bit problems

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iloveCharlie5

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There are probably a million threads like this out there but here goes! Have had my gelding for 7 months, he is 7 but very very green, when i got him he was spooky, nervous and very tense all the time! I have had him almost 7 months now and he trusts me completely now, he is the happiest person on the yard and even though still nervous, listens to me and is nowhere near how he used to be. However, when he first came to me, any sort of pressure on his mouth made him throw his head up as high as possible. We had his teeth checked and filed within the first week, his back checked, feet done, and he was all sorted. He has the dentist and farrier very regularly and no problems with his back, and while he carries his head a little lower due to being calmer, he still cannot take a contact on his mouth. He's been in a loose ring snaffle, hanging cheek, eggbutt, and full cheek and is the exact same in every one. However, i can happily and easily ride him in a headcollar and have taken to doing so-today we were jumping a metre in his headcollar easily. I'm trying to decide what the next step is as i want to be able to do some dressage and go out jumping but obviously can't school properly or compete in a headcollar! Do i go for a dr. Cooks sort of bridle or a hackamore? Limited funds so don't want to buy unnecessarily. Thank you:)
 
Peewee bit. I know people bang on about not using gadgets but they've clearly never had a horse who's been tongue twitched and goes mental when I take a contact! If a pee wee bit helped him, I'm sure it will help you too.
 
If you want to compete, especially in dressage, then you will have to be able to ride your horse in a snaffle bit of suitable "legality" for the discipline. The bits you list are pretty much identical in action, and I would surmise that it is not the bit which is the problem, but how it is being used and responded to. Riding in a headcollar is all fine and well, but it's not going to help train your horse to do the things you want to be able to do. I would suggest some lessons from a decent trainer, or perhaps even some schooling for your horse from a professional.
 
I trained a horse in a peewee and he now competes at novice level dressage in a Mullen mouth snaffle.
It's a TRAINING DEVICE to help then accept the bit. They will eventually be a lot happier with any bit in their mouth.
 
When you changed out the bits did you keep the same mouthpiece? Could it be the mouthpiece he doesn't like? For example if he's in a single jointed bit now have you tried him in a French link? Just a thought :)
 
he's been in single jointed mouthpieces and french link's, and is the same in both. My instructor is ace and she has ridden him in all the bits that i've tried him in; she is as baffled as i am, my yard manager has also ridden him and she has no suggestions either. I have regular lessons from my trainer and have done for over 6 months now. Thank you for all suggestions:)
 
Harri Green said:
I trained a horse in a peewee and he now competes at novice level dressage in a Mullen mouth snaffle.
It's a TRAINING DEVICE to help then accept the bit. They will eventually be a lot happier with any bit in their mouth.
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I am thinking of getting a pee wee bit but am worried about the thin mouthpiece in case it it too harsh. Your advice would be appreciate. Thanks
 
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