Equine dentistry: is 'bit seating' really necessary for all horses?

While most horse owners agree that it's a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends on the type of riding, says Dr Mac.

Like human teeth, horse teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, so it's a good idea for every horse to be examined by an equine dentist at least annually. It's particularly important in riding horses, as the head position and the bit can cause dental pressures that are different to the pressure caused by biting off grass and chewing it. A dental technique known as 'bit seating' is often used in race and show horses to prevent the bit from bumping against the upper- and lower-first molars. Unfortunately, perhaps because retired race horses are the most common breed used in equestrian events, this technique is often used routinely by equine dentists. WHAT IS BIT SEATING? Bit seating is, quite simply, the bevelling and smoothing of the front part of the…

You're reading a preview of

Farmer's Weekly (Digital) - 1 Issue, 24 January 2025

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.