Bit advice needed for my strong mare pls!

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ali87uk

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Hi,
My mare is quite strong and in the school and on hacks with one other she is fine in a loose ring snaffle but hacking out in a group makes her very strong... she likes to go right behind the horse in front and I can't stop her, and if we do fast work she likes to bomb off!
She is on working livery and YO doesn't want her in anything stronger than a type of snaffle. I got a waterford but she won't let me use it!
I was recommended a hanging cheek which I think I will get unless anyone has any other ideas? Have tried contacting the bit shop but no answer to email/phone call for last 2weeks!
Thanks :0)
 
What about a dutch gag/3 ring snaffle? You can get it in the same mouthpiece as you usually use, and move the reins up or down the rings depending on how much extra leverage you need.
 
Does your y/o know your horse better than you do? If so, then the hanging cheek would be the better option, if not, then I would try the 3 ring in the arena first, you'll soon feel if she doesn't like it and is backing off the extra leverage. Perhaps you can borrow one first?
 
I think you need to ask what your allowed then - sounds like any suggestions need to be run by yo anyway so maybe ask her what shes happy for you to use?
 
I dislike 3 ring gags on most things, as most horses will go alot better in a bit the with a more precise action, the 3 ring is a woolly aid and ends up encouraging the horse to either go around with its head in the air, or tucked in
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Surely you can choose what bit you ride your horse in when she isnt being used by the school?!!
 
Thanks for all the advice! When she is used in working livery only really walk/trot so is ok but I like to go a bit faster than that when I ride! She doesn't want her to have a hard mouth from me using a stronger bit. Will try a hanging cheek which I think now is a good compromise!
 
Got to agree with Katb in a way. I understand your horse is on working livery but at the end of the day ITS YOUR HORSE! So you cant choose what bit you work her in when you ride. If you want a stronger bit then then use it, just obviously change it back to the regular bit for the YO when she's going to be used by her. You have to be happy and confident when you ride YOUR horse, so i'd tell the YO this but say you will change it back once you've ridden, or if you can afford it get a second bridle with bit of your choice, keep it in your car and just put it on when you ride.
 
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She will get a harder mouth from being hauled on in a snaffle than not in a stronger bit!
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Totally agree.

My gelding is really strong out hacking, hunting and xc but fine in the school so i use a loose ring snaffle for schooling and SJ and a 3 ring for hacking etc. I find it brilliant for him, but may not be right for everyone =)
 
Why not just stick to hacking with one other person, if a group situation blows her mind?

I only ever ride with one other person now, as my horse gets too strong and loses the plot in a group. It makes for an unpleasant hack where I am pulling and yanking at him and he is pulling and yanking back. Lots of horses find the whole herd hack thing a bit too exciting and get very bad mannered, trying to get to the front and running up the backside of the other horses.

It's much more civilised and enjoyable riding with just one friend!
 
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