bits advice

[lowbardon]

can anyone offer any advice on which bit to try on my new horse,i started with a french link as that is what he was in when i tryed him but i felt i needed more breaks so i put him in a three ring gag,but he doesnt seem to like it,so not sure what to try,he is not very strong but in canter tends to put his head up and snake his head about if that makes sense,so i feel i need something to bring his head down and a bit more than a french link

 

[kerilli]

i'd get his teeth checked first, and his back, and his saddle... sorry, but it sounds like a symptom of something to me.
if they're all fine, i'd put him in a loose-ish martingale to help you to keep control, at least until you're more used to each other.
curb bits are usually used to bring the horse's head down, i'd probably try a kimblewick or pelham for jumping if the martingale hasn't helped enough. difficult to say what to suggest for flatwork, depends what he does really.
best of luck!

 

[JenHunt]

i would have to agree with Kerilli really, do the teeth back and saddle thing and then try the martingale with plenty of flatwork before you change the bit.

 

[lowbardon]

hi thanks teeth have just been done,the saddle that he came with didnt fit him,so he has a new saddle which fits,he wears a running martingale. started basic schooling with him as he hasnt done much just hacking in his last home(he just turned 7)at the moment just getting him fit,when he does it its not that bad really but i feel hes not listening to me and need some thing alittle stronger

 

[Grey_Arab]

My boy was like that for jumping and I found that having a hanging cheek snaffle really helped, his head was a lot more steady and he kept it down more. He is ridden in a running martingale as well. Best of luck

 

[lowbardon]

thanks someone else suggested that,will see if i can find one

 

[Flint12]

Im another fan of the hanging cheek. . .but i have a french link in mine. . .my boy goes very well in it. . .he can be strong at times but recently has really taken to the bit and is starting to work very well on the flat. . .

 

[FAB_FERN]

My friends horse did this when I started schooling him. He'd work great in trot but as soon as you asked for canter he would put his head straight up. I changed his bit from a french link to a Dr Bristol (similar but put more pressure on the tongue as the link is on an angle)
He went great in that and sorted the problem.