[tlkng1]

I have anew horse who is an OTTB that has teh basics of dressage. IN general he is reactive and will frame up fairly easily though OI am currently working on getting him to stretch out and down to help develop his topline; he is lacking muscle and a little weight right now.

He was trained in and is still being ridden in a french link loose ring snaffle which he chews on constantly. Others have said he doesn't open his mouth but you can hear him chewing on the bit.

He was vetted out on a pre-purchase exam and the vet indicated his teeth were fine so no concerns there. He isn't tossing his head or avoiding the bit in any way.

Any ideas on what is going on?

 

[DuffyDuck]

By saying PPE I'm assuming you're in the states?

A friend of mine has just trained to be an Equine Detist out there- one thing they said is vets are NOT dentists, they can look, but spend minimum time on dentistry.

I'd find a good equine dentist if it were me, show the bit to them. Horse may have hooks, a diastamer (sp?) or need a bit seat creating, or it may be too chunky.

Movement of the bit fine, but chomping and creaking of the bit says to me disomfort or they're not accepting it.

Good luck!

 

[IquitosARG10]

My OTTB is very mouthy with his bit too...I've learned to live with it. He doesn't misbehave and his teeth have been looked at by 3 equine dentists and the vet. I've tried several bits and the one he likes best is a french eggbutt. This might be a dumb suggestion, but have you made sure you have the right size bit and that it's sitting on the right place in his mouth?

 

[tlkng1]

Bit is the correct size and sits properly. I've had a few people look at it..all trainers, and they all agreed.

When I rode on Sunday I paid more attention and I think it is more playing with it than actually chewing on it. I seem to be the only one that can hear it but maybe I am being more paranoid

 

[CLaPorte432]

Horses will chew on their bits as a stress reliever. They do it to calm themselves and some do it due to playing...

 

[xxdanioo]

I've noticed the two OTTBs at the barn both chew/play with their bits. I agree thats its a de-stresser.

 

[GhostwindAppaloosa]

i have a mare who will chomp on the bit until we actually start working. than she stops.. and doesnt do it after we are done either bc she is tired almost like an "excited" response to going to work

 

[MyBoyPuck]

If he's just gently chewing on it, that's a good thing. He can't lock his jaw and chew on the bit at the same time. If it is a discomfort thing, try a bit with a fat middle lozenge piece. Unlike the flat french link, it gives the tongue a little more space. Most TBs have very fat tongues, so that might be all it is.