*Bit advice needed- please help!!!!*

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Horsey_dreams

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Hi All :o need some bit advice please, i have a 16.3 hunter type gelding who can get very strong out hacking, esp in a group. He is currently ridden in a snaffle with flash noseband and a martingale. He keeps going and will not stop, he doesnt go flat out but will not slow down or stop until he wants too, i have no control, he just doesnt listen. Recently he has started trying to race other horses. Someone suggested a pelham but im not sure if thats a bit severe straight from a snaffle and if theres something in between i can try, maybe a dutch gag so i can use the snaffle most times but then use a lower ring when needed? I tried a neckstrap as someone had a simelar thread a while back but that didnt work at all x
 
I can thoroughly recommend the rubber pelham - I used to have a similar problem with my 17.2 warmblood.

I tried a dutch gag, and it did nothing.

Since getting the pelham, we haven't looked back. He is much happier as he hasn't got me dragging on his mouth to try & stop him, and I am much happier as I need little contact but can stop when I want to. I don't think it's a severe bit at all - and of course a bit is only as severe as the hands on the other end!
 
i ve got a 17hh hunter type, try an old english gag (balding gag) needs 4'' rings, they work wonders especially with a grackle, not harsh either although the ring size makes it look like it is, can be tried on a months trial for £5 from the horse bit shop
 
I think the bit you try should depend on the way in which he runs off and the feel you get from his mouth, i.e does he bear down on the bit, does he grab hold of the bit, does he tuck his head in etc.

Maybe see if you can borrow ones to try first. I have found that pelhams can make some horses a lot stronger.
 
Definately try a pelham, kimblewick or uxeter.

None of them are particularly strong bits - they just work in a different way.

The chain sitting in the chin groove along with the leverage creates poll pressure which encourages the horse to drop it's head. Then the chain exerts some pressure in the chin groove encouraging the horse to relax it's jaw. Then it becomes more controlable.
 
Thanks all.. he keeps his head in exactly the same position, and i have no effect on him, it feels like he is setting his head and neck against me, doesnt snatch or toss head or anything, just not paying any attention :rolleyes:
 
A gag would stop him leaning but there is a host of bits that fall under this heading. I am not a great fan of the 3 ringed/continental as I have found it fixes the horses, whereas in a Cheltenham or the new NS fulmer gag, I have steering and a better feel. As a very broad view - Pelham would help with a horse bearing down, Kimblewick will help with a horse sticking its nose up. There are also a host of strong snaffles as well. Can you borrow bits from friends/trainer - advice from the bit bank? I have collected a number of bits over the years and the only consistency with horses and bitting is - once you have looked at the obvious physical (so width of jaw, how large the tongue is, high/low roof) you can play around with different bits and then find the horse is much happier in one than another - and it does change as well! My ISH has had various iterations over the years as his shape/work load has changed meaning he and I needed different bits!
 
Why do you have him in a flash? Might be worth trying a mexican grackle as he could be crossing his jaw to resist, or if the flash isn't well fitted he could be opening his mouth. If you can borrow one to try it would be worth it before you change his bit.

I'd be inclined to try a stronger snaffle first, as he isn't resisting obviously just seemingly ignoring you. I ride a big hunter type mare who does a good line in ignoring her rider and just switching her very kind loose ring ns lozenge snaffle for a thinner straight mouthpiece loose ring snaffle makes a noticeable difference to her. I used to do this for dressage all the time and it was just enough to make her listen rather than run through the hand or lean.

You could also consider a twisted snaffle, a cherry roller snaffle, a waterford snaffle, or somethinng like a myler with slots or a wilkie. The last two have a mild gag action and will tend to raise the head.

I'm not a fan of dutch gags either especially not used with one rein and would suggest a kimblewick if the snaffle options don't work and you want to be able to ride with one rein. Buy one with slots (you don't have to use them) so that you have the option of a bit more leverage if you want it.

If you are happy with two reins try a double bridle, or a pelham of somesort.
 
Had the same problem with my lad, trying a waterford at the moment which seems to helping. He did try and lean on it and realised it was rather difficult. I am schooling in a NS snaffle and only using the waterford for xc and faster rides with large groups so he doesnt get too used to it!
 
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