Why Does My Horse Toss Its Head?
Why Does My Horse Toss Its Head?
A horse tosses its head most often as a response to discomfort, irritation or pain somewhere in the bridle, bit, mouth or neck — it is rarely a behavioural issue on its own. Head tossing is the horse's way of trying to escape or relieve an uncomfortable sensation, and the bit is one of the most common sources.
What causes head tossing
Bit discomfort is the leading cause. A bit that is the wrong size, the wrong mouthpiece shape, or made from a material the horse finds unpleasant can trigger repeated head tossing as the horse tries to reposition or escape the bit.
Dental problems frequently cause head tossing and are often mistaken for a bitting issue. Sharp edges, wolf teeth, or other dental discomfort can make any bit feel uncomfortable regardless of fit.
Bridle fit matters as much as the bit itself. A browband that is too tight, a noseband sitting incorrectly, or pressure points anywhere on the headpiece can all trigger tossing.
Insect irritation, particularly in warmer months, can cause sudden head tossing that has nothing to do with tack at all.
How to address head tossing
Rule out dental issues first with your equine dentist, since this is one of the most overlooked causes and no bit change will resolve a dental problem.
Check the entire bridle fit, not just the bit — browband, noseband, and cheekpieces should all sit correctly without pinching or excessive pressure.
Consider a bit specifically designed for horses with high head carriage or tongue evasion issues. The Neue Schule Tactio range is designed to use minimal pressure on the lower jaw and tongue, which has produced strong results for head tossing horses with no other identifiable cause.
Reassess the mouthpiece thickness and material. Horses with sensitive mouths often respond well to softer alloys like Salox Gold.
When to see a professional
If head tossing persists after ruling out dental and bridle fit issues, a bitting consultation can identify whether the mouthpiece shape itself is contributing to the behaviour.
Bit Bank Australia's accredited bit fitters can assess your horse's full bitting and bridle setup. Book a consultation or explore our 30 day trial to test a new bit risk free.