Bit advice

Elle33

Elle33

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16 January 2013
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Hello,

I have a 6 yo who I'm having trouble finding the right bit for, When schooling she leans really hard on the bit and sometimes locks her mouth and refuses to turn, mostly on the right rein. She's becoming stronger and sometimes throws her head in the air and runs off, She's in a waterford at present, at first she accepted it and schooling became better, but now she is resisting it.
I was considering moving to a Hanging Cheek?

Any advice please?
 
Sounds like a training issue more than anything. Do you have a riding instructor? Might be worth having some lessons and getting an outsiders view on the situation before changing the bit. Have you had the dentist out recently? Check there's no problems in the mouth as well.
 
I havent had a lesson for a while on her, maybe I'll look into it again as its driving me mad now, Her teeth were checked 6 months ago and all was ok.
 
I would suggest some thing with sweet copper to encourage salivation but naturally would also try the hanging cheek to place some action on that poll.

I have just ordered Neue Schule Hanging Cheek Waterford Snaffle after lots and lots of research and also advise!

Have you heard of the bit bank?

Does she wear a martingale?

Goes without saying lessons will help and assuming all good with back and teeth ;-)
 
I would definitely book yourself some lessons then! You may find that a good instructor may be able to help you with your problem and will save you buying all sorts of new bits. Just ask about butting as well as they may be able to recommend you something else :)
 
Yes, I actually got my Waterford from The Bit Bank. No I dont have a martingale on her, might be an option? I think I'll have a look at some lessons, now its instructor finding time:)
 
Yes excellent idea - it depends so much on the horse - with one of mine - you offer more pressure and he offers more resistance...

So went from pelham (always in double reins) to a loose ring french link.. I thought this was insane (my instructors advise) - however he softened so so much.

Its the same horse I am now trying in the waterford. I've also ordered the plain drop cheek as have a young jockey now who doesnt have the strength yet in her seat, arms or legs to control or ride him properly so for the sake of him and her am looking at the options and with a bit of hard work am hoping to be able to drop back down into some thing more gentle.

But for the time being there is no point him carting her around when he is capable of so much and for her to not enjoy her self.

I figure control and development of her seat should hopefully have them working in harmony and hope you have the same ;-)
 
Defo agree with control and development, my aim is to SJ and XC her and I dont want to be dragged round the course! Just need to get the schooling under control again and not feel like I have been weight lifting when I finish! Speaking of young jocky, the farmers granddaughter (she's 12) rode her a few weeks back, went into canter and my naughy girl completly took the bit and carted her round the school, and the poor girl came off in the end :eek: She's just turned into a bit of a monster, considering the girl used to ride her no problems and is more than enough a competent rider.
 
Ah... Thats kind of what happened with my jockey on Sunday. Great rider - won BD last week on her pony, Ive seen her jump - shes fab.

My horse made her look like it was day one in grade one. I sat on him. We are back doing elementary!!

GGGRR!!!

Whilst I hope we get some thing going nice for our schooling sessions - there is categorically no way she is going out hacking with out the pelham. He is so strong and its exhausting pulling back all the time when a tweak on the curb and half halt sorts you out!

I suppose thing to remember though if yours is only six is that the horse getting allot stronger and animals change so much as they get fitter and also the difference riding in the summer when they are out - to winter when riding out of the stable can be profound..

GOOD LUCK!
 
Maybe try a bitless bridle? My horse used to grab the bit so i had no control or just completely resist it. In the sidepull I have fab control and he's much more responsivr
 
Hello again!

Well I got a Myler, Low port comfort hanging cheek, level 2 - and so far so good she's been better...XC schooling tomorrow so lets see what happens :D
 
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