Bit suggestions for a horse that nods and chews on the bit

Hello!

How lovely that you found your way here 😃 It sounds as though your share horse is experiencing some kind of discomfort. You need to rule out pain before you can move on with your training and the work you build up together.

I would recommend checking the following with the horse's owner:

🥕 When was the horse last seen by a vet? It is worth ruling out pain anywhere.

🥕 Have the horse's teeth been checked recently? They should be checked once a year, and problems such as hooks, feed pockets and ulcers can sometimes come on quickly.

🥕 Has the horse's tack been carefully fitted by a good saddle fitter? It is important that the saddle does not sit too far back or pinch the withers, for example.

🥕 The bridle also needs checking by someone experienced. If it is as you describe, with the horse reacting strongly to anything tight around the nose, the cause may be a sore or other pain inside the mouth. Tightening the noseband over that can hurt a great deal.

🥕 Do you and the owner ride with a good trainer you both trust? Another pair of eyes always helps, and working together makes progress far more enjoyable and far easier.

Once you have all of the above sorted, you can pick up the pole work and strengthening exercises you have also been given. I think it is best to start with the basics and good flatwork before you begin jumping bigger fences.

Those are my thoughts, do shout if you are wondering about anything, and please update us on how it goes 😊🦄