15/07/2025
𝗨𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 & 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁
🌟 Did you know that your horse’s front teeth could be affecting their back-end performance?
It might sound strange — but it’s true.
🔍 Upper incisor hooks (small overgrowths on the front upper teeth) are more than just a dental quirk.
They can create real biomechanical problems, especially in ridden horses.
Here’s why👇
🔹 When the upper incisors develop hooks, they can prevent the lower jaw from sliding forward.
This movement — called rostral-caudal motion — is essential for:
✅ Flexion at the poll
✅ A soft, relaxed jaw
✅ Proper bit acceptance
✅ Collection and balance in movement
When the jaw can’t move freely, your horse may start to:
⚠️ Resist contact
⚠️ Struggle with transitions
⚠️ Appear hollow or tight in the back
⚠️ Show unevenness or unwillingness to bend
And you might think it's a training issue — but it's not always.
Sometimes, it's just teeth.
🦷 Regular dental checks by an experienced equine dentist are essential — especially if you’re noticing subtle changes in your horse’s way of going.
✨ A small hook can lead to big problems — but with awareness, it’s easy to fix.
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💡If you’re curious about how this ties in with the whole-body approach I use in equine bodywork, or you’ve noticed a change in your horse’s performance — I’m always happy to chat.
Comment below or message me — let’s help your horse feel their best, from nose to tail 💛
