i have a welsh section A pony and i have recently broke him in, the problem is he keeps putting?

Question

his toung over the bit constantly, i no they do it as they are young but he never stops, hes 4,1/2yrs i just want to know if anyone had any sugestions for the best type of bit i can use to help me, thank you for your time

Answer 1

I agree that a flash or a figure 8 could solve the problem, but you might also want to consider the root of the issue. What bit are you riding in now? If it's too severe, he might be trying to get away from the pressure. Even if it's not severe, you should definitely take a good look at your hands. You may be unintentionally putting pressure on his mouth and he's doing the only thing he can think of to get away from the discomfort. Work him in front of a trainer and he/she can tell you if you're too "handsy".

Answer 2

Assuming that you ride English, try a figure 8 nose band. Pass the straps for the lower loop through the rings of the bit before buckling under the chin. This should stabilize the bit and prevent your pony from opening his mouth far enough to get his tongue over the bit. A word of caution: only use this method with a plain snaffle.

Answer 3

How does your bit fit? Are you sure it is not too loose? You need to look at where it sits in the mouth- do not go by the "2-3 wrinkles" theory. One of our horses has a correct bit fit with no wrinkles and another has 4-5 wrinkles for a correct fit.

You could try a snaffle with a low port- you don't need anything harsh, just enough to make him want to keep his tongue where it should be.
See this link for an example:
http://www.statelinetack.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441772234&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302050348&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302050346&bmUID=1171767571017&itemNo=13&Nao=0&In=Tack&N=2050348&Ne=2

If you add a flash noseband, it may also help deter him from flipping his tongue over the bit.

Answer 4

First you want to make sure the bit is fitted properly for your horses mouth. If that does not seem to be the problem then you may want to try a full cheek bit, a bit with the sweet copper covering on it, a curb chain, a flash, a lower port, or you may want to try no bit at all and go for a bosal or hackamore.

Answer 5

You need to work him in a snaffle with either a drop nose band or flash nose band to prevent this. I'd speak to a trainer who can teach you how to properly use either of these and who will also teach you proper fit. Too tight a fit will cause him agony and he could act out, too loose a fit and he'll be able to put his tongue over the bit.