Bit

Question
QUESTION: I'm curious more than anything.  My 14 yr old gelding tossed his head quite a bit when I would ride.  I eventually put him in a tom thumb (?) gentle bar bit (has a very gradual curve) with shanks.  I thought I had him in a gentle bit before - D-ring snaffle.  He doesn't toss his head near as much but will once in a while.   What would cause the difference when both bits, at least to my understanding, are gentle bits.
Thank you,
Mary Beth

ANSWER: Mary Beth,

I can think of a number of issues here.  Any bit will be fine in the hands of a good rider.  The 2 bits you mentioned work in very different ways.  The D-ring snaffle exerts pressure on the bars of the mouth and the joint in the middle hits the roof of the mouth.  I prefer a triple jointed mouthpiece on my bits when I use one.  The Tom Thumb has shanks and adds the leverage action of the pressure on the under jaw by the curb chain/strap that is on the bit.  It puts a lot more pressure on the horse's mouth when used vs. the action of the D-ring.  

I have to ask about his dental care as to how long ago he had his teeth floated.  If he's got some sharp points on his teeth that could well account for the head tossing.  If he's not had his teeth done recently get an equine dentist to pay a visit and give him a dental "tune-up".  Also make sure your bits fit his mouth.  A difference in width has a big impact on how comfortable to wear the horse finds it to be.  

These are a couple of things I can think of that could cause the problem.  He didn't care for the leverage of the Tom Thumb.  I've known other horses that despised any bits with curb straps/chains.  I prefer to use hackamores and bitless bridles.  As a long distance trail rider I'm on my horse for hours at an end and want her to be able to eat and drink freely.  

I hope this answered your question.

Lyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  His teeth were floated after I bought him last summer.  He responds better with the short shank and seems more relaxed. (The previous owned used a shank bit also.) I felt the D-ring pinched when I put it on my arm so figured it must be pinching him somewhere, therefore causing the head tossing and not listening.  Maybe the triple jt is the way to go as I would prefer not to use shanks.  My other horse is in a hack (came with him when I bought him). He seems to enjoy it. I prefer the hack but have no idea how to measure one to fit a horse. Where I live most have to be ordered on line.  How do I find the right hack? Also, I'm thinking of getting into team sorting so I do more than trail ride.  Would a hack work in that environment?
Thank you - Mary Beth

Answer
Mary Beth,

I've used a hackamore to do most anything - team penning, driving, jumping and riding.  As far as size go, they come pretty much in a standard size unless you need one for an Arab (they do have Arab sized ones now) or a draft.  Haven't seen one in a draft size yet.  Unless he has an exceptionally large head the standard size should fit him OK.  I prefer true hackamores over the mechanical hackamores and look for one with a padded noseband rather than the braided,rolled type.  You may have to spend a little time with him in a ring getting him used to how it works (like 10 min. or so) but that's about it.

Happy riding!

Lyn