Tongue over the bit

Question
QUESTION: My daughter is 12 years old and been riding 3 years
we have bought a 13.2 show pony who is perfect.  We have had her for over a year now and have just started to compete at riding shows.  At home we use a snaffle or a pelham with no problems.  However as soon as we get on the show field the tongue goes over and under the bit constantly.  We enter the ring under the bit and by the time we go down one side its over we go in the ring to make changes and by the time we have left the ring she has done it again.  The noseband cannot go any tighter and is in the correct position in her mouth do you have any suggestions.

ANSWER: From what you have said I am unsure as to whether or not you are changing bits at the shows.  If you are what bit are you switching to?  Also, if the bit is properly placed in her mouth she should have between two and three wrinkles on the corners of her mouth.

If you are keeping a pelham bit at the shows, be sure you are also using a curb chain with it and to use it correctly would be for it to be snug against her skin so that there is a little free play but not so much that more than one finger can slide between the chain and her chin.

If your daughter is a skilled enough rider to ride with a quiet hand, then you could try switching to a loose ring snaffle.  These bits are difficult to negotiate within the mouth and thus the pony should not be able to slide her tongue over it.  However if your daughter has busy or hard hands then this bit could result in pinching the pony's mouth which of course would only create further problems.  If this is the case I might suggest a snaffle with a wide taper to it.

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

QUESTION: We change bits as follows novice - snaffle, open - pelham
the rings at the side of her mouth are as you suggested as is the curb chain.  We have tried the loose ring snaffle and that has the same effect her tonuge goes over that as well. I have bee told her hands are soft and quite if that helps.

Answer
I think we can get you down to using just one bit at the shows.  A great bit for you to try is the Double Hinged Uxeter-Copper Roller.  The roller will allow her tongue to play and the copper will create more salivation which keeps her mouth sensitive to your daughter's hands.  Below are some links to show you what the bit looks like.

  1. http://www.bcsaddlery.com/tbits.img/505035_s.jpg
  2. http://www.horse-rider-etc.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/5035.jpg
  3. http://www.whipnspur.com/images/505035.jpg