Maybe try a happy mouth bit (although this may be too wide on a 13h pony) or a sweet iron or copper bit.

If this doesn't work, have you considered a bitless bridle?

Forget the bit and work on him being comfortable with your hands on his mouth first. He need to be ok with you touching and poking and putting yor fingers in his mouth. Start slowly working down from his nose and see how he copes with you touching his mouth. If he moves away start again but don't push him too far. Praise him with he stands still, don't try and force him in any way. Run your fingers around his lips then when he's ok with ALL of that, poke a finger slowly into the corner of his mouth. He will chew and slobber and be weird about it. Wait for him to stop chewing and immediately take your finger out. Don't try and wedge a whole finger in, just poke the corner of his mouth a little bit. Work at this slowly until he is ok with your fingers in his mouth. This will be INVALUABLE when you have the dentist out! Then work on putting your finger on the bars of his mouth and ask him to open up. As soon as he does, stop and praise. Work slowly and get him used to being played with. THEN go back to the bit.

Remember, don't push him beyond his comfort boundaries, don't EVER try and force him or you will get injured. Work slowly and gently and praise him a LOT when he is good. This will work as long as you put the time and effort in.

Hi,

Couple of things that would help me to help you. How old is the pony? Is this a new problem? Have you checked his mouth for problems or had a vet to check his teeth.

If you can give me this information I can possibly be of more help.

Best wishes, Siglavy. BHSII