health ‘n’ wellbeing Bitting conundrums
Bitting can sometimes be a difficult subject for horse and pony owners alike, but with expert advice, problems can usually be solved quite easily, as Lucy Nicholas of
www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk explains…..
Here are some of the most common bitting issues we see, and the advice we give customers:
1. The horse’s tongue bulges out from the bit space in his teeth when the lip is lifted. This is often an indication of a large tongue and means the horse potentially does not have a lot of space to comfortably hold a bit and restriction in swallowing could be a problem. A thinner than average bit is better for horses with a large tongue, and often a gently ported or double jointed bit will give more tongue space, allowing the horse to swallow more easily.
2. The horse’s front teeth don’t meet properly, meaning the molars do not end squarely either. Often a horse has an overshot (also known as a parrot mouth) or undershot jaw. This can result in the molars not meeting squarely, which can lead to sharp hooks developing far sooner than usual, which can lead to bitting problems. Any bit is suitable for a horse with slightly unusual jaw conformation, but you may find the horse prefers a thinner bit positioned fractionally lower than usual, so as not to contact the teeth unduly.
3. The roof of the horse’s mouth is obvious, and pushes down into the horses tongue. A low palette is common amongst a lot of breeds, including Arabs and Thoroughbreds and their crosses; bits that exert pressure
Comfort is key in order for a horse to be relaxed and submissive
on this sensitive part of the mouth can cause discomfort. A single joint should be avoided, as this can jab the roof of the mouth, causing the horse to toss their head to try and escape the action. A double joint (ideally a lozenge centre if the horse also has a large tongue) or gentle mullen mouth (and definitely on the thinner side) will be the most suitable.
4. The bar of the horse’s jaw (where the bit sits) is sore, bruised or puffy. Horses with sore bars need a bit that is not going to exert pressure on the bars of their mouth. Mullen mouthpieces, or combination style bits that help to remove pressure from the bars are kindest. The bit should ideally not be too thin to increase the bearing surface of the mouthpiece. In extreme cases it may even be necessary to use a bitless (hackamore) bridle for a time, until the horse is less sensitive.
5. The horse’s lips bulge out when the bit is in his mouth; fleshy lips are common particularly with heavier breeds, and can be prone to damage from tight bits. Any bit is potentially suitable for a horse with fleshy lips, but generally a thinner bit is less likely to cause a split in the corner (as long as the rider is competent), as it will not stretch the skin as much. It is important to allow enough room for the lips, particularly with loose ring bits to prevent pinching.
Ears back may not mean concentration! Get your horse checked out by a vet or equine dental technician if he’s showing signs of discomfort
6. The tongue shows red or swollen areas/soreness, or signs of an old injury. A sore tongue can cause problems for the horse as contact with the bit can be very uncomfortable. A soft, mild bit possibly with a rubber or plastic covered mouthpiece may help, and possibly even a single jointed bit if the palette will allow, in order to relieve pressure from the tongue. Again, in extreme cases, it may even be necessary to use a bitless (hackamore) bridle for a time until the horse is less sensitive.
7. There are sore areas in the corner of the horse’s mouth. Split lips can happen for a number of reasons, most
commonly lack of salivation leading to dryness, or the bit is too thick, causing it to be positioned too high in the horses mouth causing stretching/splitting. Bits made from stainless steel are often responsible for split lips if the horse does not salivate in them. Using a mouthpiece made from a copper or sweet iron type metal will give your horse a taste and encourage him to accept and mouth the bit. A thinner bit positioned carefully so it is not too high is often also very beneficial. Naturally you should get your horse checked out by a vet or equine dental technician if he’s showing signs of discomfort.
Our most popular bit
The Myler Low Port Comfort Snaffle is an ideal bit for many horses
Our best seller is the Myler Low Port Comfort Snaffle Eggbutt with Hooks. We find that the low port comfort snaffle is the most popular Myler bit to start a youngster or novice horse in. It offers some tongue relief and is comfortable and explicit in its action for kind but effective communication. It has an eggbutt style cheek and is a very versatile bit - it gives a much clearer action and release than traditional bits, which results in the horse understanding the rider more quickly and consistently.
Equine Page 22
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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