Bit help please.

[pipper]

i ride my sec D in a loose ring french link - he has always been ridden in this. I am now getting more confident out hacking and have after a very long time begun cantering him out. He is sometimes very strong to the point that i have to come back to walk as my arms go like jelly with having to hold him - if i 'give' at all he goes faster. And thats too fast for me! He has rather a soft mouth so i hate having to hang on to him so harshly. I wonder if putting a different bit in will make a difference although i am loath to. Is there a different way i can control the pace do you think - any tips?
I dont think any sort of gag will be suitable - he will just tuck his chin into his chest as i think maybe he would with a pelham. He doesnt open his mouth so a flash isnt the answer (have a real aversion to them anyway) what would you suggest?

 

[Eriskayowner]

What about a hanging cheek snaffle? That might give you a little bit more leverage and poll pressure without pulling his head on to his chest?
ETS - only just read the last bit. Had advised a change of noseband but just noticed that you said that he doesn't open his mouth!

 

[treacle_beastie]

a hanging cheek snaffle so you have just a little bit of poll pressure and extra brakes?

 

[monkeybum13]

for me the hanging cheek worked wonders

but be prepared for lots of people on here to tell you it doesn't work / it's crap etc

 

[pipper]

now - i had wondered about a hanging cheek snaffle - but thought the poll pressure would just cause him to tuck his head in as well - but judging from the replies maybe not! (can i just add as a final complication - he is a bucker!)
why do others not like them???

 

[Sol]

There is no poll pressure with the hanging cheek anyway so doubt it would cause him to tuck his head in... but it doesn't mean it wont work!

Might also want to try different mouthpeices... I find I have better brakes with a straight bar than a double jointed bit oddly enough!