Bits???

[WishfulThinker]

I am getting my horse back in Feb and just received an update email from his Loanee. She said that he is VERY VERY strong when out doing XC and out for a Gallop and so is currently on the bottom ring of a 3 ring gag and its still hard going.

He is schooled in a french link snaffle and goes fab in that for flatwork, but it is not enough control for jumping.

He is rather fit - he gets around an hour a day 6/7 days a week of work including a good few gallops a week. He's a ShirexIC and is rather muscly, and bolshy, bargy and opinioneated by nature. He also likes to just about turn ahd head for home VERY fast sometimes (it is very fast!!).

What bit - along with schooling - would it be good to try to increase his control? He currently has a flash on as well.

We have used in the past, a Waterford Baucher, Rugby Pelham and the bubble bit. He did seems ot prefer the Pelham, but just took it in his teeth and ran!!

I really wantto do XC but not keen on shuffling off this mortal coil just yet

 

[samp]

How about the combination bit from Myler? I have heard some good results from this?

 

[Salcey]

What about a waterford pelham?

 

[iwtownsley]

yeh i would say a waterford pelham too.
my old pony used to have that especially if he likes to turn around and galleop home...it is a v. good bit for steering.

 

[PapaFrita]

Has the gag got a curb strap? Makes a HUGE difference in effectiveness.

 

[Hattikins]

what about a cheltenham gag? an american gag? a tom thumb (with all the copper rings etc. in it??

 

[WishfulThinker]

There is no curb chain on the Gag. And I do rermember that the ONE time he shot off in the Rugby with my sis was when I couldnt find the curb - so that would prob make a difference.

I dont want to keep chucking harsher bits in his gob and then 5 years down the line have a big powerful numpty with no brakes. I must admit that bits are DEFINATELY not my strong point.

I let the loanee know your suggestions and she can give them a try as she is the brave(or slightly daft) one

I AM going to have lots of lessons..........just unfortunate that where we will be doesnt have an XC field

boo hoo, but I have persuaded my mate that she will enjoy it in my place hehe.

 

[helenandshadow]

What about a different nosband? A grackle maybe??

 

[k9h]

Had the same problem with my cob! We tried alot of things, he's fine at home just when catering or hunting I had no breaks or steering. He had the horrid 3 ring gag to start with no difference, then the bubble bit which was the best out the lot but still no control! Then we tried a dexter racing bit which is suppose to be good for stong pulling horses well he was worse in it. Finally I got a Waterford Nelson Gag like the cheltenham but it has cheeks to aid steering. Ride with 2 reins & woohoo we have a result! I mainly ride him on just the snaffle & can bick up the running rain when I need to remind him that I am in fact still on top! Think the waterford mouth piece is the best as it folds round his fat tongue so not intrusive & also he cant grab hold of it!

 

[WishfulThinker]

Ahh yes a Grakle. I did think of that, I think trying that before the bit might be an idea!