Advice regarding bitting appreciated

[Flying_Filly]

I have just come back from a morning out with the hunt and my arms and back are aching!

I currently have my IDx in a neue schule loose ring waterford and a grackle nose band. He's in the waterford because he used to try and snatch the reins or lean on my hand and the grackle because he'd open his mouth to avoid the bit (any form of snaffle). He is fine at home in this combination and is ok once he settles into hunting, but I feel we need some extra assistance in the first 30 - 45 mins. We are alos about to do our second season team chasing and better brakes would be appreciated too.

Does anyone have any bitting advice? I need something I won't grab hold of and a nose band to stop the mouth opening.

I hope to do some serious schooling this summer, but for now, in this hunting/team chasing season I just want to be able to steady and stop my horse!

 

[JenHunt]

I had similar problems until I switched to a double bridle. Doesn't suit every horse, but worth a try IMO, then you can ride on the top rein when he settles!

 

[L&M]

I have had a lot of sucess with a waterford gag, and as your horse is already used to that style mouth piece, may be one to try?

 

[spacefaer]

Try adding a Kineton noseband to your existing set up - it'll only come into effect if he tries to pull or lean on you

we have had great success with Kinetons on several horses - including OH's current strongest

Without the combination, he's the horse from hell, who pulls, yanks, generally messes around, and is a pain in the proverbial - with it, he's a delight, mannered hunter (still strong but stoppable!!)