mouthing the bit

[iluvcreek4vr]

I didnt know where to put this post but i need some help. My horse and i just started lessons and we are responding really well to them. We can trot around the arena with out him putting up a fit finally but the problem is that he is starting to put his head down and trot to catch the bit in his teeth. I keep pulling his head up but he just keeps putting it down. I have been working on getting his head lower and it is now but i want him to stop mouthing the bit. I dont want to put his old bit in cuz that was harsher than this one and he responds to this one well when he isnt trying to get the bit. I dont really want him to get a hard mouth. Should i buy different reins or do i need different type of tack? help please thanks

[silverleprichuan]

I don't understand what you mean by "mouthing the bit".
When a horse accepts the bit they will softly chew on the bit which creates "foam lipstick" around the closed lips.
If you mean "mouthing" as in leaning, then a harsh bit is not the option. Your horse is asking you to do the work. He's found a connection and now he wants you to carry him around. To get him off your hands you need to work on keeping him forward and doing lots of transitions. If you work on your transitions enough he will learn that he can change gaits more easily when he rocks back instead of leaning forward onto your hands.

[iluvcreek4vr]

He keeps putting his head down and trys to get the reins out of my hands.

[Manda]

To stop him from doing that (my horse was doing it too) just drive him forward with your legs.

[silverleprichuan]

If he is leaning on your hands you need to get him forward and light. Lots of hillwork, transitions, and circles to help build up his hindend and lift his forehand. He's leaning on your hands for balance because he lacks sufficient muscles in his hindquarters.