We
have all seen the high profile cases within dressage competition, whereby a
steward has noticed blood coming from a horse’s mouth. But what causes it?
Typically, bleeding from the equine mouth is an indication of a wound to the
inside of the mouth, or the horse or pony’s tongue.
Sometimes,
this situation happens due to the unfortunate circumstance of a stressful
incident or accidental heavy-handed rein use occurring under saddle. Bleeding
may be caused by a slip or a trip whilst hacking or jumping, causing the horse
to bite its own tongue. The horse or pony may alternatively stumble and cut
their own lips.
The
bit can sometimes cause rubs to the corners of the equine’s mouth and cut the
gums, so this is an important site to check, if you ever see bleeding from the
mouth. Always choose a good quality, damage-free bit - browse The Saddlery Shop’s
extensive range HERE!
Horses
that pull back when tied up with a bridle on, or those that step on the reins
after a rider fall, can in extreme cases cause the bit to be forced into the
tongue, resulting in it becoming cut, and some bleeding occurring.
Occasionally
horses can lose a tooth, resulting in some blood in the mouth.
Rarely,
bleeding from the mouth is a sign of a systemic blood clotting problem. In this
case, it is often accompanied by blood loss from other body orifices, or other
signs of severe illness.
If
your horse appears to be bleeding from the mouth, it is important to first
remove the bridle and carefully check the teeth and mouth. Remember, your horse
may be distressed so whilst you will understandably be concerned, you must
exercise caution when examining the mouth, so you don’t end up on the wrong end
of those powerful teeth! If possible, it is wise to wear gloves.
If
you are unable to find a cut resulting from a bite to the tongue or lips or the
bit rubbing the corners of the mouth, it is important to contact your
veterinarian who will conduct an examination, possibly with a dental gag on, to
be able to examine the mouth more thoroughly.
The
vet is also likely to assess the horse’s general health, paying particular
attention to attitude, appetite, heart rate and rectal temperature to rule out
body-wide bleeding problems, and then examine the mouth to find the source of
the bleeding. Some mouth wounds in extreme circumstances might require stitches
whilst the majority will heal well without treatment.
There
are specific rules in jumping and eventing, but the guidelines in para-dressage
and dressage are more ‘grey’ and subject to interpretation. FEI rules state
that in minor cases of blood in the mouth, such as where a horse appears to
have bitten its tongue or lip, officials may authorise the rinsing or wiping of
the mouth and allow the rider to continue; although any further evidence of
blood in the mouth will result in disqualification. Dressage guidelines for the
Ground Jury at events also advise: ‘If a horse exhibits a sign that may
indicate that it is no longer fit to compete during a competition, then it is
the responsibility of the Ground Jury to
stop the horse from the competition. After an assessment made by the Veterinary
Delegate and Ground Jury, if bleeding has stopped and the horse is fit to
continue to compete, then it may be permitted to do so.’
We
hope you enjoyed our article. For further articles and info on equestrian
matters, please visit www.pegasus-magazine.co.uk
. This is the website of the UK’s Pegasus Magazine - the major source of
information for the large majority of equestrian enthusiasts across the South
East of England and the Home Counties. Visit http://pegasus-magazine.co.uk/magazine
to find out how to access the printed version, of which 25,000 copies per month
are read. The site also features articles.
Author
Lucy Nicholas Co-proprietor of The Saddlery Shop, recent winner of the SEIB
Internet Retailer of the Year Award (British Equestrian Trade Association,
BETA). Check the firm out on Facebook!
