In this episode of the Kandoo Equine podcast, Dr Kate Fenner delves into the common issue of horses putting their tongues over the bit, exploring the underlying causes and practical solutions. She emphasises that this behaviour is a form of communication from the horse, indicating discomfort or confusion rather than defiance. The discussion contrasts traditional methods of suppressing this behaviour with evidence-based approaches that focus on understanding the horse's needs and establishing clear communication through pressure release techniques. Dr. Fenner shares a success story of a thoroughbred mare named Bella, illustrating how a systematic retraining process can transform a horse's behavior and enhance the partnership between horse and rider. The episode concludes with practical steps for addressing this issue and fostering a better relationship with horses.

Takeaways

When a horse puts their tongue over the bit, they're communicating discomfort.

Traditional methods often suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause.

Understanding the horse's perspective is crucial for effective training.

Pressure release timing is essential for the horse's learning process.

The engagement zone is where effective learning occurs for horses.

Systematic habituation helps horses become comfortable with bit pressure.

Physical examinations are necessary to rule out discomfort before training.

Building trust and clear communication enhances the horse-rider relationship.

Patience is key; every horse learns at their own pace.

Celebrating small wins fosters progress in training.

Sound bites

"We've just suppressed the symptom."

"We don't want to just suppress the symptoms."

"Every horse is an individual; follow their lead."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Tongue Over the Bit Behavior

07:26 Traditional vs. Evidence-Based Approaches

13:37 The Evidence-Based Solution

23:33 Real-World Success: Bella's Transformation

34:42 Step-by-Step Protocol for Training

44:28 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts