bit and nose band advice please!

[stargirl88]

I bought a horse about 3 weeks ago who has always been ridden in a 3 ring snaffle (second ring). Although when I was rummaging through the old owners stuff I saw a pelham (cant see how that was needed!) and a loose ring snaffle.

She used to tank ALOT. dart forward with the slightest leg aid and was totally unbalanced with her nose pointing in the air pulling my arms out my sockets!

She's alot more balanced now, but has days where she either totally ignores my leg aids (mind, I think I've got weak legs!) She's better when in the school however I can only use it once a week - in the field at my yard when I ride her in it she's so strong, goes into an "outline" but you cant control her speed very well and she wont soften and bend properly on each rein. Also, in the field, she sticks her tongue out alot.

So was thinking of putting her in a loose ring snaffle and a flash to try her but I saw in another post a flash is frowned upon.....?!?!
She does need ALOT more schooling, but she has days where she's absolutely wonderful and really listening (when we use the school!) .

like I said my plan was to pop her in a snaffle and start from the basics again, use a flash when in the field and remove it in the school? (school = our weekly lesson)
thoughts?!?!??!!?

Sorry about the waffling!!! I thought I had a plan but after reading advice on other peoples posts I'm a bit baffled and just not sure what to do

 

[monkeybum13]

If you think a flash will work then there is no harm in trying it. Afterall if it doesn't work you can just take it off
There's far worse things than a flash!

 

[kerilli]

tbh i'd try to borrow a few different snaffles from friends etc to see what she goes in best. personally i like a full cheek sprenger with central lozenge with a drop or cavesson, or a hippus loose ring, with either noseband, depending on the horse.

 

[sugarpuff]

I'm a big fan of drop nosebands, rather than flashes. Although you have to be careful they are fitted correctly. You may not be able to get the correct size off the shelf, best to see if any one has one you can try before you buy. My youngster used to lean and mess with his head loads, but in a drop with just a French link he is so much better.

 

[kirstyl]

Don't feel bad for using a flash noseband. As long as it is fitted correctly! You may not have to use the flashband forever once she accepts the bit and contact
Have you had her teeth checked? Would definitely advise you to do so it you haven't. Then you can eliminate any evasion issues due to pain or discomfort.