Your youngster comes in from schooling with pink, chafed lip corners — now what? Two common fixes sit at opposite ends of the tack spectrum: add gel bit guards to cushion the corners, or remove the bit entirely with a bitless hackamore.
Key takeaway: Use gel bit guards to stop pinching and mild friction at the lips; choose a well-fitted bitless hackamore to remove bit contact altogether, especially while sore skin heals or when bitting is the root cause.
What causes lip rubs in young ponies?
Lip rubs are typically caused by friction, pinching, or pressure from an ill-fitted bit or bridle, compounded by a young pony’s changing mouth and developing training. When youngsters cut or shed teeth, their mouth conformation is in flux; combine that with learning to accept a contact and it’s easy to see why the corners of the lips (commissures) can chafe.
Common culprits include:
- Bit ring pinch against the lip corners, especially with loose-ring designs
- Bit width or thickness not suited to a small pony mouth, creating constant pressure
- Bit height set too high or low, altering how the ring or joint sits at the lip corner
- Cheekpieces, nosebands or browbands that pull the bridle off-centre and rub
- Dry, wind-chapped skin in winter or softened skin after wet work
- Strong, inconsistent hands during early training, causing movement and friction
- Dental changes, sharp enamel points, or retained/wolf teeth that make bitting uncomfortable
Start with a mouth and tack audit. Check the commissures daily for heat, swelling, or broken skin; run a clean finger under the bit rings to feel for pinching; and book regular dental checks with an equine dental vet. Keep the area clean and supple — a gentle cleanse and a thin barrier before exercise can help. Stock up on soft brushes and soothing aftercare in our grooming collection to simplify daily care.
When do gel bit guards make sense?
Gel bit guards are most useful when the rub comes from bit ring pinch or minor friction at the lip corners. They add a soft, flexible buffer between the pony’s lips and the bit ring, especially on loose-ring snaffles that can move and nip delicate skin.
Why choose gel bit guards for a young pony:
- They prevent ring pinch and reduce side-to-side chafing without changing the basic feel of your current bit.
- They can stabilise a loose-ring bit slightly, which some youngsters find comforting.
- They are quick to fit, easy to clean, and a practical first step before big tack changes.
Fit and care tips:
- Confirm the bit’s overall width is still correct once guards are on — guards add bulk at the lips.
- Warm the guards in hand or under lukewarm water for easier fitting; seat them flat against the ring.
- Rinse after rides to remove sweat and sand that can abrade skin over time.
Limitations to note: bit guards won’t fix a fundamentally unsuitable bit, and adding thickness can crowd a small mouth. If rubs persist despite careful fitting, look deeper — bit design, size, bridle balance, and training habits often need attention. For reliable tack and everyday riding essentials from trusted names, browse established brands like Shires.
When should you consider a bitless hackamore?
Choose a bitless hackamore when you need to eliminate bit-related friction entirely, or when a youngster’s mouth is sore or changing with dentition. Removing the bit gives the corners of the lips a break, provided the noseband is correctly fitted and your pony understands pressure and release at the nose and poll.
Options and fit considerations:
- Sidepulls and bitless bridles (non-leverage) apply direct pressure to the nose and are typically the softest entry point for green ponies.
- Cross-under designs distribute pressure more widely; fit and clear release are critical so the signal doesn’t “hang on.”
- Mechanical hackamores add leverage via shanks; they can be strong and are best reserved for educated hands and established ponies.
Fitting fundamentals remain the same: the nosepiece should sit on the hard nasal bone, not low on the soft cartilage, and lie balanced and still without rubbing. Introduce bitless cues in-hand first, then on long-reins or a lunge, before you mount. Prioritise your own safety while you experiment — a well-fitted hat is non-negotiable; explore our range of certified riding helmets. If you’re hacking while testing new tack, maximise visibility with hi-vis rider gear.
Gel bit guards vs. bitless hackamore: pros and cons
Use gel bit guards for targeted protection without changing your bitting system; go bitless with a hackamore when you want to remove bit friction and allow lip skin to heal or avoid the bit entirely during dental change.
- Welfare focus: Bit guards reduce a specific friction point; hackamores eliminate bit contact altogether, shifting pressure to nose and poll instead.
- Learning curve: Guards maintain familiar bit aids; bitless requires you to establish clear pressure-release on the nose.
- Control and refinement: A well-fitted bitted setup can offer fine lateral signalling; bitless can be equally refined in trained hands but may feel different at first.
- Young pony suitability: Guards are a gentle tweak for green mouths; a soft, non-leverage bitless can be ideal when bitting is the irritant.
- Practicality: Gel guards are inexpensive and quick to try; bitless may require a new bridle and a short retraining phase.
- Competition: Rules vary by discipline and level; always verify current tack lists before show day.
Fitting checklist to stop lip rubs today
Correct fit prevents most rubs, so work through this simple tack check before your next ride. Small changes often deliver immediate relief.
- Assess the skin first: If the lip corners are broken or raw, rest from bitted work and switch to in-hand or bitless until fully healed.
- Confirm bit width and thickness: The mouthpiece should sit comfortably within the lips without squeezing or excessive lateral play; bulky mouths often prefer a slimmer profile.
- Check bit position: Set the cheekpieces so the bit lies neutral at the corners — no puckering “smile,” and not dropping onto the bars.
- Look for ring pinch: On loose-ring snaffles, add gel guards to buffer the commissures and limit nipping as the ring rotates.
- Balance the bridle: A tight browband or noseband can skew the bit and create one-sided rubbing; ensure the browband sits flat and the noseband is even.
- Choose smooth surfaces: Plain, smooth mouthpieces and tidy joints minimise friction at the corners during early training.
- Manage the environment: In cold weather, warm the bit in your hands before bridling; in wet/sandy conditions, rinse the lip corners after work.
- Protect and condition: After cleaning, apply a light barrier to healthy skin; avoid heavy, gritty residues before riding.
- Ride with feel: Develop elastic contact and release promptly; consider a few groundwork sessions to reset soft responses. Support legs during groundwork with appropriate protection from our horse boots and bandages.
Quick tip: Keep a small sponge and clean cloth in your grooming kit to wipe away sweat and arena dust from the lip corners the moment you untack — a 10-second habit that pays off.
Training and young pony-specific tips
Young ponies need short, positive sessions with consistent, sympathetic hands to protect delicate lips while they learn. Keep schooling calm and progressive so your youngster doesn’t brace and rub the commissures through tension.
Practical pointers for greener ponies:
- Introduce new tack at rest first; then work in-hand, long-rein, and only then under saddle.
- Reward promptly when the pony softens to light pressure — a small scratch or a nibble from our treats collection can mark the moment.
- Alternate bitted and bitless sessions if the skin needs respite while you continue education.
- Schedule routine dental assessments with an equine dental vet; changing dentition can make bitting temporarily uncomfortable.
- Work with a qualified instructor (for example, a BHS Accredited Professional Coach) to refine your contact and transitions.
At Just Horse Riders, we recommend building confidence first: establish easy, light cues on the ground, then keep mounted sessions brief and end on a soft note. Kitting out smaller riders for comfort helps them ride quietly too — take a look at our well-fitting children’s jodhpurs and breeches for secure lower-leg stability.
Care and healing for sore lips
Rest, gentle cleaning, and a protective barrier usually settle mild rubs quickly; pause bitted work until the skin is intact. Clean the area with lukewarm water or a mild, vet-approved cleanser, pat fully dry, and apply a light barrier to protect from saliva and dust. Avoid anything that stings or builds a gritty film before riding.
Monitor daily for heat, swelling, discharge, or deep cracks — any of these warrant veterinary guidance. Once healed, reintroduce work with protective strategies in place: correct bit fit, gel guards if needed, soft hands, and regular post-ride cleansing. Keep your kit stocked and ready with our curated grooming essentials.
Competition and rules in the UK
Rules for bit guards and bitless bridles vary between UK disciplines and levels, so always check your governing body’s current tack lists before you compete. What’s acceptable for training at home may not be allowed in the ring.
As a working plan, school at home in the welfare-friendly tack your pony goes best in, then confirm compliance for your target classes well ahead of show day. Keep your competition wardrobe sorted too — our range of smart, comfortable women’s competition clothing helps you focus on the ride.
Which option should you choose?
If rubbing is localised to the lip corners from ring movement, start with gel bit guards and a full tack-and-training check. If your pony’s mouth is sore, changing with dentition, or simply happier without a bit for now, a thoughtfully fitted bitless hackamore is a sensible, welfare-first alternative.
A practical pathway many owners follow is: heal the skin, test gel guards on a well-fitted bit, and build softness in the contact. If rubs persist or the pony is more relaxed bitless, use a non-leverage bitless option while you continue training and dental care. For reliable, rider-ready staples for every session, explore proven brands like Shires and kit yourself out with a secure, up-to-standard riding helmet.
FAQs
Will gel bit guards stop my pony’s lip rub?
They can, if the rub is from bit ring pinch or mild friction at the corners. Fit them correctly, re-check bit width, and clean them after each ride. If rubbing continues, reassess bit design, size, bridle balance, and your contact, or consider going bitless while the skin settles.
Is a hackamore harsh for a young pony?
Not when chosen and fitted thoughtfully. Soft, non-leverage designs (like sidepull or some cross-under styles) can be very kind and clear, while mechanical hackamores add leverage and require educated, steady hands. Introduce pressure-and-release cues in-hand first.
How do I fit gel bit guards?
Warm the guards slightly so they flex, slide them onto the bit rings so they sit flat against the lips, then bridle your pony and check that the mouthpiece still centres correctly. Ensure there’s no bunching and confirm your bit isn’t now too tight across the mouth.
How long do lip rubs take to heal?
Superficial chafes can settle quickly with rest, gentle cleaning, and a light barrier. Stop bitted work until the skin is intact, then reintroduce gradually with protection and correct fit. Any swelling, heat, discharge, or deeper cracks should prompt a veterinary check.
Can I compete in the UK with gel bit guards or a bitless bridle?
It depends on the discipline and level. Some classes permit certain configurations while others do not. Check current tack rules with your governing body well before you enter to avoid disappointment on the day.
What bit is best for a young pony to avoid rubs?
A smooth, correctly sized mouthpiece that suits your pony’s conformation, fitted so it sits neutral at the corners, is a good starting point. Work with a qualified coach and your dental vet to match bit design to your pony’s mouth and stage of training.
What else can I do to prevent rubs during training?
Keep sessions short and positive, warm the bit on cold days, rinse sweat and sand off the lip corners after riding, and reward soft responses — a small treat from our treats selection can reinforce relaxation. Groundwork in well-fitted protective boots from our horse boots and bandages collection helps establish light cues without overloading the mouth.
