Bit or Teeth Problem

[tonka]

My daughter has a 12 yr old that she barrel races with.. when he is running or trotting he looks like he is grinning, i know sounds strange LOL! When he is standing still he clamps down on the bit and acts like he is going to break it in half if he isnt doing that he sits and plays with the bit..and another problem she cant seem to stop him at all..we have switched a couple of times but there are soooo many bits out there..i really dont know where to start..
Thank You
k&k

[Bob Gould]

It sounds like your horse is not educated to the bit and you may have to
have some professional help in getting that done.  The main thing your rider
needs to keep in mind is that there always has to be a release or reward for
the correct response or a horse will get numb in the mouth and begin to do
things like not stop when ask or push on your hands all the time.  As far as
bits go, I would suggest that you try our pretzel bit.  It is a ported bit
that is very comfortable to most horses and it provides quite a bit of lift
and stop. 

Martha Wright