Bit advice for XC

[Pony1256]

I'm looking for some advice...our little 12hh pony can be pretty strong but in general is fine in a hanging cheek for hacking, flatwork etc. My kids love XC but he does have a habit of one minute, refusing to move, and the next taking hold, head up and carting off with them. At these times, they have little in the way of control so it can be dangerous. He came to us in a drop noseband with a Tom Thumb but I always felt it was too strong - we have tried him in just the Tom Thumb during SJ and he still does the same - head up, takes hold and hard to control...We are due to take him XC schooling next week and I wondered if anyone has been in a similar situation and can offer advice...

Would you put him back in the drop noseband? And back in the Tom thumb? Or drop noseband and try another bit?

Any advice would be great.
Thank you.

 

[IrishMilo]

I like Wilkies for extra control. Those of two ring gags. Always with a lozenge.

 

[SpeedyPony]

For head up and tank a kimblewick can be a good option- you could try with the drop or take the drop just in case and try first without it?

 

[ihatework]

Kimblewick!
Perfect bit for little oiks

 

[SpeedyPony]

Just to add- might well not be the case here, but the freezing and then tanking off can be a sign of a lack of confidence on the pony's part- they freeze as they're unsure, then shoot forwards when pushed. In both cases they're not in the right headspace to listen to the rider- it might be worth looking at teaching relaxation for both pony and child, as XC can be high-adrenaline and thay can lead to pony and rider feeding jnto one-another's nerves/excitement.

 

[Pony1256]

It's a bit of everything with him - he is consistently inconsistent and that is what makes him trickier to ride since he doesn't tend to freeze, just slowly stops and needs to be really ridden forward and then when heading for home, turns and tanks off...my older daughter who has outgrown him now can ride him confidently round a course of SJ and XC and I think you are right re confidence also. The problem is the younger ones can't hold him when he goes....

A kimblewick sounds like a good option to try - any particular ones that would be good would you recommend to try?

I appreciate the advice since I got a bit person out who would only see him in the school and therefore said he didn't need anything more than the hanging cheek so it's tough to know where to go next!

Thank you all.

 

[SpeedyPony]

The slotted cheek kimblewicks give more options for curb action, mouthpiece-wise I'd be inclined to go for something similar to his snaffle if he's happy in that, although a jointed mouthpiece largely negates the leverage of the curb, so mullen or ported mouthpieces are better for that- if you know he is happier with one of those that would be what I'd go with. Otherwise I'd say it depends on what you can borrow!

 

[Pony1256]

The slotted cheek kimblewicks give more options for curb action, mouthpiece-wise I'd be inclined to go for something similar to his snaffle if he's happy in that, although a jointed mouthpiece largely negates the leverage of the curb, so mullen or ported mouthpieces are better for that- if you know he is happier with one of those that would be what I'd go with. Otherwise I'd say it depends on what you can borrow!

Great thank you!

 

[Melody Grey]

Just wondering whether a running. martingale has been considered for the head up part? Might be worth a try in combination with the drop nose band before bitting up?