Bit for strong hunting pony

[Jellymoon]

Hi All,
My 8 yr old son would like to join me hunting this year - hurray! His 21 yr old gem of a pony was previously well-hunted by 3 small boys, so no probs there. Only issue is, she’s quite strong!

We have started the process by doing a couple of pleasure rides, and she’s bearing down on him and continually giving little tugs on the reins so she can catch up - she knows all the tricks! He’s fairly strong and very secure in the saddle, but the continual tugging is wearing him out. Sitting up and giving a good tug back does work but he can’t keep that up the whole time.

They have grass reins, and she’s in a Kimblewick (Uxeter kind on lowest setting) which is normally fine for general hacking and for pony club. Not enough breaks for hunting. Was thinking of a Balding gag or a Waterford Elevator maybe?

And before I get loads of posts about schooling and lessons, this is a very well schooled 12.2 21 yr old pony who went to the pc Dressage champs in a snaffle, and my son has lots of lessons!!!

 

[twiggy2]

Can you find out what bit she had when hinting previously? It's where I would start if I could and may save a lot of trial and error.

 

[Jellymoon]

She was in the Kimblewick she came in, and she was apparently pretty strong in it but the boys were very gung ho and didn’t care! My boy is younger and prefers some control!

 

[twiggy2]

She was in the Kimblewick she came in, and she was apparently pretty strong in it but the boys were very gung ho and didn’t care! My boy is younger and prefers some control!

Ah I would possibly try a pelham

 

[Brownmare]

Anything with a curb will bring the head down so if the pony is pulling down as an evasion you need a bit with a lifting action. A Cheltenham gag would be my choice for that (with rope cheeks not leather for a quicker release)

 

[Jellymoon]

Brownmare, would you go for Cheltenham rather than Balding? Was thinking Balding as loose ring, but maybe eggbutt would be more effective? And normal snaffle mouthpiece or Waterford?

 

[Brownmare]

Brownmare, would you go for Cheltenham rather than Balding? Was thinking Balding as loose ring, but maybe eggbutt would be more effective? And normal snaffle mouthpiece or Waterford?

For a child rider I would think the eggbutt would provide a bit more stability in the contact than the loose ring but either would work, you know the pony and rider best so go with your gut.
ETA: Didn't answer the second question! If the pony doesn't like a single jointed mouthpiece I would go with the Waterford but if he goes in a single jointed snaffle for dressage I would stick with that as he is familiar with it.

 

[NinjaPony]

I’d be a little bit careful with a Cheltenham gag as really they should be used with two reins, and with the rope cheek piece can slide quite a long way if used without releasing (can’t expect a smaller child to be too precise!), however it does sound like for safety he needs something stronger. What about an American gag, similar to a Cheltenham in action but can’t slide as far, or a Tom Thumb bit? Then if those don’t work, you can go to a Cheltenham gag?

 

[scruffyponies]

Why not just use the lower slot on your Kimblewick? That will give the same result with less rider effort, and you know the pony already goes well in it.

 

[Jellymoon]

It’s already on the lower slot!

 

[Jellymoon]

I like the idea of the American gag or Tom Thumb to try first, will do that on the next ride, thank you.

 

[neddy man]

Tom thumb worked a treat on daughters pony smooth side down was so good didn't need to use the keener side.

 

[Kat]

The little girl I used to take hunting had her 12hh pony in a pelham. He was a pony who knew his job and would stop when everyone else did. He would pull down if he wanted to go but not enough to unseat her.

Her next pony was stronger and less polite she went in a tom thumb as she would really put her head down and run.

If the pony goes in a kimblewick now and you just need a bit more I would try a pelham as it acts in the same way but a bit stronger. It doesn't sound as though there are serious control issues that require a completely new strategy.

You may find the pony is more settled hunting. Lots of hunters find pleasure rides a bit much because they are used to all going at the same time and all stopping at the same time. Mine constantly wants to catch up on a pleasure ride but out hunting is quite happy as she knows she stays behind the field master.

 

[Jellymoon]

Exactly so, she’s ok in the Kimblewick, not crazy out of control, just not as responsive as my son would prefer. I’ve got a Pelham actually, will try that next and go from there.

 

[maya2008]

My son’s Shetland hacks in a Tom Thumb as she has a tendency to p off home when she feels like it at flat out gallop. Works a treat.