Biting Advice

[claireross]

A bit of history first, I broke my hand in the summer but prior to that my horse was getting quite strong, he would never take off and I can always stop, but he just seemed to ignore me and I would have to give him quite a pull to even get his attention. He is ridden in french link, but I did try a waterford but didn't see much of a change.

Since then I assumed my hand was more the problem than the horse and riding just seemed to make my hand ache. He has just had 3mths off work due to chipping a bone in his leg and I have been hacking for the last month in walk only. I have just started trot work, but now have a very impatient and strong horse to contend with.

Can anyone suggest some alternative bits I could try. He can be very light in the hand once he starts listening, but off late just seems to ignore me. I hate pulling horses in the mouth and feel that maybe a stronger bit would be more suitable.

 

[zelli]

You could try simply adding another pressure point, such as a hanging cheek, which may encourage him to back off. Or you could try something like a dutch gag or pelham, which could be ridden with two sets of reins, allowing you to only use the bottom rein when required, which means that when hes light, you wont be using pressure that isnt required.

 

[Shannagolden]

This happend to me many years ago. I broke my hand very badly and my horse was very strong. When I returned to riding her I put a strong bit in her mouth and returned to competition. Major backfire! Bit was far too strong and my mare backpeddled and crash landed in the first jump, depositing me nicley in between all the scattering poles! Went back to normal bit after that and worked on strengthening bad arm. It took 2 yrs for arm to regain full use.