Bit suggestions for OTTB?

[LuvMyTB]

I posted a week or two ago about my OTTB doing some rooting/head-yanking under saddle. I attributed it to being green, and I still think that's part of it, but I'm now also wondering if he just doesn't like the bit I'm using.

He is going in a fat, hollow snaffle. As soon as I bridle him, he starts stretching his head/neck out and down, opening his mouth like he's yawning. While I'm riding, he is chewing--rather, gnawing--on the bit approximately 75% of the time.

I'm thinking that a) it's too thick for his mouth or b) the joint is poking the roof of his mouth.

I'm debating between a 3-piece bit, like a French link, or something with copper rollers in it, since he can be mouthy at times and may want something to play with......? I don't want to go TOO soft (rubber or Happy Mouth) because he does try to test me occasionally by trying to yank the reins away and head towards the arena door--I do want him to have some respect for what's in his mouth.

Suggestions? Thanks!

[jumpingmaya]

I'd definitely try something that is a bit thinner and that has a "link" in the middle... it's not uncommon for thoroughbreds (or other breeds for that matter) to have low pallates... and riding them in a regular bit really hurts/aggravates them!
This is what I rode my mare in... and she went wonderfully... (had tried everything else... couldn't believe it could be that simple of a fix!!)
http://www.doversaddlery.com/jp-korsteel-oval-mouth-hunter-dee-snaffle-bit/p/X1-010064/cn/1583/
Oh and btw.... did you check for wolf-teeth... we have a Holsteiner that came in a couple months ago that was really stressed mouth wise... turns out she had wolf teeth- she's an 9 year old mare... :eek:
Something to consider
Good luck!!! :yes:

[MIKES MCS]

Yes indeed a curved snaffle or a french link should do well and give you almost imediate results

[LuvMyTB]

Thanks guys! I am very leery of using bits to fix everything or over-bitting him, but I just don't feel like the current one is working. I appreciate the help!

[Riley0522]

My OTTB hates double jointed bits. Goes nicely in any single jointed variation of a full cheek.

[ladipus]

I posted a week or two ago about my OTTB doing some rooting/head-yanking under saddle. I attributed it to being green, and I still think that's part of it, but I'm now also wondering if he just doesn't like the bit I'm using.

He is going in a fat, hollow snaffle. As soon as I bridle him, he starts stretching his head/neck out and down, opening his mouth like he's yawning. While I'm riding, he is chewing--rather, gnawing--on the bit approximately 75% of the time.

I'm thinking that a) it's too thick for his mouth or b) the joint is poking the roof of his mouth.

I'm debating between a 3-piece bit, like a French link, or something with copper rollers in it, since he can be mouthy at times and may want something to play with......? I don't want to go TOO soft (rubber or Happy Mouth) because he does try to test me occasionally by trying to yank the reins away and head towards the arena door--I do want him to have some respect for what's in his mouth.

Suggestions? Thanks!

All of mine go nicely in either a loose ring happy mouth,or a loose ring myler comfort snaffle

[firstimpressioncounts]

Mine is happy to go in a full cheek french link.

Tried other french link bits (egg butt, loose ring, etc) and he's not happy with these...

And - to break most people rules- we don't even use a keeper for the full cheek- I do realize it would be safer (so I have been told) but he truly is happier without that... more flexibility maybe....

A happy horse is a very good thing in my book.

I think the bit is likley too thick for his taste so try experimenting.... I would start with a french link (don't get them mixed up with a Dr. Bristol- some people don't realize its a completely different bit even though they look the same...)

Hope that helps...

[sisu27]

Mine is happiest in these:

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-010475&tid=shopz&CATALOG_CODE=1X844&EID=X1844001&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=45&zmap=X1-010475

I have the dutch gag, loose ring, dee...all with the center revolver. He also is happy in a mullen mouth pelham. Single jointed bits piss him off.

[FindersKeepers]

I have found the most successful to be a rubber mullen mouth pelham. Gentle in their mouths, but still gives you some leverage. I think a lot of it has to do with training methods on the track. Some of the smaller trainers want their horses to really pull on the bit, and the more contact you take, the more they are going to fight it...because that was how they were originally trained. I am not saying this is the norm, and the great trainers really know what they are doing, but it's a common issue.

I think the pelham works because it puts less pressure in the mouth, but more pressure on the poll. Seems to have a really positive impact. Once they chill out and relax, I typically back down to a small D-ring snaffle or french link.

[unclewiggly]

I am sure you did have his teeth looked @ but get a second opinion on his mouth.
Its all to often the way back teeth don't get the attention they need when floated on the track. No disprespect to any Floater or Equine Dentist, but Frequently I have the same mouth you are seeing and its way back in the mouth thats causing the issue.
Just a dee Ring snaffle and possibly a flash or figure eight or even a dropped noseband to keep jaw in place after you get his mouth inspected one more time.

[Iride]

Agreed, horses at the track do not get the dentistry they need, which is sad. Get him floated by a good dentist to be safe.

A thinner bit, either double jointed or mullen (for mullens, I suggest a Nathe or the Herm Sprenger Duo, which are my favorites, and the favorites of many green horses, though pricey) would be the way to go.

By the way, I personally would not put a pelham or a figure 8 noseband on a green horse off the track. These horses need to learn to trust you and relax, and the less tack you throw at them, the better chance at that in my experience.