29/10/2025
HOW OFTEN DOES YOUR HORSE SEE THE DENTIST? 🦷🐴
Like many of us, I used to think: "No bit means no mouth pressure, so my horse's teeth are fine with a standard 12-month check." Maybe 6 months if you're being super diligent.
But after listening to several talks by leading dental technicians I've decided to change my horse's dental routine, and I want you to consider this too. Experienced equine dentists are recommending that all our horses should be getting small, incremental checks and adjustments every 3 - 4 months!
WHY IS THAT?
Think about your farrier. You wouldn't wait a year between trims, right? That much growth would be a catastrophic change, allowing issues and pain to develop. The horse would be sore and compensating long before the farrier even showed up. The same exact thing is happening in their mouth!
Waiting a year allows bigger changes which could lead to pathologies that requires a big change to fix, which is uncomfortable for the horse. Small, frequent checks mean tiny adjustments that keep their mouth perfect all the time.
BITLESS DOESN'T MEAN LESS CARE
Even when riding bitless, your horse's ability to chew and move their jaw freely is absolutely critical for relaxation and performance. A sharp point or restriction in the mouth forces them to hold tension in their jaw, which runs right down their neck and back, totally messing up their biomechanics and way of going. And also think about it if you're using straps at tighten around the mouth it is only pain in the teeth or any sharpness that could directly impact the muscles surrounding your horses jaw.
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU
Before you book that annual appointment, have an honest chat with your dentist. Ask them how much change is happening in your horse's mouth in a year. I bet you'll find that having more visits, more often, is the kindest thing you can do for your horse’s comfort, health, and welfare.
