Bits again- for hunting

[Irishcobs]

Hoping to take Hattie hunting this year (newcomers). Neither of us have been before and I'm worried about brakes. She is riding in a Waterford snaffle (and she loves it), which I can canter, jump, hunter trial etc in with no problems, but I don't think I will be able to hold her in it when cantering with others.
She doesn't like ported bits so I can rule all of them out (she reacts badly almost dangously with them), she goes nicely in her show bit, straight bar rugby pelham but does lean on it, if doing anything but showing in it. She's not overly keen on jointed bits either as she has large bars and a large tongue, so tends to throw her head up and charge off. So I'm really running out of ideas.
I've tried a Dr bristol but didn't have much control, I've tried a cheltham gag, but it was old and the cheek pieces things didn't slide through the rings that well so it was like riding in a normal snaffle. I've tried a straight bar pelham but she leant on it.
I thought about a waterford gag as I no she likes the waterford mouth piece but I've not tried a dutch gag on her, as I'm sure she will just tuck her head in and charge on, so any one any ideas? My instructor and I are out of ideas.

 

[Bossanova]

Normally I hate dutch gags but the waterford one worked well on a horse I evented a bit last year so may be worth a try

 

[Irishcobs]

Thanks Boss I'll give one a try. That's if I can find a 6" one.

 

[chestnut cob]

Ask Druid, she's the one for bits.

Try a waterford gag. I used to hunt mine in one and I know a fair few horses who go well hunting in them. Failing that look into a Myler Combination or something like that.

She might surprise you you know. My horse is generally fine hunting as long as let him go and let him keep up. She should stop when the horses at the front stop. Take mine in a kimblewick but not sure that would be any use to you?

 

[SueAllen]

Agree with CC - mine stops when the others stop ....mostly! Most horses want to stay with the rest?? As long as you don't overtake the field master and have some semblance of control you will be ok. You may also be horrified at how little control some others out there have!! I have done 3 ring snaffle and Waterford gag and he hates both. Currently enjoying Dr Bristol for flat work. Tried the fancy German Nueue Schule (sp) tranz lozenge but not £60 worth of difference. Did a 20 mile ride round Newmarket today (lots of galloping horses so a bit like hunting!) in a cherry roller and found it worked well - not able to take bit and lean. Good luck. Go out and hunt in what you've got and see how it goes. Hope you enjoy it - I'm sure when you get out there you will both love it. Have fun!

 

[Thistle]

Waterford gag. Cotswold sports who sell on ebay stock 6" ones.

 

[the watcher]

YOu might be surprised, my two both work in a Myler comfort snaffle day to day. One had to be changed to a hanging cheek bit for a little more control out hunting, but the younger one went out for the first time yesterday with the blood hounds in her usual Myler bit and it was fine after the initial gallop off from the meet.

Sometimes I think it is the rider needing the stronger bit more than the horse

 

[kick_On]

I've tried a cheltham gag, but it was old and the cheek pieces things didn't slide through the rings
**************************************
then it wasn't a correctly working gag!!!.
IMO i would use a cheltham gag that does slide and ride with double reins. One on gag section and other on snaffle and ride on rein you want and have other rein dropped on neck with knot and loosely tied to breatplate, so reins don't slip over head etc....
The idea being that normally ride on snaffle and then when you need brakes pick up gag reins.
You could also try double rein idea with any other gags ie dutch gag - snaffle mouth bit or waterford dutch gag
This is very common in hunting field ridding with double reins and to stop diving on to hand a waterford dutch gag??? maybe????
Also put on running martigale or you could try standing martigale to stop head carriage issue. Put martingale on strongest bit setting.
In our area you can try bits from shop for a small fee and using over weekend??
I've always used cheltelham gag with double reins to hunt new horses in the begining and then take off gagets as we get know how it going.
The main thing i would worry about is going slow through gateways/farm yard or deep plough, as for speed across normally fields i wouldn't worry, as long as you don't pass master/huntman or even hounds

 

[Ferdinase514]

[ QUOTE ]
I've not tried a dutch gag on her, as I'm sure she will just tuck her head in and charge on,

[/ QUOTE ]

Dutch gags work to bring their heads up so should be ok.

If shes going ok in the Waterford you're using now, stick with it and if she is too strong perhaps change then?

Have fun, though XX

 

[Fiona]

Our grey mare is hunted in a waterford fulmer, and at the saddler's suggestion we have added the little fulmer keepers from the bridle cheekpiece to the bit. This makes it slightly stronger acting. I hunt the other little man in a straight bar pelham, and he goes fairly well in it, he is still strong, but I can stop.

Fiona