Flash, Figure 8 or normal cavesson?

[godiva-my-baby]

My horse has a major chewing issue. Why? because she was abused by the bit. Shes much better with it (accepts it) but she wont stop chewing. Even little 2 year olds that have never had a bit in there mouth chew as much as she does when they first have it in. Soo, I was thinking I could have some help with another noseband to teach her not to chew as much. But im not sure if I should go with the flash, figure eight, or just stick with my normal cavesson?

thanks!

 

[Roxxi]

when my horse chewed at the bit i just took off my reins from my bridle and put away so she had to eat,drink and sleep in her bit if u keep repeating this it should help out alot

Hope it helps!

 

[Alice K]

Well, a flash or figure 8 would help keep her from opening her mouth as much and evading the bit. Which it sounds like she isn't doing.

Are you positive the bit fits her? If it is too large or the cheek pieces are too long or short, they will chew at it because it isn't in the right spot. If you have a snaffle in, there should be 2 wrinkles in the corner of your horse's mouth. (A snaffle is a bit with direct contact- no shanks or anything. Not necessarily one with a joint in the middle, like some people think.) The adjustment for other types of bits are different, but that is easily found online.

Actually, usually chewing the bit is regarded as a good thing- it increases salivation, relaxation, and eventually flexing throughout the topline. I really don't see why you want to discourage it! And if being abused by the bit was the cause of this, wouldn't she evade the bit (She wouldn't have learned to move to something that caused her pain!) , rather than accepting it so?