $40 that doesn't include shipping from wherever and that will cost $12 at least. Not knowing it will work.

I prefer to keep an eye out for used bits so at least I can try before I get new one. Any ideas?
 
#3 ·
Sorry guess I worded that wrong, she doesn't fling her head back and forth with a mullen mouth but she still pulls and fights when ever contact is made, while a jointed bit you don't need to touch it for a reaction. Maybe I can find a mullen mouth she might like more and works for both of us.

Her teeth are good, although are being done in a couple of weeks.
 
#4 ·
Why don't you like mullen mouth and to the point of refusing to use one even if the horse likes them? If you get a snaffle mullen mouth it shouldn't change your end of the deal - only the horse's so why not let them have the mouth peice that works best for them?
 
#7 ·
8 months ago for her teeth her molars needed to be touched up but she had a power float before I got her less than two years ago. She's having them checked in a couple weeks to rule out other problems we're having, and a general check up.

As long as I've ridden she's had problems with bits, even when I tried her, and her owner rode her, she would flip her head around. She hadn't been ridden english in four or five years until I got her, so I hadn't taken our first summer together slowly but any kind of contact she starts flipping around.
 
#10 ·
As long as I've ridden she's had problems with bits, even when I tried her, and her owner rode her, she would flip her head around. She hadn't been ridden english in four or five years until I got her, so I hadn't taken our first summer together slowly but any kind of contact she starts flipping around.
Yes, it could be her teeth. Have you lunged her or ridden her with you on the ground handling the reins, or "in-hand" training? You could watch her reaction. I would try ground training with just a lunging halter and lead and also ground drive.
It might also be that she has a bad habit of disobeying the bit.
My 6yo QH played me by not turning, throwing his head, etc. We had a "discussion" with some lunging for respect (ala CA's method), and I also lunged with a snaffle and reins attached to the saddle and we worked on impulsion on command. After just one session of this, he was listening to my aids and staying on the track in my small arena, and the head tossing stopped. Although I've worked only on ground training, leading, backing and side passing as I cleaned his stall this winter, I will be working him in hand, and lunging with tack as described above before I mount up. THEN, when I ride we will be working on listening to my weight for walk on and for halt for at least one month, but that's bc I want to drill this into ALL of my horses this year.
I would make a list of appropriate leading behaviors, too, and see if there is anything lacking.
Further, whenever in the last 28 years of horse ownership, I have found that my horse prefers a certain bit, I stay with that bc they listen well. $40 isn't much for a really good bit, considering how much the total horse costs.
 
#9 ·
I'd get the teeth checked first and foremost. I personally just started having problems with my wisdom teeth a few weeks ago and they have made me miserable. Dental problems, even a slight hook or sharp edge, can cause major comfort problems.. And they can crop up very quickly.
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#11 ·
That should say I took the first summer slow, not that I hadn't.


I hadn't thought of it being a learnt behavior might very well be. Since I got her I've been finding holes in her training and bad habits and slowly have been patching them up, maybe she hasn't even been taught about excepting any contact. Ugh just another thing to work on.


$40 isn't a lot to spend on a bit, I just can't afford to buy two or three that won't work, $80 to $120 is a lot right now.


She's having her teeth looked at soon, so I'll talk to the vet.


Thanks
 
#12 ·
You didn't say where you keep your horse. If you board, I bet you could borrow some bits from other boarders. The trick is to ask somebody for help and let them wax on about how to train your horse. But, it's worth bending your ears to find out a better bit, and then, you'll only size the bit and order one.
Speaking of, usually horses need at 4 3/4" width bits. Arabs take a little smaller, heavy headed horses need larger. It could be that your bit doesn't fit the width of your horse's mouth.
 
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