bit advice please

[Tari2]

Good evening, We have a ID x 16.2hh and big with it he is fabulous but we have a problem with him pulling when hacking out. He puts his head right up in the air when he first goes into canter but then drops his head down and is so hard to pull up. He has both avoidances covered! He has his teeth done yearly more if the dentist advises it and has the chiropractor out regularly for maintenance rather than anything being wrong. My daughter mainly rides and hates pulling on him to slow him down as she rightly says that is not a pleasant experience for her or the horse. I am old school so i suggested a kimblewick which he really did not like or go well in, he seems to dislike a straight bit. We have tried a Neue Schule veribend universal bit which makes no difference to him, a friend suggested a waterford snaffle which also made no difference to him. My daughter has said she may as well return to the snaffle as he is the same regardless. When out for hacks or jumping he is ridden in running martingale, schooling at home he does not wear the martingale. Any advice on the type of bit to try that he will listen to. Many thanks.

 

[holeymoley]

Which noseband is he ridden in? Is it possible that while throwing his head up he’s opening his mouth to evade?

Actually on reading the post again, I don’t think it’s his head coming up that’s the issue, more that he’s pulling down? I think it’s just a case of trial and error- I like a dutch gag for a bit more control for fast work.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Can you ask him to look slightly one way when he does that, as if you're in the school and asking him to look in? If you can , I'd say this sounds like a schooling /manners issue .
I would in that case try and shorten the canter , ask him to look "in" , put you're on and ride him into a contact.
Does he wear a jointed snaffle or a straight one? If straight , I'd suggest a loose ring and a jointed one.

I've heard that Kineton nosebands are useful for real tanks but as I haven't used one can't comment on how effective ahd ethical they are.

 

[Ali27]

My 14.2 mare is extremely strong! I’ve tried her in stronger bits but they make no difference! She is now ridden in a Hillary Vernon Mullen snaffle for everything! She has a very fleshy mouth and it’s the only bit that she likes.

 

[Griffin]

I would get a bit specialist out. It will save you money because you can try several bits in one go and, most importantly, you will have a happier horse.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

If head down is the issue a Dutch Gag won't work - maybe a Kimblewick with port? Works for my lady with small mouth/large tongue - if you go for the slotted version you can choose the amount of control as needed ?

 

[LegOn]

If head down is the problem and tanking, I wouldnt advise a gag either - have a look at the Neue Schule Elevator and you can ride it with double reins so you only use it when you need it!

Also really work on softness and flexion, when they tank they are setting on the bit so you want to be able to flex them into listening to you and not setting and tanking! Sometimes a De Gogue can help make the signals obvious and then you can remove the De Gogue and work away on your normal bit.

 

[blitznbobs]

Cheltenham gag with 2 reins. One as a snaffle and the gag rein for when he’s being a plonker.

 

[Tari2]

Thanks everyone, he is ridden in a micklem bridle, we have used an elevator on our haflinger as he would put his head down and buck. we have not used it on this horse because of the head up at the beginning. I will look at the bits you have suggested and do some research, it is a frustrating process trying to find the right bit.