Biting issues

[Wiz]

I have a rising 7 yr old who I started intro with last year and he generally goes well. In some of his dressage last year he got totally OTT and we ended up cantering rather more of the test than required! At home his schooling was pretty good and he's come on even more over the winter. However the last few weeks he's becoming a real handful to school and it's reminding me at home of where we were eventing last year so I dread to think what's going to happen at an event

In my lesson last week we tried all sorts but he's ignoring my seat aids and then setting his neck so I can't bend him, trys to yank me forward then he accelerates within the pace. I was thinking about trying some different bits. He's in a KK ultra for flatwork but xc is in a myler combination and was wondering about trying a dressage legal myler?
Any thoughts much appreciated

 

[SpottedCat]

I would not worry about the bit if he is happy in the contact, but I would MAKE him halt every time he does this, then he gets to walk on again, and back into trot etc. Every time he tries to dictate the pace, back to halt.

Also, what are you feeding him? Could he be getting too much energy? I have just had a very argumentative period with my horse - swapped feeds and he is now a dope on a rope again!

 

[Hattikins]

I would certainly try a myler for dressage, Fiddler was a very strong ride in the dressage towards the end of a test he used to curl his head between his knees and p*ss off down the final centre line - in a myler he didnt because each side of the bit moves independently of the other side so when he tried to set on one rein i could just lift my hand and he lightened again

 

[Wiz]

I did wonder about feed but I haven't changed anything so doesn't quite fit with change in attitude. He gets alfa, basic mix and mug of outshine. Haylage overnight and turned out all day but very little grass left.

Funnily enough I did what you suggested schooling last night - but I'd put a stronger bit in! Everytime he went to go I stopped and then asked forwards again with a soft contact and eventually we did manage up and down transitions with mainly seat and light rein aid so definite improvement. I just think he's too smart and will quickly work out I can't do it as easily in a snaffle!

 

[Wiz]

Thanks Hattikins
That definitely sounds like us - cantering up the centre line to finish became a speciality

I could contain him while there were movements to perform but straight line and he just sets. It was that aspect of the myler that sounded good on paper but nice to know someone has found it worked

 

[SpottedCat]

Well it was the alfa which sent mine loopy! Personally I'd cut that out for a bit - you should see an improvement in a week if it is that.

I think (and people will hate me for this), that what you did is exactly right, I will do a week in a pelham if mine is being vile, however when you change back to the snaffle, you may have to be really firm (like pull his teeth out firm) for a couple of times until he realises it is simply not on. As long as you reward him as soon as he stops with a release, then he'll get the message pretty quickly. (From someone who used to have to run into a wall to stop as mine had no brakes at all when I got him!)