Bit help?

[vikkiandmonica]

Well, this is the first time I have ever had to ask for bit help

Ever since Wings has been at a really good level of fitness, with muscles I am very proud of, he has started becoming stronger. On the flat, he can be strong when in canter, but I can manage him, and he is just in a french link snaffle.

Over fences though, he has gotten very silly. I used to have him in the middle ring of a dutch gag, but had to put him on the bottom ring (which I dislike), and I still struggle to keep control. I have tried walking him up to them, and doing a stride of trot before jumping them, which he's fine with, but when I take a longer trot up to the fences, he completely takes over. The only real time I have control is if there are very scary fillers that he is worried about.

I was thinking about getting a pelham to see if a different type of bit would be of more help, but other than that, I am at a bit of a dead end. I can't really afford to by loads of different bits to try, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and everything has been checked (teeth, back etc), and he only does it because he is big headed and thinks he knows best

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Izzwizz]

I was going to suggest a dutch gag as thats what I use on my mare when shes strong. I use it on the snaffle and bottom ring but use pelham roundings with one rein. Perhaps you might be best getting some advice from your local tack shop or Neue Scheule, (sp right?). They do a bit advice service and their tel no should be on their web site.

 

[Sparkles]

Maybe try a german hackamore or myler combo or similar?

 

[vikkiandmonica]

Thank you both for the suggestions. If you know anywhere where you can have a trial period on the bits/hackamores, could you let me know?