Horses that pull on the bit or through the bit haven’t been taught how to accept bit pressure and what to do with contact. There is also a good chance that their neck is being held uncomfortable tight. How do I stop my horse from grabbing bits? To help your Read more…
JAW CLENCHING – A RESPONSE TO STRESS AND PAIN The combination of possible physical discomfort or pain on the horse’s behalf or rider, coupled with intensity of concentration and stress can trigger this reaction in both. How do you get a horse to relax it’s jaw? Place a thumb or Read more…
It’s harder for your horse to properly chew with a bit. The bit rests on the tongue and therefore interferes with tongue/chewing action. I have seen a bit after a horse has snacked along the trail, often there are wads of grass mucked up on the bit. Should you cut Read more…
Horses are born to reject anything in their mouth other than food or water. Accordingly, they are inherently averse to the bit. ‘Acceptance of the bit’ is an unrealistic expectation. A bit interferes with a sense organ (the mouth) and three body systems; the nervous, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Do Read more…
He reassured them about Buddy’s prospects: “Horses can do surprisingly well with broken jaws,” says Trahan. “If you can stabilize the area, they have the capacity to eat just fine and generally heal very well.” What happens when a horse has a broken jaw? If the fracture occurs through the Read more…
When a horse grinds its teeth, you will hear a grating, squeaking or groaning sound. In most cases, teeth grinding (bruxism) is a sign of abdominal pain (colic). Horses may also grind their teeth if they have pain in the mouth, throat, esophagus or elsewhere. How do I stop my Read more…
A too-thin bit or a bit adjusted too high in his mouth may discourage this chewing motion. Try lowering the bit a hole or two and experiment with different shapes and thicknesses of bits, as well as different types and combinations of metals, such as copper or sweet iron. What Read more…
Massaging the horses gums can help to reduce stress and fear. How do you get a horse to relax it’s jaw? Place a thumb or fingers inside and on the roof—or palate—of your horse’s mouth, and hold it (them) gently there. This will cause your horse to lick, extend his Read more…
The characteristic signs of tetanus begin 3 to 21 days after infection. The affected horse becomes stiff and has difficulty moving and eating. Classic clinical signs include: the horse initially has a stiff gait and adopts a ‘saw horse’ stance, with all four limbs planted apart and the tail stretched Read more…
Horse Boots Brushing boots are used for general protection from strikes and scrapes. Tendon boots are used for the front legs. Fetlock boots are used for the back legs, usually when jumping. Bell boots/over reach boots are for horses who ‘over reach’ by knocking their back feet against the heels Read more…