Bitless, hacakamore, snaffle??

[Paddy&Me]

I've got a lovely new 17.2hh WM x TB who did point to point, has hacked, schooled and SJ in a bitless bridle. But I'm doing a 10 mile (with 10 optional jumps) on him and although he is not nasty in any way, obviously his instinct is to GO! He is new to me and his last owner said she would be perfectly happy with me bitting him for this, due to his past doing p2p etc (never raced, too slow) but I don't want to lose the nice connection we have without the bit, so far so good. However he is quick off the leg and once he sees that open field things could get a little bonkers. I mean he will love it,but he needs to know I'm in charge right? Would people recommend a hackamore, butterfly hackamore or even a light snaffle or do you think he will lose trust in me (i.e resent it and think why do I have this in my mouth????).He is a very kind horse but like I said loves p2p and is a little green in the school. Opinions?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I cannot imagine that he did P2P in a bitless bridle, so will take a bit in his stride.

 

[splashgirl45]

not a hackamore, you need very good hands and if he is not used to it he could panic. i would put him in a snaffle , but you could have the bitless on as well , so 2 sets of reins then you have the snaffle if he gets too strong. he wont hold it against you, he must have had a bit for p2p so stop worrying...

 

[PurBee]

When you go hacking are there any open fields you canter along, or anywhere like that for you to gauge how well he’ll listen to you when faced with open space and track?
If it’s a 10 mile trek youre doing, he may start off gunning for it but when once he understands its a lot longer than a short p2p, he’ll be more inclined to listen to you and pace himself?

I’d personally be abit wary of bitting him when he’s done so much bitless and has never been bitted. You dont say his age, so thats a factor.
I’d initially try finding open spaces to gauge your control of him, and also train better control if needed, in such spaces.
We set horses up to fail putting them in situations with a known reaction and thinking more restraint form of tack change is the answer to ingrained habits. But training is the answer, really. If you bit him and he guns it you’ll be forced to use the bit stronger, and as he’s not used to it in the first place, he’ll resent that new kind of pressure and react. That in itself will require schooling training for him to get used to mouth pressure instead of nose pressure.

Ground work with him will do you both good also for him to be listening to voice commands and comply while youre on the ground, helping that connection translate when youre on his back.

I’d consider an appropriate trainer/instructor sessions to help/advise with the specific issue as its only by seeing his reactions can an experienced instructor see what is truly needed.

 

[PurBee]

Ahh so point to point is bitted by regulations? I wasnt aware.... so he’s been bitted in the past....that helps! Splashgirl‘s suggestion is a good compromise!

 

[splashgirl45]

i just suggested what i would do, seems obvious to me to have both options so you could tie up the snaffle reins and just use your normal bitless , at least if he did get too strong you have a safety net....good luck and enjoy yourself..

 

[Paddy&Me]

not a hackamore, you need very good hands and if he is not used to it he could panic. i would put him in a snaffle , but you could have the bitless on as well , so 2 sets of reins then you have the snaffle if he gets too strong. he wont hold it against you, he must have had a bit for p2p so stop worrying...

I spoke with his last owner as I dont want to bit him in any situation other than absolutely necessary, he jumps beautifully in an arena bitless and I love that connection, I think the snaffle idea you guys suggested is good and as he has been ridden in a snaffle before hopefully wont hold it against me!! I have soft hands in fact have been told off for 'asking not telling' with my last horse with rein aids,and yes I do believe once he has got the idea Im asking for a more controlled canter than a flat out gallop with my seat etc I'm pretty sure it will be OK. Hackakmores get so many different opinions but can be tricky and harsh yes, so will go with the snaffle as a safety net as you said, thank you all

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

How about a rubber bit or a nathe?? xx