Bit advice please for tempermental rising 5yr old

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jessie7

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I have a welsh x tb rising 5. He really only started proper work in November and has been out hunting a handful of times and hacking.
So the hunting season is over and I need to school him.......

He is currently ridden in a hanging cheek french link (was getting tongue over the bit in a loose ring and this bit prevents that). He is a feisty little thing and has a proper Welsh attitude - likes to do things his way or not at all.

Anyway he seems really unhappy in his mouth and reluctant to take the contact. He has had his teeth done by an EDT and so that shouldn't be the problem. He will work beautifully and have a very wet mouth and then throw a strop and drop the contact or nod his head furiously.

Can anyone recommend a bit that will encourage a steady contact and for him to take the bit more? And also any exercises to help him relax and be more willing? I don't think I do anything with him on the flat that is remotely demanding but he just gets so p***ed off because it's not his idea...........
 
I'm a mega fan of neue schule, and rather more importantly so are our mares! They have the starter bit which might be the thing. I'd give them a call though as their help line really is very good, and not in the slightest bit 'salesy'. They'll chat through about your horse, his mouth confo, what has and hasn't worked for him, how he expresses his niggles etc. Fantastically useful and really helpful to improve bit knowledge generally as well as learn about their choice.
 
Cool thanks, I have a couple of NS bits for my other horses so I will give them a call! I am totally useless with bits, try to ride everything in a french link :)

The EDT said that he has wolf teeth but they don't (or shouldn't) interfere with his bit or hurt him (vet said the same thing when he did the teeth).

When he nods his head it's like he's trying to shake the bit out of his mouth. I will ring NS and se what they suggest. Him getting his tongue over is probably a sign he was/is uncomfortable too?!
 
I would advise keeping an open mind regarding bitting, having tried a NS starter as advised by my RI and all manner of other bits I found my young boy didn't like movement or the feel of a lozenge at all, he frequently got his Tongue over the bit as well and was generally mouthy. I asked the dentist for advice over his mouth conformation as there is lots of talk about big tongues etc, he said it was completely normal as most horses are. A straight bar full cheek and lots of schooling seems to have done the trick
 
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