3 Ring Bit ?

[Beth17]

I have an ex race horse and he can be quite strong when in trot, canter and gallop but i don't want to put him in a really strong bit. Is the snaffle ring and the Dutch gag the same and a snaffle bit, and would this be a good bit for him ?
I'm 17 and he's a big 16.2hh so I don't want to feel like I can't stop him, especially on hacks, any tips would be great. Thanks

 

[Tnavas]

Sometimes a stronger bit has a better effect as less rein gets the result you need whereas in a snaffle you'll end u p pulling more.

I'd be inclined to ride him in a Kimblewick or a Waterford when out hacking - you will have more control and won't harm his mouth. Continue schooling in a normal snaffle though

 

[Dizzydancer]

Please don't take this the wrong way but are you pulling up too much in all these gaits?
Pulling means go- with my lad i have to just relax to him and have very soft hands and elbows- when slowing its all about positioning and almost giving the rein to him- less so now he 2 years later. But in gallop i do have to literally drop my reins and that's what stops him.
Also voice aids are very good.
I would be tempted to go back to basics although knowing what i was like at 17 i doubt you will want to. But i would work transitions, walk- halt- walk, walk- trot 5 strides-walk, i wouldn't be cantering until this was mastered. Also try and go in circles not straight lines, i still struggle to canter full arena keeping same pace but if circles he is much better.

 

[kerrieberry2]

Do you pull a lot when he's too fast? You might find the less you fight the less he will pull?