Bit problems......just can't find the right one?

Question

I'm am having problems finding the right bit for my 13 yr old appy gelding. He has thick lips and there pretty short for his size and him canine teeth are high so it's hard to put the bit at the corner of his mouth without the bit clanking him canines. Every bit i've tryed on him, when i pull on the reins it makes the corners of his mouth bunch really bad almost like the bit is squishing the corners of him mouth and he open his mouth. I have tryed the follloing bits on him and none of them fit him: Low port curb, high port curb, swivel shank curb, non swivel shank curb, full cheek snaffle, D ring snaffle. Some were 5'' and some were 5 1/2'' mouth. How can i find a bit that doesn't make the corners of him mouth mouth bunch up?

Answer 1

Like a few other people have said, I would have the dentist check and float his teeth (if needed) and then I'd try a bitless bridle if the problem persists. If he's really that hard to fit, then why bother if you might be able to get better results by using a hackamore? It's worth a try. If the hackamore doesn't work, you can sell it in a second on eBay.

Answer 2

What about a hackamore? Have you tried a loose-ring snaffle? I think you should try NOT finding the right bit- just get rid of the bit idea. Hope I helped.

Answer 3

Have you thought of bitless or hackamores? Bosals? What about an o ring snaffle?

Answer 4

We had the same problem and now use the Dr. Cook's bitless bridle. It is great! All the paying boarders at our community barn except one have their horses in this device, and that includes everything from arabs, quarabs, and thoroughbreds to stock horses, ponies and our big belgian cross.

Answer 5

Do you really need a bit??? A hackamore might be an option

Answer 6

Well, what about floating his teeth? Have them filed by a vet or someone experienced.

Answer 7

Get someone out to check on his teeth then try.

Answer 8

use a rubber bit it is comfrting ad soft on there mouth