Another question..this time bits and nosebands...

[ChestnutConvert]

Went to ride yeasterday and got speaking to someone who used to ride the horse i have taken on. I've noticed recently that you can't turn him off his route while hacking and she agreed that this happened when she rode him. He seems to be a creature of habit although i do vary the hacking routes and directions as much as possible, but if we needed to turn back or deviate off the path we're going he just will not. I know i need to go back to basics and trust to sort this but any ideas??

Also he's ridden in a snaffle, grackle and martingale at the mo, would a stronger bit be any good as i'd like to try and get back to a plain noseband if poss he's not particulary strong but will fight.

Hope this all makes sense!

 

[SuperSonicMare]

Perhaps a full cheek snaffle? The pressure may help turn him more easily. The grackle is to stop a horse crossing their jaw, so if he doesnt do that you should be able to put him back into a cavesson. Good luck.

 

[*hic*]

Full cheek snaffle as suggested above as a first stage but even before that make sure you are making full use of your body and leg position rather than just trying to swing his head round.