Another bit post...sorry, but need help!

[truffles]

Neddy, since she arrived snatches the reins ALOT, whether she is out hacking or in the school, and is generally very resistant of the bit. (she is in a full cheeck snaffle with fulmer keepers, otherwise she gets her tongue over the bit)

Her new groom has noticed this as well, and has suggested I try another bit that would encourage her to salivate more, I.e a copper bit or something...Is this the right thing to do? She gets worked up wherever she is, and is not the sort to 'settle down after a while' - she will keep going until you stop riding. Worse when jumping, but she is very green in the pole department.

She isn't strong really, just has her little bouncy-on-the-spot moments and just pulls the reins out of your hands and very snatchy and evasive.

Any suggestions please? Is a warmer metal bit right in this situation?

Thanks

 

[jayvee]

Just a bizzarre suggetion, what about an english hackamore only temporarily to see if it shocks her out of the snatching? As nothing there to snatch.

 

[truffles]

I have never ever used a hackamore before, and this being the first horse I have ever had, and her being green etc...and only used to a snaffle, I think it is not really needed atm. I would hate to make her worse because of my uncapability of using a hackamore correctly!

But thanks though.

 

[jayvee]

Tis ok, just a thought. You made a good point, or two

 

[mrdarcy]

My first thought would be have you had her teeth checked? If she's sore in her mouth this would go a long way to explaining her snatching at the bit. I'd also make sure her saddle fitted properly, again discomfort in the mouth can be a sign of pain elsewhere.

Provided all is fine physically then trying a warmer metal bit might help. You don't say what mouthpiece your fulmer has... some horses prefer mullen mouthed bits, others won't tolerate a single jointed snaffle. Horses with fleshy tongues and small mouths prefer a thinner mouthpiece than a thicker and supposidly kinder one.

Does she snatch at the bit when being lunged? Lunging and long reining would help with her reschooling and use of a pessoa will help her to accept a contact. It might be her previous owner was heavy handed. Also make sure she's really going forward from the leg. Until she's working from behind she'll never truly accept the contact

 

[teapot]

edited as my post made no sense, and I'd be shot down in flames for saying that whenever Baron did it (i KNEW he was taking the mic as had been allowed to get away with it) - I used to pull the reins and growl at him.

It's a horrible habit and hope you get it sorted soon. Does she have a noseband like a flash, grackle or drop? As I also noticed that Baron did it less once I took his flash off

 

[truffles]

Yes, her teeth have been checked - they were done, but weren't too bad in the first place, so fine in that dept.

Her saddle is not perfectly fitted - we are borrowing it, along with her, while we are loaning her for a little - I have asked YM to have a look and she said it will not do any damage. Because she has zilch withers, I have a thick fleecy numnah which I was advised to get so it didn't sit on her withers so much. She has been using that saddle most of the time at the owners, and they noticed nothing was wrong - she did actually have a sore back when she went lame (did something funny in the field, went lame and she also pulled her back as well) after recovering from her recent lameness she has been fine as far as riding goes - no bucking or anything, just a little whizzy at times. Back was checked by a physio.

she has a single jointed mouthpiece.

I haven't lunged her yet, but I will start that asap.

thanks for the suggestion. I have never actually used a pessoa before...how exactly does it work? I have heard it helps horses work through their backs, but that is all I know about it!

Her owner was not at all heavy handed - he brings on youngsters from Ireland and is a very soft rider - he has worked miracles for Chloe, as I hear she was a nutter when she first came over from Ireland.

She is infront of my leg, but I don't think she is really using her back - I think her thick neck is also contributing to her not want to go on the contact. TBH atm I am certainly not looking for a perfect going horse. I would just like her to be a little more softer going and quieter in her ways. A little less fighting/strops would also be nice, but I am just hoping that will come with time.

Thanks very much for your advice, I will look into a Pessoa and find out more about it.

 

[truffles]

[ QUOTE ]
edited as my post made no sense, and I'd be shot down in flames for saying that whenever Baron did it (i KNEW he was taking the mic as had been allowed to get away with it) - I used to pull the reins and growl at him.

It's a horrible habit and hope you get it sorted soon. Does she have a noseband like a flash, grackle or drop? As I also noticed that Baron did it less once I took his flash off

[/ QUOTE ]

People have suggested a flash, (for the tongue putting over bit problem) so I am buying an attatchment and flash strap and see how we go.

I will try that - thanks

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Sorting out a bit can be an expensive business if you don't get it right first time. Plus you end up with a pile of bits that are nomuse to you and a dent in yiour bank account.

Speak to a specialist who will listen to the problem you have & by their experience * knowledge they will tell you which bit will help you sort out the problem.

There are severalm sites that can help. The one below sorted my problem. I am not conected to the site, just a satisfied customer.

Speak to Heather at:
http://www.neueschulebits.com/

Good Luck

 

[truffles]

Thanks very much TZ!

Will deffo explore their site....The useful thing is, liveries have already gone through the whole process of buying one bit, than another, and another, and then one more, so they end up with tons - most of the liveries are very happy to lend you a couple to fiddle about it.

But will ask a specialist, thanks again