Bit suggestions....

[milz88]

Hi, I know this post has probably been done lots of times but I would like to know if anyone can suggest a bit for hunting my horse in.

He is an Irish Sport Horse, 16hh, he is very good at the meet, stands very still and one of the best behaved, also he is very good when we move off, but as the pace picks up he becomes very strong, and the biggest problem is getting him to wait for a fence, I like to make sure the person infront of me is over it before I follow on behind, as them stopping as you are following can cause very big problems, basically if I don't let him go he will snatch and lunge and then be off, its awful, the feeling of loosing control at that point.

I think it is because he is an eventer, he is used to going out the start box and going and not stopping til he gets to the finish, its the waiting I have difficulty with, so am I resigned to just not taking him because he isn't suitable? I love going to the meets with friends and we really enjoy it, the horse loves it and will jump anything, I just need better brakes/control, or don't jump anything from the start.

Any suggestions? He does dresage in a Myler comfort snaffle, and SJ's in a hackamore, no probs and goes XC in a 2 ring gag and grackle which he respects well and I have no control issues.

 

[Lollii]

Welcome to my world!!
Sorry not very helpful, I have the same problem am discussed with others on here who are in the same boat.

My horse sounds just like yours with the snatching down and hanging on the bit, he only does this when hunting so it's tricky to find something to work!

I have tried lots of bits (Dr Bristol, Gags, Ns Waterford & Ns Waterford Universal with curb strap etc.) and last time out a Kineton noseband, nothing has helped except when I changed my running martingale to a standing one, this stopped the snatching but he still lunged at the jump and hurdled it, but I did get him back a bit easier afterwards, someone suggested a market harbourgh - I am going to try that next and maybe a pelham.
Good luck, and if you find anything that works - please let me know!

 

[Kat]

You could try your hackamore, if that will make him wait when show jumping.......

Or you could try going and not jumping a few times, or only jumping when there is space. Not jumping everything might help him learn not to rush in every time.

 

[MrWoof]

Hi, I know this post has probably been done lots of times but I would like to know if anyone can suggest a bit for hunting my horse in.

He is an Irish Sport Horse, 16hh, he is very good at the meet, stands very still and one of the best behaved, also he is very good when we move off, but as the pace picks up he becomes very strong, and the biggest problem is getting him to wait for a fence, I like to make sure the person infront of me is over it before I follow on behind, as them stopping as you are following can cause very big problems, basically if I don't let him go he will snatch and lunge and then be off, its awful, the feeling of loosing control at that point.

I think it is because he is an eventer, he is used to going out the start box and going and not stopping til he gets to the finish, its the waiting I have difficulty with, so am I resigned to just not taking him because he isn't suitable? I love going to the meets with friends and we really enjoy it, the horse loves it and will jump anything, I just need better brakes/control, or don't jump anything from the start.

Any suggestions? He does dresage in a Myler comfort snaffle, and SJ's in a hackamore, no probs and goes XC in a 2 ring gag and grackle which he respects well and I have no control issues.

My late (great) father always said "if it won't stop in a Snaffle, then use a Double Bridle" - as did most of his generation. If not a Double, then a Pelham of some description. The double rein works a treat. Ride off the top and take a pull on the bottom one when the brakes become iffy. You could also try a Cheltenham Gag (not those Continental 3-ring things) - again with a double rein.

 

[kit279]

If he's happy to jump with a curb, then I'd use a pelham. Otherwise I'd use a Cheltenham gag, particularly if he's a head down kind of horse.

 

[milz88]

I have tried a cheltenham gag but as it was quite thin it cut/rubbed the corners of his mouth, he has a big fleshy mouth and tongue so I might try a pelham with 2 reins, thanks for the suggestions.

 

[MrWoof]

I have tried a cheltenham gag but as it was quite thin it cut/rubbed the corners of his mouth, he has a big fleshy mouth and tongue so I might try a pelham with 2 reins, thanks for the suggestions.

Then see if you can borrow a nice, thick mouthed CG. Ask around to see if anyone has one lurking in their tack room. Also, remember that there are various types of curb chain if he objects to one - S/Steel, Leather and Elastic. You can also get Rubber Guards for the SS ones, which take them down a notch. Good luck.