CHECKING YOUR HORSE'S TEETH

Whenever there is a bit problem first check the condition of your horse's teeth. The most common tooth culprit is the wolf teeth. Wolf teeth are much smaller and sharper than the rest making them very easy to spot. The wolf teeth are located in front of the first molar of the back set of teeth. This area is very close to where the mouth piece of a bit will lay. The bit coming in contact with the wolf teeth can be very painful to a horse. If your horse has wolf teeth a veterinarian can easily remove them.

Horses chew their food by grinding their teeth from side to side. This causes their teeth to wear down on one side of the upper jaw and the opposite side of the lower jaw. A ridge is left which becomes very sharp and can cut your horse's tongue or cheeks creating sores that the bit may come in contact with. A vet should file these ridges or points down at least once a year. This procedure is called "floating the teeth". A horse that requires floating will spill grain while eating. Also you can open your horse's mouth and examine the teeth for sharpness.

Your Horse's Teeth (Allen Photographic Guides) by Alison Schwabe

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Gordon Adair is a professional horse trainer and riding instructor with over twenty-three years of experience. Gordonšs specialty is instructing owners with their horses, the philisophy of teaching and communicating. The ability to teach and communicate can then be used with the owneršs own discipline and personality. Visit Gordonšs web site on the Internet at www.adairmag.com/gordonadair for more informtion.