Tongue over bit youngster

[lolly]

I have just started riding my three year old thoroughbred x and he is going forward nicely but constantly is putting his tongue over the bit.

I dont like the rubber tongues you can get, dont want to use a dropped noseband or have his bit up tight as I think this may upset his sensitive nature and stop him going forward. He us up to date with dentist and is happy in all respects.

Someone recommended a bit used on race horses with a spoon.

What would you suggest I try that is very gentle and suitable for a three year old

Any advice as usual greatly appreciated

[Milliesmum]

horsegossip.proboards54.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=7047&page=1

Someone had the problem with a Sec c with a large tongue, and the hartwell pelham helped.

I personally wouldn't want to use a curb on a baby, but I have found some snaffles with a similar mouth piece here (you'll need to scroll down)

www.informedbitting.com/vernon%20bit%20catalogue%202008%2001.pdf

It may be that he doesn't like the pressure on his tongue, and something that gives his tongue more room may be the answer. I also know of a youngster that wouldn't tolerate a jointed bit of any type as he had a low roof to his mouth and the joint was hitting the roof of his mouth as soon as any contact was taken. He went very kindly in a mullen mouth snaffle.

Hope that helps.

[lancs]

MM sorted out our problem and I would try a mullen mouth straight away !

[Milliesmum]

LOL I'm no expert but it might be worth a try! With bitting problems I always think go milder first before you try anything stronger.

[shortfatanhairy]

Had same prob with a baby and cambridge magic bit worked v well bit of tongue room and not too thick so hopefully more comfy and is mild too.

[kev04]

High ported bauchers are good for horses who try to get their tongues over the bit.

[sarahp]

Going the other way - a double-jointed bit could be the answer - no nutcraker effect and the sides work independantly. We've had success with Myler ones, but check legality if you want to do dressage. It all depends on the individual conformation of the mouth though. Personally I'd go the positive route of trying to find a bit in which he is comfortable rather than just trying to prevent him putting his tongue over the bit.

An obvious one but do you keep a watch on his teeth? At his age they are still changing so something there could have cropped up to make him uncomfortable.

[Milliesmum]

Agree with sarahp - its far better to find a bit which is comfortable for him - if you just strap him up he'll never be happy in his mouth.

[issac]

try flyde saddlery they sell bits with a spinner on which stops the pony getting tongue over the bit comes in a variety of diffrent bits from snaffles through to pelhams talk to fylde expain what you are doing and stage of training you are at with your youngster sure they will be able to help

[dipsey]

I have a pony that gets her tongue over the bit, and have tried alsorts of different bits, the only thing that worked was the spinner from fylde saddlery I had the wilkie sides put on for her and it seems to have done the trick(crossed fingers) I do first ridden with her and have checked with the BSPS they say thats O.K. You need to check with your society if it,s different.

[sallyw]

We like French link snaffles for babies. The one we had who did get her tongue over the bit went so well in a French link Happy mouth snaffle that we left her in it even if I dont like the white bits at each end.

[mayhem]

The best way i have found, is to put a leather shoe lace through the middle part of the jointed snaffle, then tie it up to the middle of the nose band, rather a old fashioned way but it does work.

Hope you understand that

[drenrowstud]

we had a special snaffle and pelham made for our pony that used to do it they worked a treat some like the copper roller bits they tend to settle better in them. one of the stands at hoys had them for sale ready made but sorry cant remeber which one it was only it was bottom left hand corner as you came out of the caldene arena.

[lolly]

Thank you for all your help and advice, it is much appreciated which is one of the reasons this site is so valuable ..

[Pony-Nutt]

Myler comfort snaffle with low port helps enormously with this and for some, the magic bit works, but I find them a bit wooden in the magic bits, mylers are better for fine tuning.

[nitelife]

I would recommend the spinner bits!

[bigmama]

I agree ... the Fylde spinner bits