metalmare
Well-Known Member
Just a quick disclaimer before I begin...
The pony in question is being schooled as a higher level of training is, of course, the long term aim, however this pony is light in the hand the vast majority of the time and only hots up under specific circumstances, so please don't just reply with 'school him' as he is usually very good - he just has his moments.
With that in mind I would like to move from my Waterford, which has served us well in the 'getting to know each other' phase, to something that works with the pony's, and my own, preference for a soft, light rein contact, but has a bit of oomph when needed. A Pelham seems like an option as I can ride on the snaffle rein in a simple, mild Mullen mouth on a light rein, but I have the extra control on those (now rare) occasions when I need them. This is a pony who sticks his head up when he feels the need to evade.
I have ordered a kimblewick to try and see how he gets on - I'm just not sure whether he might find it a bit overbearing as you can't disengage the curb in the same way as you can with a Pelham, although I could set the curb looser.
He goes well in a Wilkie, but this isn't enough when he does have a rare moment.
I am also at times riding bitless, with mixed results, but I'm not sure I want to throw myself 100% into bitless yet.
What would people suggest?
The pony in question is being schooled as a higher level of training is, of course, the long term aim, however this pony is light in the hand the vast majority of the time and only hots up under specific circumstances, so please don't just reply with 'school him' as he is usually very good - he just has his moments.
With that in mind I would like to move from my Waterford, which has served us well in the 'getting to know each other' phase, to something that works with the pony's, and my own, preference for a soft, light rein contact, but has a bit of oomph when needed. A Pelham seems like an option as I can ride on the snaffle rein in a simple, mild Mullen mouth on a light rein, but I have the extra control on those (now rare) occasions when I need them. This is a pony who sticks his head up when he feels the need to evade.
I have ordered a kimblewick to try and see how he gets on - I'm just not sure whether he might find it a bit overbearing as you can't disengage the curb in the same way as you can with a Pelham, although I could set the curb looser.
He goes well in a Wilkie, but this isn't enough when he does have a rare moment.
I am also at times riding bitless, with mixed results, but I'm not sure I want to throw myself 100% into bitless yet.
What would people suggest?