Chewing the bit

dodib · 08-06-2008, 01:20 PM

My duaghters new pony chews her bit the entire time they ride..... we are using a full cheek snaffle on her have checked it for burrs etc and nothing. My daughter is light with her hands etc...
I will be getting her teeth checked but I don't really feel anythign in there.
She is young and has been broke to ride less than a year. Should I try a different kind of bit?? Any ideas?

lbequ4002 · 08-06-2008, 01:52 PM

The first thing i'd look at is bit fit. Make sure the bit isn't too fat for her mouth or too long. Also make sure it's not too loose or too tight on the check piece. You can experiment with the fit and see what she does. Does she open her mouth too or just chew? A lot of time young horses will chew when they are getting used to the bit. Has it been awhile since she's been ridden consistently?

Clippity-Clop · 08-06-2008, 06:27 PM

I have a pony that does the same exact thing and he is well broke and older. I thought the bit might not fit right but we changed bits and he still does it. Now I wonder if he has mostly been ridden in a halter with no bit? I don't really know. It's an annoying habit though.

SheZAAM! · 08-06-2008, 08:34 PM

My horse used to do that. I read that it may be due to fit. I tighened up the bridle one hole on each side and that eliminated the problem.

dodib · 08-09-2008, 10:06 AM

i have tried tightening the bridle and loosening it. I don't think she has been ridden consistantly. She doesn't really open her mouth just chews--and has LOTS of spit. I wondered if I got one with a roller on it if it may help? Guess its worth a try. I also may try finding a thinner snaffle bit--maybe its too think....

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08-06-2008, 01:20 PM
dodib Started Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ravenna, MI Posts: 2,565	Chewing the bit My duaghters new pony chews her bit the entire time they ride..... we are using a full cheek snaffle on her have checked it for burrs etc and nothing. My daughter is light with her hands etc... I will be getting her teeth checked but I don't really feel anythign in there. She is young and has been broke to ride less than a year. Should I try a different kind of bit?? Any ideas? __________________ Dorthy www.freewebs.com/brownranch/

08-06-2008, 01:52 PM
lbequ4002 Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Central AL Posts: 761	The first thing i'd look at is bit fit. Make sure the bit isn't too fat for her mouth or too long. Also make sure it's not too loose or too tight on the check piece. You can experiment with the fit and see what she does. Does she open her mouth too or just chew? A lot of time young horses will chew when they are getting used to the bit. Has it been awhile since she's been ridden consistently?

08-06-2008, 06:27 PM
Clippity-Clop Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Whitesburg, Tennessee Posts: 1,026	I have a pony that does the same exact thing and he is well broke and older. I thought the bit might not fit right but we changed bits and he still does it. Now I wonder if he has mostly been ridden in a halter with no bit? I don't really know. It's an annoying habit though. __________________ Crooked Creek Ranch & Cattle Company http://www.crookedcreekrcc.com/

08-06-2008, 08:34 PM
SheZAAM! Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver Posts: 516	My horse used to do that. I read that it may be due to fit. I tighened up the bridle one hole on each side and that eliminated the problem. __________________

08-09-2008, 10:06 AM
dodib Started Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ravenna, MI Posts: 2,565	i have tried tightening the bridle and loosening it. I don't think she has been ridden consistantly. She doesn't really open her mouth just chews--and has LOTS of spit. I wondered if I got one with a roller on it if it may help? Guess its worth a try. I also may try finding a thinner snaffle bit--maybe its too think.... __________________ Dorthy www.freewebs.com/brownranch/