[GallantGesture]

Hi guys! I'm working with an ottb that sticks her tongue out all the time. She can feel pretty soft and reaching into the bit, but then the tongue will just be hanging a little out on one side. She's always done it, so I'm thinking at the track she maybe had her tongue tied down? She doesn't have a ton of training on her right now, but I'd like to try for a training level show this spring. Anyone fixed the tongue thing before? Will it go away on it's own as I work more getting her to accept the bit? Or should I try different bits? Or anything else? She had a loose ring french link and did it in that, so I switched to a fat eggbutt snaffle, and she still does it. She has had her teeth done, it didn't make a difference. Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

[Alagirl]

How old is the darling?

Well, If I remember right my sister's TB cross did the same thing as a greeny. She was told to crank the nose band etc, it did not work.

Best thing to do is to ride her correctly and see what happens. She might have a low palate, I seem to recall it's not unusual for TBs, so maybe the french link would be best, or not...who knows, I know of one lady her TB went best in a lightweight snaffle...loose ring, too...


If she isn't using the tongue as indicator to bee seen from miles away I would not panic - just yet.

You have to consider there isn't a whole lot of finessing on the track.

Good luck with your new horse.

[goeslikestink]

read this thread and re mouth her
http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum...d.php?t=223453

[foundationmare]

Thanks for posting the link GSL. I'm a Thomas1 fan, and this is a timely topic as I'm getting ready to start my filly and I want to do it RIGHT! I'm taking my time, none of the rush-rush mentality that often befalls TBs for racing.

[dwblover]

Definitely change the bit and don't be afraid to try a mullen mouth either. I fixed that issue with my OTTB in one ride simply by changing the bit.

[GallantGesture]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and GLS, that link is great!! I think I will try changing the bit around and see if there's something she's more comfortable in, maybe the french link was better, or even something else. I have lots of bits so I will play around. It sounds like to key is to get her to move her mouth more and play with the bit. Maybe I will try giving her a mint or sugar cube to munch on while the bit is in her mouth, or try a Happy Mouth or the peppermint bit wipes or something like that. Then, of course, time, patience, and hope for the best! I'm just glad no one is saying it's hopeless!!

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

gls and Thomas1 have some wonderful links!!

Seriously - about the peeps - my horse does not like to salivate and keeps wanting to wipe it off on a foreleg. Not only does a peep encourage salivation, it helps him not mind it so much.