Bit suggestions for my pony?

[Moo1495]

Hi,
Not sure if this is in the right place but I've recently taken on a 14.2h nf x connemara who hasn't done much recently. Her old owner rode her hack only and was ridden in a dutch gag on the third ring, she was generally ok with this but still a bit strong to pull up on open fields and steering.
I personally thing this is way too harsh and would rather work on her schooling to get this sorted, however what bits would you recommend for now? I'd like something with reasonably good brakes to start with ( just for safety) and ideally something with a little leverage to help bring her head down.

 

[MrsNorris]

Could try a pelham with double reins and only use the curb when necessary?

 

[3CVA]

Very interested in peoples replies to this . I have the same problem . I've tried schooling my pony, absolute nightmare!, never known a pony like it, just locks his jaw and fights. He's ridden in a grackle with a dutch gag and I have no control what so ever in a field he hangs on your hands, even though I always bridge my reins I can still feel him yanking at me, and steering well ... :L. I've tried a pelham but didnt suit my little man!.

 

[Suzie G]

I would try maybe a hanging cheek snaffle.
We use this for schooling and hacking at home and a Dutch gag for jumping and stuff away from home. Cannot go any further than the middle ring as he just fights it if you put it on the bottom gag ring.

A friend of mine got a new pony and tried all sorts of bits and ended up with an eggbut snaffle with a happy mouth. All along it was the feel of it in his mouth

 

[Littlelegs]

For now I'd leave the gag on, but use it how it should be with two reins, one on the big snaffle ring & one on the bottom. So you can work on the schooling with the snaffle rein only but if you do have a problem out hacking you have the bottom rein for an emergency. I'd also try a different mouthpiece to break the association with the bit being the prize in a tug of war on open fields. Eg if its stainless steel try copper or sweet iron, & if it isn't already try a French link.