Horses move their tongues to avoid pressure or a pinch to the tongue from the mouthpiece.

 Absolutely... It is never too late to be more comfortable and it will help with longevity as it will keep the horse moving in the most relaxed and supple way possible.

If the bit is the right shape, diameter size and the appropriate cheekpiece to suit your horse, it should be relaxed with the bit at rest and not overly fussy or busy in the mouth. Look for relaxed jaw, soft eyes, calm demeanour, and light rein responses. Discomfort signs include bracing, gaping mouth, or head shaking and overly fussy, fiddling and chomping on the bit.  

If the bit is synthetic and the horse is chewing the bit it will produce sharp and jagged edges which can cause damage to the soft tissue of the tongue and inner cheek.

Metal bits usually just have wear marks but run your hand along the mouthpiece of the bit.

Yes. The horse's mouth is not designed to have anything additional added, so choose a diameter size of between 12mm 14mm 16mm out of preference. 

Use a bit sizer or measure the width of the mouth (from lip corner to corner) and choose a bit slightly wider than that (typically ¼” larger). You can use a smooth piece of dowel or a cheap synthetic straight bar bit and mark with a coloured pen, add .5mm 

A simple, well-fitted, lightweight loose ring lozenge snaffle when you are introducing a bit for mouthing. This makes it easier for the horse to lift its tongue when swallowing so avoiding any adverse restriction to this natural action. When you move to lunging or longlining and require more signal from the bit, use an eggbutt, full cheek, or hanging cheek (baucher) mouthpiece can be a simple lozenge or a non-collapsible mouthpiece can be a common beginner-friendly choice.

Consider:

• Make sure all the health checks have been made - teeth, saddle and any relevant treatment history

• Your horse’s level of training

• Their mouth conformation (tongue size, top palate shape, lip type, bar length)

• Your riding, level of training, discipline and goals

• A professional fitting or bit specialist can help, too.

• Pinching or rubbing at the corners of the mouth

• Excessive salivation or dry mouth

• Constant fussing or evading

• Cuts, sores, or pressure points

Rinse after every ride with warm water. Deep clean weekly using mild soap and a toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Regularly inspect your bit for wear or sharp edges. As your horse’s training or anatomy changes, it may need a different bit.