Bit help please.....

[vikkibeth]

I have had my 5 year old for about a month now, he was brought having had a very rough schooling but is a good learner. When I bought him I did so without the tack as it really didnt fit him poor lad. He was by the sounds of it always borrowing a bridle and was ridden in whatever bit that was on the bridle at the time, mostly a plain snaffle.
Before I bought him I rode him a number of times and each time was with the plain snaffle, he didn't feel strong or pull but he did carry his head high and had therefore gained a bit of an ewes neck.
When I go him home I had a fitted bridle and saddle for him and went straight for a french link snaffle, I am guessing this really isnt working for him as he has now become strong, started crabbing when he gets bored which I am finding hard to correct and he tried to nap off with me twice yesterday. I am worried that it is encouraging bad behaviour and want to nip it on the butt straight away.
I do understand that he has a lot to learn still and am happy to do as much careful ground work I can for as long as he needs but also want to make sure his naughtiness isnt because hes uncomfortable or hi bit isnt correct.

I will be totally honest I am useless when it comes to bits and my knowledge of them is poor so any suggestions with reasons for the bit and what they do would be very welcome.
I dont want anything harsh and just want him to enjoy a ride as much as I hope to, as he really is a sweetie ...

If you need any further information let me know

Thank you guys

 

[vikkibeth]

Also any ideas what else I can do to create a better relationship on the saddle as off is already great and I hope to have a forever home for him here, so he needs to be happy

 

[martlin]

What do you mean by crabbing?
When you say strong, does he lean and bear down on your hand, or throw his head up and run through the bit?

 

[fitzaud2]

Well to create a better riding relationship, take it slow, and damn damn the french link, as i only bought one today, as hoping it would be a good transition from breaking bit. If you go into my posts, you'll find a link to a post that was up earlier about biting, go to last page and theres a link to a 54 page article on bits. very interesting indeed, got me thinking, so hence the french link. It explains all bits there so you can pick one that you might think suits your horse, going on the description. hope that helps.