Frequently asked questions

Why should I have the dentist?

Because we have domesticated the horse he doesnt have to spend hours chewing on coarse vegetation so his teeth wear unevenly and can become sharp. Having his teeth regularly checked and rasped can improve his chewing, digestion and also can make a difference on his performance.

How often should I have my horses teeth checked?

Most horses and ponies should have their teeth checked every 6 months to 1 year depending on their individuals diet and life style.

At what age should I start having my horses mouth looked at?

It is good practice to start having your horse looked at from a foal. This will help the horse get used to having someone put a rasp in to his mouth so that in years to come the experience will not be a new and frightening one. Also if your young horse has any problems we can help you to pick these up and possibly prevent them becoming an issue in the future.

What are bit seats?

Bit seats are the re-shaping of both the upper & lower first cheek teeth (second premolars). When your horse has a bit in place the tongue & cheeks move around as pressure is applied to the reins. The smooth curved surface of a bit seat reduces the possibility of discomfort when the soft tissue is pressed against the teeth.

Do I have to have my horse sedated for his teeth to be rasped?

This entirely depends on the horse itself. We perform nearly all of our work un-sedated and do not see the need to sedate a horse or pony unless the animal is very unhappy, becoming distressed or needs a specific procedure such as power tool work or extractions, and in those few cases we would discuss the options with the owner before making a decision. In some cases horses can be quite like us and have off days, and leaving equine work until another day will sometimes work as a simple remedy to comforting your horse.