Posted 2017-05-02 3:26 PM Subject: When to change bits with a young horse?
Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338 Location: Georgia
My three year old has been doing really well under saddle. She walks, trots, lopes around good. She was broke in and is currently riding in a D-ring, which she seems to like. However, recently she has gotten a little heavy on the bit and when I ask her to back off she shakes her head side to side. Not violently or anything but I can tell she is resisting the pressure. I'm not being heavy handed with her so I'm not entirely sure why she has started doing this. We are getting her teeth done soon also so there may be an issue there. It's been about 8 months. If its not her teeth, just wondering if it may be time to put her in something else. It seems early to me but I dont want any bad habits to arise.
Posted 2017-05-02 3:41 PM Subject: RE: When to change bits with a young horse?
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
Runninbay - 2017-05-02 3:38 PM
GLP - 2017-05-02 4:30 PM After you get her teeth floated, you may have her TMJ checked. She may be out there.
I'll definitely have her checked for that if there arent any issues with her teeth.
Especially if she has to have work on her teeth, have her TMJ checked. My vet does after she floats their teeth because she feels the device that holds their mouth open can cause the TMJ to go out.
Posted 2017-05-02 4:53 PM Subject: RE: When to change bits with a young horse?
Expert
Posts: 2097 Location: Deep South
I've noticed with 3yo's they can really only go about 4-6 months between dental visits when they're been ridden consistently. So I think you'll see the head-shaking resolve after they've been done.
When to change bits with a young horse?
