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The canine teeth can also be
referred to as tushes, fangs, fighting teeth or bridle teeth. They
grow in the bar areas in the horses mouth (the area of gum where
the bit resides) and usually appear when the horse is about 4 1/2
years old. All horses can develop these teeth, however, it is less
common for females to have these teeth.
The canine teeth are of no real
functional use to the horse but if they become large or grow at an
angle, they will press into the tongue or the cheek and will need
to be trimmed. It is believed that these teeth were used for
fighting before horses were domesticated. If the canines are slow
to erupt, the bit can press on the gum over the unerupted canine
tooth, which will cause the horse pain. In this case the skin over
the erupting canine tooth may need to be broken to relieve the
pressure and discomfort. |
