Mare - unwilling to put bit in mouth....

Question
Hello, I have an 11 year old mare, who usually opens her mouth easily and willingly for the bit.  1 week ago she gave me the hardest time and it took me 20 minutes to put it in (a broken Pelham with a curb chain).  We have been using this bit for a few years and she always seemed to tolerate it.  Then when we were riding, she would automatically pull on my hands and dive her head to the ground and refuse to even walk around the ring on the rail.  Then when we got back to the barn, I realized she is in heat, but she had never acted like this before, well, not so badly.  She has done this 3 times since last wednesday, today is the 12th.  What should I do?  Nothing seems to hurt her,the dentist is coming out soon, her feet are fine, and nothing else seems to hurt her.  She is fine on the cross ties, great while grooming, but to ride she is a bit of a pain to say the least.  I even tried to just walk around the property with little or no contact with her mouth and that did not work eiter.  Up until this point, she has been great!  We were doing so well.  I have had her 4 1\2 years, so I know her well.  I have in the past have had heavy hands, but have really been working hard not to and she had been going so well....Could it just be she is older and her heat cycle is worsening?  I am lost....please help.  Thank you very much! Andrea  

Answer
It sounds like it is her teeth and she is associating the bit with pain. I would also check her neck and make sure that she is not having any problems with flexion. If the dental exam comes back negative you just might want to try a different bit.

Lisa