Stopping?!

[tori1992]

Hi,

Just wondered if anyone could give me some advice or tips..
Starting to break in my 4 year old D i have on loan.. Done all the grondwork lungeing, long reining etc.. But we have noticed that when asking her to stop whislt long reining she opens her mouth and its asif shes shoving her bit the one side (no side impaticular)
My friend suggested putting a flash on her when we start riding, just wanted everyone opionions?
Do you think a flash would be a good idea??

Thanks

[sageandonion]

No I don't believe you should put on a flash. This would effectively ram the mouth shut but not address the problem. The very obvious thing is to have the teeth checked and even if this has been done recently, have them checked again. The pony may be teething and need to be left a while. Outline the problem to the dentist and ask for time to be given at the beginning of the session for him/her to watch what is happening when you long line.

Dentist should then be asked about the mouth conformation and you will be able to consult with the bit bank for a suitable bit for pony. Whilst awaiting the post, a physio recommended by your vet should have a check of the back.

You also need to check the fit and comfort of bridle and any other tack being used at the moment and you will need a saddler to check the saddle before a rider is on board.

Other than all the above, the problem may not manifest ridden in any case.

[GinaGeo]

The above.

Not keen on flashes at all, I fail to understand how a horse can relax it's jaw, which is necessary for it to work properly when it's mouth is strapped closed. There are better options if the mouth must be kept closed for some reason anyway that are much more effective options.

This explains it better then I could.

www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php#flash

Is she pulling down on the reins or the bit, or is she just opening her mouth or playing with the bit? What bit are using currently?

[sarahp]

Try clenching your own teeth together as if strapped up with a flash and you will see how all the jaw muscles automatically become tight, exactly what you DON'T want in a ridden animal.

[lisadundee]

All a flash will do is make the problem worse, what bit have you mouthed her in and is she mouthed properly?? Agree with checking teeth and contacting the bit bank, I had a D like this who opened his mouth because he had a massive tongue and needed a ported bit! I put a flash on and it made everything worse! I contacted the bit bank and problem was solved x

[flo1]

Jun 28, 2012 14:17:17 GMT lisadundee said:

I had a D like this who opened his mouth because he had a massive tongue and needed a ported bit! I put a flash on and it made everything worse!

I had the same problem with one of mine..and I too resorted to a flash which was of course the totally wrong thing to do.
I tried him in a Sprenger correction bit (a basic loose ring snaffle with a wide port) and he was like a different horse ;D.

Mouth conformation is so often overlooked and can make all the difference to your horses' comfort and way of going.

[Kaseyleigh]

Definatley look at having he teeth cheaked but please don't put a flash on a young horse Ive got a 4yrs old and he was in a Waterford with a flash and now I've remouthed him and his in a nice snaffle now with no flash !

[aengusog]

How are you asking her to stop?

[Julie(luke3)]

What bit is she in?

If she hasn't needed a lot of contact, she might not be used to the bit enough. Lots of vocal commands and half halts will help x

[speedysally]

the bit may also be a problem. i noticed with my welsh section d that she kept resisting the bit because her tongue is big (it's a welsh thing!) and was recommend a snaffle but with a french link and she still resists slightly but nowhere near as bad as she used to. she definitely prefers that bit more!

[rhosyn]

Sounds like she just doesn't understand, agree with luke3 as well as getting mouth confo assessed as a matter of course.