2007-08-09 04:58:50 · 4 answers · asked by the one 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It can mean a couple of different things. In the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt a horse. Yet a severe bit, in the right hands, can transmit extremely subtle signals that cause no pain to the horse. So it really just depends as far as "the horse being uncomfortable" is concerned.
Horses may chew/chomp on the bit because of nervousness of being held back by the bit (and they may salivate a lot, too). It can also be just boredom.
When I'm just sitting in the arena doing nothing, my gelding will sit there and play with his french link with his tongue. I know he's not uncomfortable, because we're not doing anything and there's no pressure - he's just being bored/silly.
If you're working your horse and he's constantly chewing on the bit combined with head tossing or tense behavior, you're probably holding on him too much and causing him discomfort.
Check the bit and make sure it's not too severe, isn't too small, and that it's set properly in his mouth. Then go from there.
2007-08-09 05:16:28 · answer #1 · answered by nixity 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of it I assume has to do with comfort. Put something in your mouth and see what you do.The bit rests on the sensitive part of a horses mouth where there are no teeth. If the horse is always chewing at or more then half the time chewing at the bit you should have his teeth checked. It really is a comfort thing you can put a bit in the most mild mannered horse and if you are a "hard handed rider" it will cause discomfort to the horses mouth. We have 5 horses and we do not use bits on any of them. I think they are pretty pointless if your horse is well mannered and behaved. We have one that use to be used as a team roping horse and used for herding cattle that occasionally will get a little "high spirited" when he see's one of our cows so its easier to control him that way, but more often then not we do not use them because of the comfort concern.
2007-08-09 12:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever had a retainer? Braces? A partial? If you get stuck with something new in your mouth, you're gonna mess with it. If it doesn't fit right, it's instinct to grind it.
2007-08-09 12:12:11 · answer #3 · answered by muppetkiller_2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're uncomfortable. Try an easier bit.
2007-08-09 12:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by Doodles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋