sores out side mouth?

[PeytonM]

I got a new team and they haven’t been hitched much over winter and I noticed on their mouths they skin has a little sore in the back of their lip.  It’s mainly in the gelding. I dont understand what its from, the bit isn’t pulling back in his mouth from anything, I haven’t hooked him for 3 days now and its going a way. any ideas from what this is from?

[j.l.holt]

The bit is not pinching where the bridle ring flexes?  One place or both sides?  Look for a burr on the bit.

[PeytonM]

its both sides on the gelding. looks like if you had a blister and popped it and took the skin off it. I didn’t see a bur or anything on the bit and the bit doesnt pull back on the lip. I’ll look it over again. I have a smooth snaffle in him.

[Tracey]

I’d check the bit/bridle as thoroughly as you can… Sometimes there’s a gap between the ring of the snaffle and the bit- just enough to pinch. Some snaffles are beveled where the ring goes through the hole and are less likely to pinch. Do you leave a halter under the bridle? The metal side pieces of the halter and the bit could be close enough to be pinching skin. If possible, I’d have someone else drive the horse so you can get a better look at what’s going on. Good luck.

[PeytonM]

thanks for the tip Tracey, I do leave halters on the horses. I m gonna swap bits from my other teams bridles on.

 

[j.l.holt]

Are these bits still chrome plated, or has that wore off.  Is this the first time?  Any chance its from something they ate ?

[carl ny]

I’d try a longer bit,maybe 1/2 inch longer.Sounds like he’s getting chaffed or pinched by the bit ring.JMHO

 

carl ny

[PeytonM]

theres very little pitting on the middle of the bit.

[j.l.holt]

Could a thin layer of rust been ground into the skin in this area ?  Then a little skin sloughed off.

[PeytonM]

carl, how big are most bits used on Belgians? 6? 5?

[carl ny]

I will have to measure my son’s bits,I don’t have any.Let you know tomorrow.

carl ny

[carl ny]

Peyton,

My son is using 6″ bits.he has a 6 1/2″  and may go to that on his bigger horse,she is about 17 HH and goes close to 2000 lbs. The 6″ is tight on her but is not chafing her.I would try a 1/2″ longer bit and see if that helps.JMHO

carl ny

 

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