Bit suggestions for 5 year old who works in an outline

[meesha]

Hope everyone has had a good start to the season. I have been out twice with my "hunted in Ireland" 5 year old who I have had 6 months. He obviously has hunted before as stands like a rock and is great with other horses and hounds but is a little strong if doing fast work (and can get a bit bronky in canter for first hour!). Since getting him he has always been ridden in French link fulmer and works in a nice outline. He did have a tendency to overbend at first which he rarely does now but obviously I don't want to encourage him to tuck his nose in. I will be contacting bit bank but all suggestions welcome! I am thinking maybe loose ring waterford, need to get a move on deciding so I can hack him in it before next sat!

Thanks all

 

[spacefaer]

My suggestion would have been a Waterford - it's my go to mouthpiece of choice for so many!

You obviously need to keep his head up for the first hour (!) so a Waterford snaffle might well be enough, and you can always soften your hand if he's coming light. If you use a loose ring, I would suggest rubber bit guards - I find the rings can pinch/rub.

On a long day, I'll vaseline the inside of the rubber guards too.

 

[meesha]

My suggestion would have been a Waterford - it's my go to mouthpiece of choice for so many!

You obviously need to keep his head up for the first hour (!) so a Waterford snaffle might well be enough, and you can always soften your hand if he's coming light. If you use a loose ring, I would suggest rubber bit guards - I find the rings can pinch/rub.

On a long day, I'll vaseline the inside of the rubber guards too.

Thanks, will give loose ring waterford a go, hadn't thought about bit guards, have some nice gel ones so will stick them on. Spoke to bit bank and they recommend the same although did suggest full cheek waterford as young horse, they pointed towards their neue schule but I don't think I can stretch to that (gulp) !

 

[spacefaer]

My little hunter is built a little on his forehand and he loves to run with his head level with his withers. He has a loose ring Waterford snaffle with the rubber guards and is spot on - when he gets his head down, he likes to fly buck (or jumps invisible ditches, which is disconcerting!)

I have a Nelson waterford gag in the cupboard for in case he gets stronger (it's like a full cheek waterford, but has gag runners through the small rings - quite a good introductory gag lol!) and I need something else to lift his head

Have fun on Saturday and let us know how you get on!

 

[meesha]

Cheers, nervous each time but love it. Just bit different as had last horse I hunted for 9 years and have only had this 5 year old 6 months! Tbh think everyone is a little on edge at start of season and being out with a lot of other fresh horses is always interesting! After 3 hours out last sat could def feel it the next day!

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

I second a Waterford Loose Ring Snaffle. I use one on my mare for eventing, SJ, HTs, SJ & hacking. It keeps her nice and light, and off the forehand. I do however need extra brakes out hunting, and for me, and Waterford Dutch Gag is perfect, she's very well behaved in it.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[meesha]

I second a Waterford Loose Ring Snaffle. I use one on my mare for eventing, SJ, HTs, SJ & hacking. It keeps her nice and light, and off the forehand. I do however need extra brakes out hunting, and for me, and Waterford Dutch Gag is perfect, she's very well behaved in it.

Good luck, and have fun!

Thanks will go with loose ring waterford and at least we have somewhere to go if that doesn't work. Last horse was in grackle and Cheltenham gag or tom thumb and pulled like a steam train, I have half a bit bank in the tack room so lots to choose from. Hoping to not use too much on this one!

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Thanks will go with loose ring waterford and at least we have somewhere to go if that doesn't work. Last horse was in grackle and Cheltenham gag or tom thumb and pulled like a steam train, I have half a bit bank in the tack room so lots to choose from. Hoping to not use too much on this one!

I also have a grackle on her jumping/ fast work bridle, and also wear it out hunting.

Yes, hope you don't have to use too many on your youngster, but S. did begin hunting in a cavasson & loose ring snaffle and 4 seasons later is in a grackle & waterford dutch gag...........