Why Do Horses Get Their Tongue Over the Bit?
Tongue over the bit is one of the most common issues I see as an independent bit fitter, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. Riders often reach for a tighter noseband or a different bit when they first notice it, but in my experience that almost never solves the problem – because the tongue going over the bit is a symptom, not the cause.
Why does it happen?
In the vast majority of cases, a horse puts its tongue over the bit because something is uncomfortable. The work of classical dressage rider Anja Beran has highlighted this extensively — horses resort to tongue evasions primarily due to discomfort or pain, whether from improper bit fit, excessive tongue pressure or inconsistent rider aids. This aligns completely with what I see in my own work as a bit fitter.
That discomfort can come from several different places:
The bit itself may not fit correctly. If the bit is too wide, too narrow, too thick or the wrong shape for the horse’s mouth, it will sit incorrectly and create pressure in all the wrong places. A horse with a large or fleshy tongue is particularly sensitive to this – there simply is not enough room in the mouth for the bit and the tongue to sit comfortably together, and the tongue will find a way out.
Dental issues are another common cause. Wolf teeth, sharp edges, mouth sores or uneven wear can all make the bit feel painful, and a horse in pain will do whatever they can to get away from that pressure.
The rider’s hands also play a significant role. Strong, unsteady or inconsistent rein contact puts constant pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth. A horse that cannot find any relief from that pressure may put their tongue over the bit as a way of escaping it.
Equine anatomist Sue Dyson’s research into ridden horse behaviour has also highlighted the connection between back, hind end and whole body discomfort and evasions in the mouth. A horse that is tight, sore or asymmetric through the back and hindquarters will struggle to carry themselves correctly, and this tension can manifest as resistance and evasion in the contact.
Can it become a habit?
Yes – and this is where it gets complicated. Once a horse discovers that putting their tongue over the bit gives them some relief, they may continue doing it even after the original cause has been addressed. This is why it is so important to investigate and fix the root cause as early as possible, before the behaviour becomes ingrained.
What should you do?
Start with the basics before you change anything else. Get the teeth checked by a qualified equine dental technician. Look honestly at your own hands and rein contact. Check the bit fit – is it the right width, the right thickness, the right design for your horse’s mouth conformation?
A proper bit fitting assessment will look at all of these factors together rather than in isolation. In my experience, addressing the combination of dental health, correct bit fit and rider position gives the best results.
Tighter nosebands are not the answer. They mask the symptom without addressing the cause and can cause significant welfare issues of their own.
Need help?
If your horse is getting their tongue over the bit and you are not sure where to start, I am happy to help, CLICK HERE for information on an in-person bit consultation A remote bit fitting consultation gives you expert, independent advice wherever you are worldwide – CLICK HERE for more information.
You might also find these guides useful:
- Common Bit Evasions – what they mean and how to help – CLICK HERE
- Bits for a Strong Horse – understanding the real cause – CLICK HERE
- Bits For a Young Horse – getting it right from the start – CLICK HERE
Horse Checklist
- Correct Bitting: Ensure the bit fits properly and consider using a softer bit. Have a qualified and experienced bit fitter out to assess your horse.
- Proper Riding Techniques: Focus on maintaining a balanced seat, soft hands, and clear aids to minimise pressure on the horse’s mouth.
- Regular Dental Checks: Schedule routine dental examinations to address any potential issues that could contribute to discomfort.
- Bodywork and Rehabilitation: Consult with qualified horse body workers to address any underlying physical tension or imbalances that may be causing the horse to evade the bit.
- Patience and Understanding: Recognise that getting the tongue over the bit is often a symptom of underlying issues rather than wilful disobedience. Approach training with patience, empathy, and a willingness to address the root cause of the problem.
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