What is inside a horse´s mouth?

Temporary milk teeth are followed by permanent teeth. Unfortunately, the uncomfortable process of shedding one set and the other erupting happens just when we want to start riding, between the ages of two and a half and five years old.

An adult horse has a full set of betwwen 36 and 42 teeth.

12 incicisor, or cutting teeth, six in the front of both the top and lower jaw.

12 premolars, also called cheek teeth, used for grinding food.

12 molars, also used in the grinding process. Male horses also have four canine teeth, or tushes, which at some stage in evolution would have been used for fighting.

Wolf teeth, vestigial (part) premolars with shallow roots are found in both sexes but more commonly in geldings. They are usually in the lower jaw and can interfer with the action of the bit, so are often removed.

How Can You Spot a Problem?

Six monthly check ups are the best way of preventing dental problems, but common warning signs may include:

Signs of evasion, such as head tilting or snatching at the bit.

Dropping food while chewing, known as quidding

Bad breath

Tooth problems can be the root of many behavioural problems.

Samantha writes articles on several subjects including horse health issues, horse riding tips and horse rescue stories. You can read more horse articles or visit our Horse Riding Centres website