Advice on a strong horse...

[Flashbacksj]

Sorry long!

My boy has started to get really strong when hacking...
I know whats caused the change... ive been fittening him up... and now he is feeling very well indeed... trouble is im not that strong and we are beginning to have battle when doing downwards transitions...

He is currently in a eggbutt snaffle and a cavason noseband, with a martingale..

Jumping wise at shows etc he is forward but never strong... and keeps a steady pace... but hacking at home on big open spaces... well he will just gets stronger and quicker unless i really mean business pulling him up... he comes back to me but often only once i turn his head slightly so he cant lock against me!

Ive owned him for 10years and he has always been forward and good off your leg, NEVER bolts out of control style just strong in downwards transitions i never feel unsafe it just takes me longer than i would like sometimes to pull up and drop back to trot/walk.

So im looking for help on what to use to get him to come back to me easier. He goes well in the snaffle genrally, and im happy that there is no physical issue causing the problem, teeth back etc all checked regularly!

So whats your advice... noseband change... bit change?? just better schooling?

For info, in the school he is good from canter to trot but is often strong back to walk from trot. he came (10yrs ago) with a flash noseband.. but it seams to affect his breathing when tight enough to be of any use... and when looser does nothing so i dont like using that!

Ive been looking into grackles but he doesnt cross his jaw or open his mouth... just locks his neck against me so im not sure thats the way to go!

HELP PLEASE i know nothing about stronger bits as he is the only horse ive owned and we have never had an issue before... same goes for nosebands really!! sorry its long!

 

[Baggybreeches]

I would be tempted to try a different bit for hacking, for instance my TB is very sensitive, so when (if) schooling I use a NS verbidend with a cavesson noseband, when pointing I use a loose ring snaffle with grackle and australin noseband, out hunting a double bridle and for hacking/fast work at home I use an american gag. I use the american for hacking because in my opinion I need quicker response from him whilst on the road or paths for both our safety than any of the other situations. I would maybe try a hanging cheek to add a little bit of poll pressure.

 

[Nicki85]

How about a 2 ring or three ring dutch gag with two reins? Might take some practice to get used to the reins but at least that way you can use the snaffle ring for most stuff and then the other rein is needed if you need a bit more brakes

As for a flash if he doesn't open his mouth to avoid the bit then he doesn't need it. I would assume if it is affecting his breathing it is positioned to low?

And always schooling, getting him to listen to your seat more will help