bit advice please (again!) long - sorry

[sloulou]

Ok - so I just tried out my new bit like this:

Which was all fine and he was going nicely in it (seemed softer). (before he has been in a kimblewick, then a cherry roller snaffle). until he began to lean on me (usually he just sets his jaw and runs - hasn't leant before)

Then he spooked and carted me from one end of the area to the other before I could stop (eventually circling I managed to slow down). We then did some jumping and he was just tanking with me feeling a bit like a useless passenger.

Anyone got ideas for what might help - it's like pulling against a brick wall.... (either schooling or bitting advice appreciated)

ps. I am schooling him to work on this, but he is a 16 yr old ID x TB who doesn't really bend much at the mo...

 

[dixie]

Oh no and it looked so promising.

What action are you looking for. If a bit of poll action you could go for those Neue Schule bits with the lozenge and the third lower ring. Can't remember what's it's called, I'll have a look.

Or, there's the Myler combination bit, there's one on at a very low price at the moment on e-bay, finishes tomorrow. They look soft in the mouth but have poll and nose action & I understand very effective for some - not my horse though he wouldn't go forward in it.

 

[dixie]

How about:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Myler-Low-Port-Com...1QQcmdZViewItem

OR

http://www.shop4bits.com/item--18mm-Tranz-Angled-Lozenge-Universal--8024u.html

 

[sloulou]

Thanks Dixie - I have been thinking about Mylers... Combination bit looks complicated tho.

Don't want to over bit - but bit worried about my lack of brakes....

 

[sloulou]

Yes - they look good - not tried that sort of gag action before on him.

I have tried a cherry roller cheltenham gag - whihc he didn't mind - but actually wasn't as effective as I thought it would be.

Although he salivates alot when I am riding - it feels like his mouth is very hard and I find turning him really tricky...

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[dixie]

I think it just looks complicated because it also incorporates the noseband. When I tried it out it actually felt quite light because I think the noseband is not a thick leather.

Can understand the lack of brakes though.

What about the waterford. I've never tried this myself but some people swear by it.

 

[sloulou]

Yes - thought about that too! Waterford might be what works with him - but opinions seem really varied, some say mild others say severe.

I was looking at the Neue Schule Waterford Nelson gag - might be overdoing it tho..

 

[dixie]

Sounds like you need to do a bit of hiring, esle you will be spending a fortune !

 

[Lvrees]

I wouldnt just go out and buy a myler bit as they dont suit all horses, if I were you before you potentially waste your money get a myler specialist to come and assist you with choosing the correct bit. They advise this as so many people bit completely wrong.

A waterford could be a good solution, though they lack feel and are not to be advised if your a somewhat active rider.

I would think if your horse is tanking off with you will have to be carefull when picking a gag as you may find he will just find it easier to evade and tuck his nose in.

There are many varieties of bits on the market now and I'm afraid it'll just be trial and error.

I dont mean to sound rude but would you consider any schooling exercises that may be will stop him from leaning and tanking off. As sometimes its not the bit its the hands on the other end... Just a suggestion.

 

[sloulou]

Not rude at all - We completely need to be doing exercises to help with this - and I am working on this although any tips appreciated!

I've had him a few months and I don't think he has been schooled for a long time (although he was ridden). I've been focusing on transitions and exercises to get him listening to me and lots of turn and bending as he is rather unbendy.

Didn't know you could get specialists along - that sounds like the perfect idea, because it all does seem to be trial and error.

 

[Lvrees]

Yeh check out the myler website, they do clinics and things as well where you can go and try them out.

I'd be working on gettin him light in front, so continue doing the transitions, lateral work will help with suppleness and balence. I'd be inclined to get him working into the outside hand so that hes unable to lean on you and just use the inside hand as a steering aid along with your seat. Everytime he begins to lean give with the outside hand and keep your leg on, if he goes forward dont worry about this, just change the exercise, do a small circle or loop, then a downward transition.
When jumping I'd be tempted to work on a grid, or on two fences on a circle to maintain a rhythem. A related distance would be a good idea also where you could may be practise shortening and lengthening the stride in between. Pole work on the flat and lots of lunging to help with balence and suppleness (help with the unbendyness!!!!) wouldnt go amiss either.

Sorry if your already doing these things, I'm just rambling off the top of my head.

 

[sloulou]

Thanks. I'll try out your suggestions.

We have been doing grids and jumping a fence on a circle (which does help). On sat we did 4 in a line, with a placing pole in between each jump. so will carry on with that sort of thing.

Lunging might be useful too... Thanks

 

[lucemoose]

I have a similar problem with waterford style mouthpieces on my beasty. If (this is now becoming rare

) he is backing off/in a new environment he is fine but otherwise he will tense and set his jaw to it and tank.
Obv not the reaction you want in a waterford!
I lunge mine twice a week, its great for just watching their action, seeing how they bend/flex and working them without the pressure of you being up on top. What do u normally have him in? Has there been anything that you have felt even a tiny bit of difference with? Even a slight bit of jaw relaxation,teeth clunking and ears droopin down and out to the sides? Is he the horse in your avatar? Looks TB-y..small mouth?
I think ive tried everything on mine! So if you want a bit then shout!

 

[KatB]

Cherry rollers and the such are very thick chunky bits, and as a result I hate them! Have you had a good look at l#mouth confirmation, sometimes they run away if they are uncomfortable, and putting a thinner softer snaffle in may actually help....

 

[0ldmare]

My horse used to be in a kimblewick and thats exactly what happened with her - she would lean and tank. But I changed to a pelham and the difference is spectacular! She is as light as a feather in the hand and I am sure she is happier. I think you should try one, I know some people dont like them, but they have similar action to a kimblewick so if your horse was basically happy in that it should find the pelham OK

 

[sloulou]

prittstick - He's the same breed at the one in the avatar - TB x ID - I think he has got a small mouth - and quite a big tongue. He was alot softer in the bit above (I think because of the lack of nutcracker action as he usually has single jointed bits) - but then started to lean (which he hadn't in previous bits)... might PM you about bits

 

[sloulou]

KatB - that is exactly what I have been thinking - especially as he seems to have a small mouth....

The reason I haven't changed it too much so far is because his previous owners had him for 5 years and they are the ones that changed him from kimblewick to cherry roller and they tell me he goes far better in it as he doesn't set against it.

might try thinner and softer as another option!

 

[sloulou]

oldmare - Might try a pelham - he doesn't seem to mind what I try in him (hence why I feel he doesn't have the softest of mouths!), and pelham is easy as we have lots of those at the yard!