Best bit for overbent strong horse?

[Cliqmo]

Hi Guys,

I would like some suggestions please!

My Mum needs some extra brakes on her 16.3hh 14yr old shire x tb hunter, who has got into the strange habit of over bending and tanking when she is hunting- generally this isn't a problem because he knows his job and stays behind the huntsmen, jumping whatever is required along the way

However she would like something Solly will listen to as he was rushing at speed down some steep hills the other day and it worried her that she couldn't 'get him back'.

I thought something with a curb is likely to help? Maybe a pelham or a kimblewick? However I have a slight niggling concern that the new overbending habit might be because Mum is keeping a tight rein and he has learned to avoid it? (I haven't ridden him in ages though, so this suspicion is totally unquantified

) He is currently ridden in a loose ring french link and a flash, so we have plenty of scope to change up.

Any obvious recommendations please?

 

[eoe]

Try a straight bar mullen mouth snaffle and yes perhaps you should ride him to see if he does it with you before trying a stronger bit. I find these bits work well on big strong horses as there is even pressure on the mouth, don't like bits with curbs as they cause horses to overbend away from the pressure of the curb chain.

 

[the watcher]

It does depend on the root of the problem. A Waterford is often suggested as a schooling alternative but this will not work if the horse is evading a heavy hand. Maybe time for a check with the EDT too if there are no other changes, and a review of feed and training regimes - so many potential causes you have to think a bit outside the box.

 

[BFG]

Maybe a continental snaffle then she can use the bit rounds to allow a little bit more control without going too a much stronger bit, mine still have the French link it in too.

 

[4leggedfurries]

I've just moved D onto a NS Elevator jumping bit as he was turning into a complete loon jumping. Had no control, would be holding the reins almost by the bit and he'd stick his head every where. Would tank off and take for ever to stop! Since we've changed i now jump with washing line reins and doesnt even consider running off. Now a nice calm and controlled horse and the bit isnt severe either.

 

[Cliqmo]

Hmm just got back from riding and have told her to make him an appointment with EDT, although he isn't due I got the impression he wasn't happy in his mouth

- I have also taken off the flash so he can evade the contact when he is uncomfortable - never mind her lack of control

 

[ThePony]

my mare used to do just that. She was very strong (in a french link loose ring) and would overbend rather alarmingly to avoid any contact. She had the edt out (she had some sharp edges but nothing out of the ordinary), he mentioned that she has a rather low palate and a large tongue. She was probably overbending to avoid the tongue pressure from the french link. I then tried her in two bits, the neue shule tranz loose ring (much improved contact, but still lacking brakes) and a myler MB32 eggbutt. She is fab in this! I had my reservations as when it locks to a bar I was worried it would be too harsh on her, but she gets on with it very well. Lovely contact in a gentle consistent outline and she is responsive to aids given with the bit. Having brakes also makes it easier for me to allow her more rein and not hold her up, which helps her to relax into the contact too.
Hope the essay helps, I waffle I'm afraid!!

 

[Cliqmo]

Ooh interesting one, thanks Glosgirl!

* * scuttles off to google "myler mb32" * *

 

[MrWoof]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Guys,

I would like some suggestions please!

My Mum needs some extra brakes on her 16.3hh 14yr old shire x tb hunter, who has got into the strange habit of over bending and tanking when she is hunting- generally this isn't a problem because he knows his job and stays behind the huntsmen, jumping whatever is required along the way

However she would like something Solly will listen to as he was rushing at speed down some steep hills the other day and it worried her that she couldn't 'get him back'.

I thought something with a curb is likely to help? Maybe a pelham or a kimblewick? However I have a slight niggling concern that the new overbending habit might be because Mum is keeping a tight rein and he has learned to avoid it? (I haven't ridden him in ages though, so this suspicion is totally unquantified

) He is currently ridden in a loose ring french link and a flash, so we have plenty of scope to change up.

Any obvious recommendations please?

[/ QUOTE ]

Try a Sam Marsh Pelham - fantastic on "the strong but light, I can cock my jaw, lean like hell and fall onto the forehand" horses as they come up into your hand - and they just cannot lean on it. I bought mine on the recommendation of dear Mr Bill Bryan - and it changed my life!!