Bit advice! What could I try...?

TallyHo123

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 March 2009
Messages
2,387
Location
North
Visit site
Just a quick one (I hope!)

Bought my lovely gelding from a woman who showjumped him for a few years and then lost her confidence and just hacked in walk, a tiny bit of trot for the last 2 years of having him.

In the school he is very strong - not in a nasty way at all, just green. Been doing excersies with him to help him stop rushing/pulling etc. but would like to try a stronger bit short term to be able to trot/canter without him tanking.
What could I try?
He doesn't put his head down and pull, sometimes it can get a bit high but he sort of fixes his neck straight and rushes.

He is in a hanging cheek french link snaffle at the moment.

Thank you in advance!:)
 
Kimblewick? it has some poll pressure so may help to lower his head so he listens to you a bit more, or perhaps a loose ring waterford? I find the waterford doesn't give them anything to pull against.........
 
personally first port of call for me would be a dutch gag i think these really help and easy to adapt strength.
I can garuntee some people will say that bitting isnt the answer schooling is I know this is true in long term but sometimes for safety means you just have to change for a while. anyway i would try that maybe a waterford if your a quiet rider as they tend to work magic in the right hands... anyway good luck exercise i would advise: up long side then do a half 10m circle as you hit centre line ride straight reclining to the track at E/B really helps the horse develop indepentand carriage and they have to be paying attention... :) hope this helps x
 
Thank you, I'll have a look into those 3 bits.
Yep, I agree bitting isn't the answer, schooling is but like you said for safety reasons etc. I only want to use this bit short term, hopefully so he realises it is pointless pulling then I can get back to properly schooling.
 
Top