Canines & Wolf Teeth

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Canines (Tusks, tushes or bridle teeth) & Wolf Teeth are sometimes confused with one another.  Canines are usually buffed or rounded off and only removed if infected & loose, whereas Wolf Teeth are commonly extracted to improve performance.

Another performance aid is bit seats.
(Please refer to the article "Bit Seats")


Canines are commonly found in stallions and geldings, but are not often seen in mares.  Canines usually erupt 4 to 6 years of age; lowers first; Wolf  Teeth at 6 to 15 months, although variations will be seen.  Many trainers have wolf teeth removed in young horses as it is commonly understood that it helps the horse as well as the handler.

 


Canines are buffed or rounded to help prevent lacerations when sharp canines come into contact with the tongue.  (Sharp points on all cheek teeth are removed for the same reason, to avoid lacerations (injury) to the cheeks and tongue.)

 


 

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