Advice on what bit to use please

[ella brannagan]

Hi, I have a 14hh irish gelding who I'm planning to take to some of the autumn hunting/hound exercise. He has hunted in previous homes but not been for several years. At home (hacking/schooling) he goes in a hanging cheek french link and occasionally gets a little strong to canter in company but getting much better with practice. I will be putting him in a stronger bit for first few outings. Have tried a gag, which he disliked. Thinking perhaps something with a straight mouthpiece + option for two reins? Thanks in advance!!

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Pelham would be the obvious choice, with two reins. You could put him in a grackle noseband rather than change the bit if he is evading and runnin through it.
You could also try a waterford mouthpiece rather than leverage and he may like it or hate it so I would try it out beforehand somewhere enclosed - you must have kind hands with this though as it's not a super soft bit and if you keep moving it in the mouth then it will irritate them.

 

[Bob notacob]

If he likes the hanging cheek,then a pelham will give him the same "stillness "in the mouth ,but with the back up of poll pressure and leverage. The thing to consider is ;One set of reins or two?

 

[ella brannagan]

I think I'll try a pelham with two sets of reins? Do you think knotting the curb rein and riding on the snaffle rein until i need the extra rein is OK? I've heard of people doing this.

 

[Wizpop]

ive done this at times but not out hunting.

 

[Ratface]

I would suggest using both reins. In the heat of the moment, you may not have the time or opportunity to pick up the curb rein. Also, please make sure that the curb chain is flat to the curb groove and is attached to a lip strap.
You may already know and have done all this: apologies if so.

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes we often just knot the curb rein on the horses that hunt in double bridles but a word of caution we do that with horses that we know , we would always hold both rein in the getting to know what will happen stage .

 

[Melody Grey]

On the knotted curb rein- I’ve seen it picked up in panic rather more sharply than intended to bad effect. I’d always ride with it, but am comfortable with two sets of reins.

 

[palo1]

I think it can help to find a hold that really works for you with 2 reins; we all find different holds comfortable and it doesn't really matter which you choose. This illustrates 3 options. https://doublebridlemanual.wordpress.com/use/riding/ For trail hunting, when things can be a little bit unpredictable, I find the Fillis hold to be the easiest to pick up and easiest to 'use'. Changing your hand position enables you to activate either the snaffle or the curb. I tend to ride with my curb rein a bit looser but not knotted. I can shorten it quite easily if needed. Ideally, you would get a trainer to work through using 2 reins correctly and establishing the best hold for you but once you are comfortable it will feel very natural!

 

[Bob notacob]

Take him out for a good hard 2 hour hack ,the evening before!Nothing too exiting ,just a hard slog!. Yogi (Breisner not Bear) has a theory that horses pick up where they left off the previous day. EG, don't xc or sj if the first thing tomorrow is dressage. I have found this to work. Get him a little tired before his outing.Better to have a calm horse than one needing restraint.

 

[ella brannagan]

Hi, thank you for all your suggestions! I took him to the opening meet last weekend and he behaved impeccably until he got tired, at which point we went home. I had him in his hanging cheek french link snaffle and grackle as suggested and he went beautifully. I'm going to take him hunting again - do you think I should bit up as a precaution or just leave him in what he went well in, and take him home if he is silly? I have heard they are generally worse their second time out as they know what the deal is!! Thanks.

 

[Goldenstar]

I would stick with what you did .
Yes you are right many horses will get worse in terms of behaviour after a sensible first or sometimes several trips out .
If you can try to settle in with a sensible group of people so that he learns if not all about mayhem at the front .
You need to keep taking them most will settle once they realise it goes on a long time and they have to pace themselves .

 

[Ratface]

Wise advice, as usual, from Goldenstar. I support her suggestions.

 

[ella brannagan]

Thank you very much both!