Equine Anatomy
Bit & Bride Fitting Considerations
17 is the infraorbital foramen, 33 is the mental foramen
A foramen is an opening or hole in bone where nerves and vessels pass from interior to exterior. These are present on all bones.
Consider this:
Looking at the infraorbital foramen it should become clear why need to position 2 fingers below the cheekbone to stay clear of the area. But even if you are below it you would pinch the nerves that pass to the exterior down the nose.
A foramen is an opening or hole in bone where nerves and vessels pass from interior to exterior. These are present on all bones.
Consider this:
Looking at the infraorbital foramen it should become clear why need to position 2 fingers below the cheekbone to stay clear of the area. But even if you are below it you would pinch the nerves that pass to the exterior down the nose.
About Canines & Wolf teeth
Horses may or may not have wolf teeth. If they have them, they are typically located just in front of the upper molars and can be variable in size. Depending on size, they may need to be removed or simply rounded to reduce interference with a bit. A veterinarian or equine dentist can evaluate your horse for wolf teeth as early as one year old. Wolf teeth erupt between 5 months and one year, but can be removed at any time in a horses life.
Most horses have canine teeth. Stallions typically have 4 large erupted canine teeth. Geldings will have between 2 to 4 erupted canines of moderate size. Mares may have none, one, two, three or four canines that can either be just below the gum line or erupted and visible in the upper and lower interdental space. Canines in the mare tend to be small.
Sometimes the canines below the gum line (that you can't see, but can feel) are very sharp. Bumping hidden canines with the bit while bridling would cause pain and irritation. Bits should be placed with care and ease.
The condition of the bars should be checked regularly and especially during bit fitting. In some cases, particularly if the bit is sitting too low in the mouth, severe ulceration of the bars can occur. A Veterinarian or equine dentist should be consulted if you suspect your horse is experiencing discomfort.
Most horses have canine teeth. Stallions typically have 4 large erupted canine teeth. Geldings will have between 2 to 4 erupted canines of moderate size. Mares may have none, one, two, three or four canines that can either be just below the gum line or erupted and visible in the upper and lower interdental space. Canines in the mare tend to be small.
Sometimes the canines below the gum line (that you can't see, but can feel) are very sharp. Bumping hidden canines with the bit while bridling would cause pain and irritation. Bits should be placed with care and ease.
The condition of the bars should be checked regularly and especially during bit fitting. In some cases, particularly if the bit is sitting too low in the mouth, severe ulceration of the bars can occur. A Veterinarian or equine dentist should be consulted if you suspect your horse is experiencing discomfort.
The lower jaw
Rein aids travel from the rider’s hands, through the reins, over the horses tongue. Without the tongue, horses would not be able to be ridden in bits as we know them today. It serves as a ‘cushion’ for the horse’s mouth. The tongue is a muscle and a rider should take great care in keeping it relaxed and working properly just as care is taken with all other muscles.
