Bitting advice for a standardbred

[Emilyupthelane]

Hi, I'm new to this forum so bear with! I have recently inherited a beautiful skewbald 15'3 standardbred pacer. She is super calm on the ground, and has a lovely swinging relaxed walk. However, when asked to trot, she has a tendency to stick her nose down and get a bit strong. I don't want to pull on her mouth, but equally don't fancy doing 30 mph round a corner!! I only want her as a happy hack, as I'm now knocking 50 and my hunting days are behind me! So basically any advice on bitting (for braking) would be much appreciated, at the moment I just have her in a snaffle and cavesson noseband. Thanks x

 

[Widgeon]

For what it's worth, when we (accidentally - long story) bought an off the track trotter years ago, we eventually had him in a grackle and a waterford. I know that sounds like a lot of complicated gadgetry but he went well in it. He was also very strong and it took a while to teach him that he didn't need to go everywhere at a 30mph trot. He did learn but he was always strong, particularly when galloping or jumping in open spaces. That combination gave me brakes without seeming to upset him. I was a teenager at the time so I can't offer any thoughts on the appropriateness of this setup, I'm sure there will be others along with other / better / more reasoned ideas.

 

[Pippity]

I found a dutch gag worked brilliantly for my cob who used to do very similar. It means I have functioning brakes, and has also discouraged her from leaning on the bit.

 

[Emilyupthelane]

For what it's worth, when we (accidentally - long story) bought an off the track trotter years ago, we eventually had him in a grackle and a waterford. I know that sounds like a lot of complicated gadgetry but he went well in it. He was also very strong and it took a while to teach him that he didn't need to go everywhere at a 30mph trot. He did learn but he was always strong, particularly when galloping or jumping in open spaces. That combination gave me brakes without seeming to upset him. I was a teenager at the time so I can't offer any thoughts on the appropriateness of this setup, I'm sure there will be others along with other / better / more reasoned ideas.

Thanks, I was thinking grackle as she can open/cross her jaw when she puts her nose out, she's such a kind mare, I don't want to go too harsh too quick and give her a chance to realise it not either walk or flat out!! ?