Answers on a postcard pls... Bits

[AmyMay]

I dont know if its been suggested, but exactly the same mouthpiece on full cheeks, with fulmer loops fitted?
NS do a full cheek snaffle- esp. in a youngster if he is a good lad it is usually more than enough

That's a really good suggestion.

 

[kirstykate]

I would say leave him alone, its sounds as though he is enjoying life, the best way to be, I am sure he will grow out of it, sort the rest in the school

 

[Tammytoo]

Another suggestion to add to the mix. Have you thought of a straight bar snaffle? A few years ago I had a very late broken mare (at 6) who used to get strong when in company at first. I found it had a head lowering effect rather than the opposite head raising effect of a jointed bit. As it was also milder I was not slipping down the road of stronger and stronger bits. Initially I just took the chain off a straight bar pelham and used the top ring as an experiment before I bought the snaffle.

If you google Hilary Vernon she is a bit specialist and may have some suggestions for you. I believe you can hire the Myler bits for trial.

 

[Goldenstar]

PLease don't expect the hanging cheek snaffle to produce poll pressure because it just doesn't.

We proved this most definately at a Pony Club rally this weekend. Young rider describing the action of her bit.

I said to her to watch the cheek pieces of her bridle when she applied pressure to her reins - she did and discovered that they go slack when the reins are used - slack cheek pieces = no poll pressure.

The hanging cheek may work well because it holds the bit still in the mouth and becomes more static therefore more comfortable.

I have become so bored over the years explaining hanging cheek snaffles do not exert poll pressure they principlally lift the bit off the tongue when the aid is applied so suit horses who dislike tongue pressure .

 

[AntxGeorgiax]

I don't have much experience with youngsters so this may not be a good idea, but my mare is always half rearing half bringing when we leave the yard due to excited ness, ( we have a big hill to go up so she calms down by then) however, sometimes if we go another route I lightly lunge beforehand just to get the extra energy out and she is a lot better.
Maybe if you can do this with a youngster you could give it a try before anything changes bit-wise.
If not, good luck anyway

 

[yannialice]

Hello, this is a contentious issue.

I have to agree with you aboutt he habit forming aspect of this running in trot. it is annoying.
I find a myler is a nice lowering softening bit and combined with seat control in the trot. I also find that controlling the leg aid is good by alternating the leg aid. Kind of hold him in balance between seat hand and leg.
I find martingales make no difference at this stage as they just work more against them when they are babies. Also get his teeth checked. When they are that age they somtimes need done more than once or twice a year and these things tend to show more in trot that any of the other paces.
This is my experience. also keep calm and breathe.......