Advice needed please...

[daretodream]

on horse reluctant to "come onto bit"

Ive had my gelding for a year and a half now and in all that time ive only managed to get him to come onto the bit in walk (but not constantly) he'l come onto the bit for a while, then put his head up, come back down onto it etc

on advice from someone in a saddlery i was told that the bit i had was too small and was nipping him, this could be what was causing the problem (this particular bit, a D-ring snaffle with copper rollers, was given to me as "a good fit" and i was told that "he love it and dont ever change it"

)
I was then advised to change him to the jeffries hanging cheek with lozenge, only after this change of bit did he come onto the bit in walk. He seems very unsure of contact in trot.

below is a pic to show what i mean. Advice on what to do would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Probably slightly overbent, but after change of bit

 

[clairel]

Is it the hanging cheek you are riding him in in the top picture?
and also did the previous owners say why he liked the copper roller so much?

You have him as a SJer, am I right? Is he strong jumping?

 

[daretodream]

Yep, its the hanging cheek in both pics.

It wasnt actually the previous owners that told me about the copper roller bit, it was actually the person that found the horse for me, i think he was rode in a regular snaffle previously, but when i got him the copper roller bit was given to me 2 give me something to ride in.

yep hes my SJer, no hes not strong at all x

 

[ottodyl1]

Firstly, worth checking tack, saddle fit & teeth, back,etc.
From the photos it looks like he needs to engage more from behind. (this would correspond with the fact he is inconsistent in contact in trot). If he's 'on the bit' he should be working actively behind into the contact so work on this rather than concentrating too much on the front end. Do lots of half halts and transitions, make sure he's bending correctly through his body on either rein as if he's stiff laterally he is likely to be stiff over his back, which will make it more difficult for him to work correctly. Be careful you're not blocking him with your hand/arm - maintain an even contact, keeping your arm relaxed & ask him to soften with your fingers while ensuring he maintains the activity behind with your leg.
You would probably find it helpful to have some lessons or ask somebody experienced to school him a bit for you as it's difficult to give advice on paper when you can't see what's happening on the ground!
Good luck with your schooling!

 

[clairel]

Tbh I don't think it is going to be as simple as changing the bit, unfortunately!
The hanging cheek gives added poll pressure and encourages a horse to drop his head, normally onto the bit.
If you have the facilities to lunge him, for me this would be the best thing to do. Use side reins or what ever you prefer and encourage him onto the bit that way.
If you have had him a year and he is only starting to work on the bit now, he will have to build up the right muscle slowly. Probably why he is moving his head up and down.

Just take your time with him and encourage him when he is on the bit, and keep asking gently when he isn't.