Bit for hacking?

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Mlini

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My horse is ridden in a Sprenger full cheek snaffle normally, which is fine for schooling and jumping but I need something stronger for hacking. He has always been strong out hacking but I have only walked before and little bits of trot (on the road), so have managed to keep him under control the majority of the time. I tried cantering him in a big enclosed field that we have at the yard, just as an experiment. :o Anyway it didn't go too well and ended up with me on the floor, after a mad dash across the field and a sharp left before we hit the hedge! :rolleyes: So I am wanting something stronger to try him in, then hopefully with a little more control, we can try faster work out hacking and maybe attempt the lovely XC course that YM has just put up for us. He wears a market harborough too, this helps a little.

I went for a look round the local tack shop but didn't really know where to start as there is so much choice! I didn't really know which were the strongest and which were the weakest... What sort of bits would be the next step up from a snaffle?
 
Yeah he puts his head up (typical exracer giraffe impression!) He's not strong to school or jump, just when he's out hacking. The MH doe's help as he realises he's pulling against himself, so doesn't do it as much.

In the field I asked for trot and got gallop! I have ridden racers before so do know what I'm doing - not just a numpty that can't control her horse :o He was really strong, I couldn't turn him or pull him up. It felt like he'd forgotton I was up there! :rolleyes: I just don't want this to happen out hacking, me have no brakes and we part company :(
 
As fas as i know a MH should only be used with a snaffle (correct me if i'm wrong!) so perhaps you need to ditch that if your changing his bit.
Something like a 3 ring gag or pelham may help. But always with 2 reins.
I'd use a straight mouthpiece instead of a snaffle with both of the above as snaffles are head-raisers - not what you need!
If you still need a martingale try a standing.

ETA: I presume all checks have been done?
 
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