Chewing on the bit

Eagle Horse · 10-29-2006, 02:32 PM

I just introduced the bit to my colt and all he does is chew on it. I've tried different bits, solid and snaffle but he seems more interested in just chewing on it. Is this normal for a young horse with their first bit? The vet was just out last weekend for Fall vaccines and he had his teeth checked so there shouldn't be any dental issues. Is it something I am doing wrong?

kehoracek · 10-29-2006, 02:36 PM

How long did you leave it in hers/his mouth? I find that chewing on the bit is very normal for a youngster. When I first start introducing the bit I just leave the bit in their mouth for as long as I can. I don't want them getting caught on anything so they are only left in the round pen and I never leave them without supervision. I'll clean the stalls do some gardening around the area. I just want them to get used to it. Holding, chewing it all that is normal IMO until they get used to it.
Kathleen

Eagle Horse · 10-29-2006, 02:45 PM

I don't think I had it in long enough then. He was not focused on me at all, he was more concerned with what was in his mouth. Poor thing looked pretty pathetic standing there trying to find ways to get it out.

nico_me19 · 10-29-2006, 02:58 PM

Just about all colts that I start chew on the bit. Even for a couple of days. I know if I had to have a bit strapped in my mouth, I would be playing with it too..lol. After about day2 or 3 (depending on the horse) if I feel he shouldn't be playing with it as much as he is, I will start to move him around the round pen. Lunging and working with him like normal. So he can feel it bouncing and moving, but all the while making him think of something else..... you and what you want him to do. He'll grow used to it.

Mule Fool · 10-29-2006, 08:12 PM

Sounds pretty normal to me. nico had good advice about moving in the round pen and working on some things, they'll start to forget about it. If it continues to be a problem you can try raising or lowering it in the mouth to see if that helps. Sometimes if you lower it they will start to pick it up and "carry " it and that will quiet their mouth.

10-29-2006, 02:32 PM
Eagle Horse Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 334	Chewing on the bit I just introduced the bit to my colt and all he does is chew on it. I've tried different bits, solid and snaffle but he seems more interested in just chewing on it. Is this normal for a young horse with their first bit? The vet was just out last weekend for Fall vaccines and he had his teeth checked so there shouldn't be any dental issues. Is it something I am doing wrong?

10-29-2006, 02:36 PM
kehoracek Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ossian, IN Posts: 90	How long did you leave it in hers/his mouth? I find that chewing on the bit is very normal for a youngster. When I first start introducing the bit I just leave the bit in their mouth for as long as I can. I don't want them getting caught on anything so they are only left in the round pen and I never leave them without supervision. I'll clean the stalls do some gardening around the area. I just want them to get used to it. Holding, chewing it all that is normal IMO until they get used to it. Kathleen

10-29-2006, 02:45 PM
Eagle Horse Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 334	I don't think I had it in long enough then. He was not focused on me at all, he was more concerned with what was in his mouth. Poor thing looked pretty pathetic standing there trying to find ways to get it out.

10-29-2006, 02:58 PM
nico_me19 Newborn Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brookhaven Ms Posts: 41	Just about all colts that I start chew on the bit. Even for a couple of days. I know if I had to have a bit strapped in my mouth, I would be playing with it too..lol. After about day2 or 3 (depending on the horse) if I feel he shouldn't be playing with it as much as he is, I will start to move him around the round pen. Lunging and working with him like normal. So he can feel it bouncing and moving, but all the while making him think of something else..... you and what you want him to do. He'll grow used to it. __________________ I just consider it a healthy obsession.

10-29-2006, 08:12 PM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	Sounds pretty normal to me. nico had good advice about moving in the round pen and working on some things, they'll start to forget about it. If it continues to be a problem you can try raising or lowering it in the mouth to see if that helps. Sometimes if you lower it they will start to pick it up and "carry " it and that will quiet their mouth.