|
|
Post by pantymelcai on Mar 8, 2013 22:19:14 GMT
Hi everyone
I have a 6 year old Sec A that I bought 7 months ago. I bought him to do in hand and lead rein classes with my daughter which he is fab at. The problem I am having is when i come to lunge him or school him myself he seems to be opening his mouth quite wide on the left rein and looks really uncomfortable. I have had his teeth checked and there is nothing wrong with his teeth or mouth at all. Could this be a back issue maybe??? although I cant understand why he would still do this when just being lunged with no rider or saddle??? he is in a single jointed eggbutt snaffle at the minute any advice much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by larkhaven on Mar 8, 2013 23:07:57 GMT
My Section B used to do this when he was anxious about something - not the wide mouth you see with a sore mouth - looked more like a snarl!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2013 23:16:44 GMT
try a french link snaffle, some native ponies have a fat tongue and they need the extra piece in the middle of the bit.
|
|
|
|
Post by Toaster on Mar 8, 2013 23:44:25 GMT
try a french link snaffle, some native ponies have a fat tongue and they need the extra piece in the middle of the bit. I agree that this may be a good idea - my sec A used to open his mouth wide with the old owners in a single jointed snaffle but doesnt with me in a french link |
|
|
|
Post by pantymelcai on Mar 9, 2013 8:49:22 GMT
Thanks guys I was thinking about the french link myself before going down any other route I value your opinions  |
|
|
|
Post by pantymelcai on Mar 9, 2013 8:50:31 GMT
would you go for the eggbutt or loose ring one?
|
|
sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
|
Post by sarahp on Mar 9, 2013 8:57:08 GMT
When lunging he is turning so it doesn't preclude a back or leg issue, especially as it's only on one rein. French link worth trying though, many ponies hate single jointed bits - I don't use them as I don't like the nutcracker action which can make the link hit the roof of the mouth.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2013 19:58:05 GMT
I would use an eggbutt, I don't like loose rings, they pinch the corners of their mouths.
|
|
|
|
Post by lulah on Mar 9, 2013 20:54:40 GMT
I woukd go for an eggbutt . I actually prefer lozenges over frenchlinks. Does he not open his mouth atall with your daughter riding ?
Edited to say ; just re-read your post and it does sound like thier may be another issue due to it being just on the lunge. Obviously the horse is constantly turning so any lameness pr evasions will show up more on the circle. May be worth getting him checked over by vet / physio?
|
|
|
|
Post by Karen, garrettponies on Mar 10, 2013 18:00:31 GMT
Sounds like a daft question but where do you attach your lunge line to and you say no saddle, do you have a roller on? Could it be that the bit is pulling/nipping him? Check that the cheek pieces are level on both sides and not slightly askew. Most ponies are better on one rein than another, maybe if he is resisting more on that rein its nipping more? I have one pony that goes beautifully on one rein but pulls more on the other as its her 'tricky' rein. Don't know if that makes sense, I know what I mean! Also agree with French link, all mine go happier in one.
|
|
|
|
Post by pantymelcai on Mar 10, 2013 21:35:41 GMT
thanks for all your replies guys I think im going to change his bit and then go from there. If he still looks unhappy with a french link then maybe get him checked over by the vet/phisio.
|
|
