For some reason I get everyone’s attention when I say “flabby cheeks,” but its importance cannot be overstated. Excess tissue in specific areas of a horse’s mouth is the reason behind the creation of a bit seat and why many horses have trouble with bits in their mouths.
WHAT ARE FLABBY CHEEKS?
Flabby cheeks is my description of excessive cheek tissue just behind the corners of the lips. When a horse has a bit in his mouth, the bit sits across the span of gums called the bars. Sometimes a small fold of cheek flesh can get trapped between the first cheek tooth and the bit when the reins are pulled back. This can cause unwanted behavior as the horse tries to avoid the pain caused by the pinching of this extra tissue between the bit and the sharp first cheek tooth.
Another area where excessive tissue can become trapped and pinched by the teeth is at the base of the tongue next to the last bottom cheek teeth. Sensitive horses respond favorably to the smoothing of the inside area of the last bottom teeth. “Flabby tongue,” as I call it, is less common than flabby cheeks.
flabby
CREATING A BIT SEAT
To prevent pain caused by flabby cheeks, a bit seat can be created by rounding down the edges of the first lower cheek teeth that are closest to the bit so there are no sharp edges. When the excessive tissue moves into this area, it can then easily move out without becoming trapped. Imagine the shape of these teeth as sharp and pointed like the bow of the Titanic. After floating, they look more like the bow of a tug boat.
In my experience, many horses with these issues are easy to float as long as I don’t go anywhere near the lower first cheek teeth, although pain medication may need to be administered.
“Flabby Cheeks” – This picture is an example of a severe case of “Flabby Cheeks” where the cheek tissue drapes over the lower left first cheek tooth. This horse actually had a sore that is underneath the skin.
THE THRESHOLD OF PAIN
Pain is the most variable aspect regarding a horse’s response to the bit regardless of the bit’s action on the mouth. It needs to be factored into every horse when assessing bit response.
The cause of pain in the horse’s mouth needs to be addressed. Primary is the sharp edges of the first cheek teeth. More importantly is the excessive soft tissue in front of these teeth that is pinched when the bit traps it. While it is not an issue in every horse, in my experience, flabby cheeks affects to some degree about 1/3 to 1/2 of the horses I see.
From my perspective, the added mechanics of the bit, such as curb chains, long shanks, and twists, are all to respond to the horse’s reaction to resistance, bracing, reluctance to turn, or reluctance to bend. I know that after floating horses with bit issues, coupled sometimes with changing the bit to a smaller diameter, many horses show remarkable improvement. Some bit issues are not in the bit at all. I have seen horses with nuchal bursa inflammation and cervical pathology (both in the neck) that, once treated, resolve bolting and other severe bit issues. I have also seen a few horses that only riding without a bit resolves the issue.
HOW BITS SHOULD WORK
A bit should work gently, quietly, and with a light touch, no matter what kind of bit is used. I advocate smoothing all tooth edges, becoming aware of a horse’s “flabby cheeks,” using the smallest diameter bit in horses with flabby cheeks, and using light hand pressure. With these adjustments, I feel that any bit, and at best the simplest of bits, will work on most horses.
Float well, respect your horse’s response to “flabby cheeks,” and lighten up on the hands to resolve most bit issues.
Dr. Tucker has been with horses professionally since 1973, the year Secretariat won the Triple Crown. He worked full time on a Thoroughbred breeding and training farm in Bedford Hills, NY as assistant farm manager where he cared for 20 horses in training, 10 studs and up to 100 mares foaling during the breeding season. After becoming foaling manager, he was responsible for all the preventative medicine on the farm and assisted all foaling deliveries. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. www.theequinepractice.com