biting at bit

Question
Hello, I have 2 full brother appaloosa gelding's that I raised.  The oldest is 4 and the youngest is 3. My husband and I have started trail riding and both are biting and chewing at their bit's like crazy.  The 4 yr old will slow down as the day goes by but the 3 yr old is just going "nut's" at the bit and the shank. We have tried going from a small broken bit with a ball in the middle to a straight bit and nothing has helped.  We have been riding and raising horses for 30 years and this is the first time we have ever run into this problem. And what is even stranger to us is that both of them are doing it, being full brothers. Please advise your thoughts.

Answer
Hi Connie;

You've had their teeth checked, right?  

Is it biting and chewing from nervousness or discomfort?  Is it possible that both of them have low palates of some sort or a mouth issue going on?

I'd start with an equine dentist, not a 'regular' vet, and have their mouthes thoroughly checked for waves, crookedness, locked jaws, low palates, wolf teeth, abcesses etc...

Then if that checks out, I'd have them both checked over by a chiropractor.  Sore backs, pinched withers, jammed atlas' etc... all can cause the issue you're having.  Also, have the saddles double and triple checked by a saddle fitter.

If all that checks out and everything fits them well including the bits, then I'd look into the possibility that they are both nervous and insecure and that the biting/chewing is an anxious reaction.  

I have a horse right now that carries his bit well and accepts contact except when he's uptight, then he'll start to chew, grab the bit, bite it and toss his head.  That's my sign that I've asked too much of him and need to back off.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt