Bit problems: horse gapes and focuses only on the bit

Hi! What a frustrating problem! I do think there is something in the idea that the horse may carry some earlier bad experiences with bits. It is not unusual for things to turn out the way you describe when that is the case.

I have actually come across a horse before that also went well in a straight rubber Baby Pelham, and it was the only bit it was happy with. When you ride with the Baby Pelham, do you have the reins on the curb ring or the ordinary bit ring, double reins, or a delta strap? It may be as simple as the horse being happiest with that mouthpiece, combined with the stability and framing from the shanks. That was certainly the case with the earlier horse I met, which also only went well in that bit.

I think a good next step is to try using the reins on the large bit ring alone and see how the horse reacts. If you notice no difference, meaning the horse still goes nicely, with the reins on the ordinary bit ring, I would go with that. It gives a kinder action.

Something that often makes a very big difference with horses that have this kind of problem is a bit lifter. A horse gaping this often is frequently a sign that it wants to get away from the pressure on the bars and tongue. A bit lifter takes the pressure off the mouth and spreads it onto the bridge of the nose on a rein aid, so I can strongly recommend giving one a try.

A further option, if you have not already tried it, is a Baucher bit. Baucher bits are unusual in their design, with a short cheek above the bit ring but none below. This keeps the bit lying still and stable in the mouth. On a rein aid, the mouthpiece lifts up in the mouth, relieving the tongue and bars of pressure. Horses that are sensitive to pressure on the tongue tend to appreciate this.

Good luck! 🥰