bit dilema

[sarahhull]

My five year old IDx has been coming on leaps and bounds, when I first got him as a 4yr old he was in a loose ring snaffle, as he got fitter and stronger I needed a bit more so had him in a waterford gag, so I could use the different rings depending on what we were doing and so he didn't learn to lean. I've now started using a hanging cheek fench link as needed something dressage legal.
Our problem is that he manages to get his tongue over the bit. A flash or grackle doesn't seem to stop him. But what I've recently noticed is that he softens and goes quite nicely once his tongue is over it. So was thinking bitless but worried about brakes. And I don't really want to have to strap his tongue down. Any suggestions?

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I would try a different mouth piece. Really have a good look at his mouth conformation to see what would be best for him. Get his teeth done too, if they haven't been done recently (most good EDTs will be happy to advise re: bits).

 

[flyingfeet]

Sounds like he has a fat tongue - you need something shaped to stop him putting his tongue over

Try a neue schule verbindend or Sprenger dynamic bit.

 

[KatB]

Would second the neue schule verbindend, my horse was the same and is alot nicer in this bit than he was in his "standard" neueschule snaffle.