Conference noted::equitation

1224.0. "Chewing the Bit" by BOSOX::ZBROWN () Tue Apr 10 1990 13:30

    
    
    	Hi!
    
    	
    	I have a small problem with my 4 year old...  He LOVES
    	to chew and chew and chew...  I started his training
    	last spring using a rubber D ring snaffle which he loves.
    	I have no problems with him paying attention or anything
    	like that, he really enjoys riding and all.  The problem I 
    	do have is the minute I get off the saddle or when he is standing
    	quiet in the ring he starts chewing.  This gets to be a problem
    	when I start walking him on the ground, he is so busy chewing
    	it that he doesn't pay attention to where I'm leading him.
	I would hate to change to a metal bit because his mouth is
    	very soft and he really is great when I'm riding him but like
    	I said the minute I stop he starts CHEWING.  Has anyone out
    	there come across this and what did you do?
    
    	Thanks so much!
    
    	Zina

    What kind of noseband do you use?
    
    You may want to try a cooper coated bit sometimes this helps.  It
    creates more siliva, keeping their mouth moist all the time. Maybe the
    rubber bit causes his mouth to get dry and irritated.  Who knows with
    these critters!
    
    I had a horse that did the same thing strictly out of boredom!  There
    really wasn't anything you could do. It is like some who bits there
    nails out of boredom...it is a habit!
    
    Seeing that he is a baby, he might grow out of it.

    Has he seen the dentist? Sometimes if their mouth is painful they will
    keep the bit moving. He may be ignoring a small discomfort until you
    stop and then his mind will come back to it.
    Sandy