The prevalence of oral ulceration in Swedish horses when ridden with bit and bridle and when unridden.

This research investigates if horse riding using bit and bridle increases the prevalence of oral soft tissue ulcers in horses. The findings suggest that use of bit and bridle can cause oral ulceration, even in horses receiving regular dental treatments, indicating the need for individual fitting of riding tackles and personalized dental prophylaxis.

Study Design and Approach

• The study involved oral examinations of 113 horses and ponies that received regular dental care (known as dental floating). This population was divided into four groups based on when they were last ridden with a bit and bridle.
• The four groups included a random selection of currently ridden horses, horses rested at pasture for 5 weeks, those examined after 7 weeks of riding with bit and bridle, and brood mares left unridden for at least 11 months.
• Lip and intraoral soft tissue lesions were recorded in seven pre-defined locations, and were classified as small or large; and acute or chronic.

Results and Findings

• The study found that horses actively ridden with a bit and bridle had a significantly higher prevalence of large and acute buccal ulcers, particularly opposite the upper Triadan 06 teeth and the corners of the lips, compared to horses not currently ridden.
• This suggests that using a bit and bridle can cause oral ulceration, despite the horses receiving regular preventative dental treatments.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The researchers concluded that the use of bit and bridle can cause oral sores in horses even while they receive regular dental prophylaxis.
• They recommend that riding tack should be individually fitted for each horse to potentially prevent or mitigate the occurrence of oral ulceration.
• In addition, they suggest that preventative dental treatments should be adapted to the individual needs of each horse, rather than following a standard prophylaxis protocol.