6 year old, bitting advice

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MaisieMcPherson92

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Hi everyone,

I've recently got a new horse and was hoping someone can help.

I currently have in him in a loose ring snaffle with a lozenge, he previous owners has him in a french link?

He is opening his mouth a lot and whenever I ask for the trot he drops his head down as he knows it will knock me off balance, he is quite a lazy horse.

I am getting lessons and still learning so please don't crit :)

He doesn't really like a flash/I was told this from the old owners.

Do you have any advice to stop this or encourage him to just accept the bit?

Back checked/new saddle with Kay Hastilow/teeth done etc

Thanks
 
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The first thing I would do is change him to a fixed cheek bit - my favourite is a hanging cheek. He may be opening his mouth because the bit is moving in his mouth.

Having had a mare who is as you describe your boy to be I feel your pain. Ultimately it is a schooling issue, if he pulls his head down stay strong through your core, even slip your reins, keep him trotting and then pick the reins up again. I suspect he is using you to try and balance himself, and you need to teach him he needs to carry himself.

Lots of transitions and turns, anything to keep him guessing really.
 
Was he ok with french link? If so, is there a reason you changed?
Does he do same when being lunged? If he does, it is likely to be the bit. If he doesn't, it is more likely to do with him balancing himself and rider and avoiding using himself - possibly due to his back muscles being under developed yet.
 
I only seen him once in the french link (tried him out 4times), they just mentioned that when I left.

When he is being lunged, he tries to stick his head down between his legs and drag his nose across the ground a couple of time.

On the lunge when asked for trot he swishes his tail about like I am annoying him and I have to use a lot of voice and get really animated to get him moving.

I'm not sure if its just bad manners.

He passed his 5 star vetting too so I know he isn't in pain etc
 
Don't put him in a hanging cheek i would say - they make them hang and he doesn't need that right now - put him in an eggbut, fulmer or full cheek and if he's needing something stronger then try jointed if not keep him in french link/lozenge and maybe a stronger noseband - the reason why he probably doesn't like the flash is because it's keeping his mouth clsed. I would put one on and if he really does not like it then you could try a drop.
 
If he has a small mouth, or a fleshy tongue, or a low palate then the thicker lozenge bit may be uncomfortable. Perhaps try a french link with a finer mouthpiece. Thicker bits are meant to be kinder but they don't suit all mouth shapes. Good luck! :-)
 
I'm not surprised he doesn't like the flash, all they do is clamp the mouth closed onto the bit! Have you tried positioning the bit higher or lower in the mouth? The 'two wrinkle theory' isn't always right, you should look inside his mouth to see where the bit is lying. You could try a pessoa - or a cheap version! I found these really worked for mine. Please don't get stronger bits with stronger nosebands, it's just a vicious circle.
In walk niggle the reins gently till he brings his head to the correct position and works his back end, as soon as this happens release the pressure but just keep slight contact and go with his movement, every time he moves out of this position - little niggle, release. I also found standing them still, half halting so their head lowers and then allowing them to walk with very light contact and soft hand - but still able to give a little niggle when the head moves. This will help teach him self carriage. Once he's mastered this move into the trot and do the same, then into canter.
I ride mine in a loose ring lozenge, full copper mouth piece but it's shaped like neue schule. We also ride bitless which really helps with his lightness :)
(I originally had him in a gag and a grackle which is why I'm saying don't get stronger equipment! Find the route, try different techniques, try riding in a headcollar in an inclosed space then you'll really know if it's the bit!)

Mines a welsh D with a fleshy mouth and mammoth tongue!
 
I don't want to offend, but have you considered that the problem with the bit might be at the other end of the reins?
 
Cortez said:
I don't want to offend, but have you considered that the problem with the bit might be at the other end of the reins?
Click to expand...

Ah yes I did mention I wasn't that experienced. I've had instructors ride him who even said he's lazy and tries to evade the bit sometimes. He is chancing his luck with me and can be a little bit nappy in the school.

I was just wanted opinions of others in regards to what can work well with younger horses. :)

Thanks though x
 
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