Bit, grackle or flash???

[jsr]

During the last few weeks it's come to a head with my cob!! He was drag hunted last winter and unfortunately it's slightly fried his brain and we are experiencing some issues in various things!! He's okay hacking, schooling and so far jumping (only practices..haven't tried a show yet!!) but having tried XC practice, a farm ride and now a very distressing 'fun' ride I'm seriously having to rethink his tack and my handling. He basically goes into bounce mode, he's always been quiet a forward cob but he's always been very trustworthy on fun rides etc, never minds horses gallopping past or ahead of him but now he's head to his chest and it's like trying to hold a rhino on speed!!! He gets aways from me sometimes and will try to get to whatever horse ahead he seems to want to be with, but most of the time it's just relentless jogging and leaning full force. The fun ride I was phyisically worn down within the first few miles, and had to give up because I just couldn't hold him. I tried everything from letting the reins drop (he bogged off at flat out gallop nearly unseating me and scaring the poor girl in front!), I tried jabbing his mouth (I know but I was at the end of my tether), I got off and led (he ran off twice!), my friend got on (he bounced her), I gallopped him round the fields and he'd go but then spin to nap back to his mates, I buried him behind other horses, I let him lead ...literally everythign I could think of but he still was mad!!

So the suggestions in the pot are : waterford (not keen he's a very thick mouthed boy so I'm not sure it would suit him), market harbough..not sure that would work because he puts his neck against me anyway, flash or grackle..neither of which I fancy because I hate shutting their mouths but I've been assured in his case it might be the key?

Any other suggestions? He's currently ridden in a Neue Schule universal lozange, on the bottom ring for 'exciting' work.

I'm wanting to do a working hunter class with him in 2 weeks but really not willing to make a prat of myself at a show with the lack of brakes or control. I'm so frustrated because he's starting to scare me and puts me off wanting to go anywhere with him and that's just stupid, he's always been such an easy boy to go places with and I'm so upset by it all.

Oh and I've been slowing down the hacking now, not cantered in company but to be honest he doesn't get fizzy hacking anyway! Went to the forest with a friend on friday, and met up with a new horse to try to test if that would send him bouncing but he was a dream!!! So it's literally fun rides, hunting (which I really really want to do again next season!) and XC practice..because he can't cope with the hanging around!!

Sorry long post!!

 

[ThePony]

If the bit isn't right then the flash or grakle just hide the prob. Sounds like his leaning and putting his head on his chest is the biggest prob? The universal has a head lowering action as it will give some poll pressure, so I would try something without poll pressure first - even just a loose ring with a give and take movement to get him back to you rather than you both leaning on each other! Failing that then I would consider a bit without poll pressure, perhaps something like a cheltenham gag gently used with a french link mouthpiece? How about calling NS, their advice line really is fantastic and they really work through getting to know all about your horse and then suggest things that might be suitable.
Hope things improve, head on chest is one of my mares evasions too and it isn't fun at all!

 

[NicoleS_007]

Id get back, teeth etc checked. If he opens his mouth then id try a flash, but if he doesnt open his mouth then id change bit.

 

[jsr]

He's up to date with all checks, his back is done every 6 months and he's always fine..phyisically he's in amazing health, too fit as well which isn't helping!! I'm in the process of moving him off Calm & Condition as I've heard that might not be the best feed for him, going to try Pure Feeds Working because he can't have molassas but needs a good feed to keep weight on.

Will ring NS thanks, didn't think to try them I love the bit and the mouth piece is great for his mouth shape and size but he does put the head to the chest and uses it all against my hands.

 

[ThePony]

NS really are ace, super helpful. My mare mare sounds pretty similar to your chap, and it is a right bugger, though the NS mouth shapes really suit her and help enormously!!!

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

Kineton!!!
(lol my answer to almost everything lately )

love them!!!

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

And it doesn't sound like he's sore, it sounds like he's fit!!!

I use a Kineton and snaffle on my tb when he's doing tank impressions- really works. Means you can stay light on ther mouths too

 

[jsr]

Kineton!!!
(lol my answer to almost everything lately )

love them!!!

Oh thank you I've just read up on that and it looks interesting. Lol you are right he's certainly not sore!! Did some SJ practice Sunday night and he landed a jump abit oddly, I stopped as I was concerned, trotted him up and he was fine...the next day it was me who was walking crippled cos my back had gone and he was absolutely fine!! Treated me to a lovely schooling session in the fields and didn't once nap or bog off!! It's me that's suffering from aches and pains not him!!

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

Haha oh dear!! Yeah- the Kineton is traditional, and definately not fashionable, but it means I never have to upgrade my bits

I still say it's self inflicted tho

How did your camp go by the way?
A

 

[jsr]

Haha oh dear!! Yeah- the Kineton is traditional, and definately not fashionable, but it means I never have to upgrade my bits

I still say it's self inflicted tho

How did your camp go by the way?
A

Fabulous thanks! SJing instructor was outstanding, totally got me and handled my complaining and excuses perfectly (as in shut the f up and get over it the horse is great you are being stupid!)

XC wasn't fun cos he kept bogging off and bouncing..so mate got on (brave mate..or actually one that didn't know what the cob could do...)

Oh yes and this one!!!!

Love him really and yes you are correct it's all my fault but I do love the energy he's got while hacking and jumping so shouldn't really complain!! lol!

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

Aw he looks lovely glad u had fun- was thinking about that the other day