Bit advice please!

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ChestnutMonty

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I have always had my 16.2hh tb type in a happy mouth loosed ring french link.
We do a bit of BSJA and BE and he has started to be a little bit strong recently out hacking and across country - I can pull him up but not as quick as i'd like too!
I have also put a flash on and this has made a slight difference but not enough.
He has naturally low head carriage and I dont want anything to sharp as I dont want him to back off from it.
Ideally something with the happy mouth!

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!
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I had the same issue with my boy, he was always ridden in a happy mouth snaffle but started to feel a bit 'dull' in it and not as responsive. My trainer suggested a dutch gag and we haven't looked back! I use it on the 2nd ring and he's very happy in it doing both SJ and XC phases. It may be ideal if your boy has a naturally low head carriage as well as the gag action does lift the head?
 
if your only in a snaffle now id be more inclined to try something like a french link baucher before the dutch gag if you can get hold of one. its a bit milder than the dutch gag (dependant on which ring etc you use) Although as these bits have poll pressure they may make him put his head down more?? need to check on that.
 
I have always been told and found that gag bits raise the head but curb bits tend to lower the head. I suggested the dutch gag as it provides flexibility, I tend to use the 'snaffle' ring for training and 2nd ring for competing and faster work.
I think the ideal solution is to try different bits and see which works for your individual horse....good luck!!
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Ditto Sneedy each horse is different and im no expert therefore was just posting my opinion not advice as such.
 
And I think thats what ChestnutMonty was after...different opinions, which is what we've done (I wasn't having a 'go' at you, hope it didn't come across like that!!!!???)
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I was going to say that you could try a dutch gag too, even if you only use it on the snaffle ring, it might still have a head raising effect
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This is a flexi one, with a joint......and its pink
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But you can get it in normal colours I think...
http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/Productdetail.asp?ProductCode=38156
You could also try a happy mouth hanging cheek snaffle, this has a similar action to the dutch gag on the snaffle ring, but it's dressage legal...
http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/Productdetail.asp?ProductCode=37218
I find my horse goes nicely in this bit (not happy mouth though). But I would say try the gag for more brakes
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