Bit question

[Bex7]

Please excuse my blatant lack of knowledge on this subject but I need some advise.

Bert is in a snaffle and is as strong as a bloody ox when hacking etc. He can jog all hte way home and welly off at a gallop when we should be cantering. No amount of checking pulling begging will slow him until he is ready, which isn't a major issue as he runs out of puff very very very quickly.

My question is I would like to put him in something a bit stronger as I would like to start XC this year and also have a tad more brakes out hacking. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am not an accomplished rider and do not have the quietest hands so am reluctant to go for anything too severe or anything requiring double reins

 

[CastleMouse]

I use a dutch gag on the middle ring for Castle, it isn't too mild on that ring, nor is it too severe, it gives me the right amount of control. Some people use it with only one ring, but you can also use it with roundings. You could also try a fulmer, if you have problems with steering, which won't be as severe as the dutch gag

 

[Bex7]

Thanks CM.

Would love to point out that your chap is a total dude! I love to see his hunting pics in the PG

 

[Hattikins]

What about a loose ring waterford?? then he wouldnt be able to get hold of the bit??

possibly a wilkie snaffle which has a little bit of poll pressure/ leverage?


maybe a pelham/3ring gag/cheltenham gag with two reins so ride on the snaffle rein and then have the gag rein if you need it?? i know that's a lot of knitting if you're going XC though!!

- or you could use roundings?

Its probably better just to experiment really

 

[fizz-tally]

tried a fair few bits on jay who is the master of buggering off with you when he feels like it,normally up the side of the pentland hills & off the side of them

the only thing i have been able to control him inn so far is the pelham,he is only like that when hacking though so goes back to the french link for schooling

 

[Bex7]

I am thinking pelham or waterford but for hacking in company or xc only and then back in the snaffle for everything else.....

I will give these a try as magic104 will kindly lend me them to try. I was concerned about using a stronger bit as am not quiet with my hands, that said I do not ride on the bit so just need to be extra careful.