Cavesons
Cavesons created for the purpose of closing a horse's mouth became popular in the 1970s. They seemed effective, so like most, I followed without question. A few years later, equine dentist Ron Ross was visiting my barn in Connecticut. Ron was always willing to help educate his clients on the finer points of the equine mouth. He explained that in order for the lower salivary glands to operate effectively, a horse must "work" his lower jaw. The bit alone makes it impossible for the mouth to properly execute this function. Strappings on the caveson amplify the restriction. Additionally, if one adjusts the noseband straps a bit low and snug (as many are), the free expansion of the nostrils necessary for natural breathing is also restricted. Finally, cavesons adjusted too low apply constant pressure to the bridge of the nose. These points have one common denominator, pressure that will cause pain.
Most of what we do while riding or training horses cannot be considered "natural." Putting saddles, bridles, bits, and other tack on a horse is undeniably "human." To bridge the gap between a horse's natural action and our own unnatural interventions, we can study equine behavior, instincts, and habits. This helps us to communicate more effectively with our horses. We can learn to think like a horse and not humanize every situation. We know that horses naturally need a leader. In following, they are quite generous, and with time, kindness and careful handling, they will follow direction given by their human leader.
In training horses, we should aspire to a quiet, steady contact with the bit. Forcing a mouth shut through the use of flash, dropped, crank, or figure eight cavesons is no substitute for correct training. There may be some situations where, during the retraining of a severely damaged horse, a skilled professional would use cavesons of this nature as a temporary aid to proper training.
Concern for our horse's comfort and well-being is a priority for most of us. We would never intentionally cause discomfort to our equine friends. If we understand why horses chomp or gape their mouths, we can begin to rectify the behavior using a more tractable approach.
There can be many causes for a horse's open mouth. A young horse just being started will take time to accept cold, cumbersome metal in its mouth. A horse may need dental work. The bit may be the wrong size, diameter, or type to fit a particular mouth conformation. Some breeds, for example, have lower pallets than others. The ever-popular free ring snaffle can easily pinch tender lips if not properly fitted. Riders' hands are another possible culprit. Unsteady or aggressive hands can easily cause a horse to avoid contact through gaping. Less obvious, ill-fitting saddles, back soreness, feet or leg discomfort can also show up in busy mouths. Understanding that gaping is a symptom of a problem, not the problem itself, is critical. One can only begin to rectify a problem after its origin is properly identified.
Horses have an entire language derived from the application of pressure. It is through body language that they demonstrate their intentions. The important factor in herd communication is that pressure begins mildly. It is then accelerated only to accomplish the point if the milder pressure has failed. Once the point is made, pressure is released. Horses understand instinctively to move away from pressure. What they will not understand is constant pressure without relief. If the pressure is there regardless of the response, there is no reprieve. A horse can be made to accept this pressure if given no choice, however, the harmony between the horse and rider is diminished or lost. If you can make your horse more comfortable and therefore more content, I can't help but think we will all win! Your horse's care and well-being are ultimately your responsibility.
We tend to follow our mentors without question. Yet questioning is a positive approach which enables us to make the correct choices for our horses. When in doubt, listen to your horse. He's always the best teacher.
