Bit help needed..

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I normally hunt my horse in a quite slim french link.. he is quite strong but I've never really found anything else that works for him so we just manage with the snaffle.

His mouth has been sore on occasion after a long day but I don't normally hunt that often so it's always fine by the next time we go.

Anyway, went cubbing on Saturday, we were out 3/4 hours but didn't do much at all. His mouth is really sore on one side in particular and he seems a bit uncomfortable with it.

So not sure what to do now?? Can't afford anything expensive, he doesn't like anything with a curb..

What would you do?
 
I eventually tried a waterford in mine who gets very exited and strong and pulls like a tank during competitions, but has a very soft mouth, and you can get them for around £10 on ebay. It worked a treat.
 
Is it sore from the bit rubbing him? If so try putting a bit of vaseline on the side of his mouth to reduce friction with his skin.

My boy has such sensitive skin I have to put vaseline on all the time even when he isn't strong.
 
No it's properly on the inside not the outside. He's got a little raw patch on the bad side and it's pink on the other.. just from pressure I think.

I have hunted him in a 3 ring on the second rein and he didn't mind it although didn't improve brakes at all, it may be less harsh on his mouth?

Will slap some vasaline on though. :)
 
How does he pull? Does he yank, put his down down, or put his head up?

For ones that stick their head down and peg off, a hanging snaffle or a 3 ring gag would be good - at least then if he's strong you could change the strength of it on the day?

Or a cartwheel bit?
 
Are you using a loose ring snaffle? It could be pinching his lips. This happened to one of my boys so now I always use bit guards with any loose ring bit to prevent rubbing. I also think trying a waterford is a good idea, or maybe even a pelham with double reins.
 
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Plus if he didn't like a curb, you could always have a pelham without one, I think we used to use one like on a funny pony. :)
 
Stencilface said:
How does he pull? Does he yank, put his down down, or put his head up?

For ones that stick their head down and peg off, a hanging snaffle or a 3 ring gag would be good - at least then if he's strong you could change the strength of it on the day?

Or a cartwheel bit?
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Up a bit but not excessively so. This is where I don't understand bitting laws! So theory is that gag type bits are good if they put their head down, and Curbed bits if they put there head up? But when I tried a phelhem (sp?) his head was right up in my face! I don't understand!! :(

He's not really what I'd call I strong horse in a way, he's just really into his galloping and quite happy to go flat out and is difficult to keep within restrictions of field master etc.! Hard to explain! My mums horse is really strong but has a rock hard mouth.. sometimes those ones are easier!
 
SJ_Superstars said:
Are you using a loose ring snaffle? It could be pinching his lips. This happened to one of my boys so now I always use bit guards with any loose ring bit to prevent rubbing. I also think trying a waterford is a good idea, or maybe even a pelham with double reins.
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Yes loose ring but it's not rubbing, the sore part is on the inner edge of the corner of his mouth.

Think I tried a waterford but not sure on the outcome! Dr Bristol is a good idea.. that might work.
 
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