Bitting advice for strong Welsh D type youngster

tobiano1984

tobiano1984

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I just wanted to see if anyone has any recommendations for what bit I can try on my youngster. He's 4 years old, 15hh, coloured Heinz 57. His 'type' is most similar to a Welsh Section D in conformation and attitude! He rides like something between a D and a Spanish horse.

He started in a Neue Schule full cheek snaffle with a lozenge joint, however this was a real baby bit with tiny rings, and is very gentle, so he needs to graduate. I'd like to keep him in a snaffle most of the time, but there are so many types I'm not sure what's best.

He works beautifully in the school but is gradually getting stronger as his training progresses, and I'd like a bit that helps soften his mouth - although I know a large proportion of that is also down to riding! Out hacking, he can get pretty strong (although not uncontrollable) and is quite good at locking one rein so he's un-steerable. He's got a very solid, upright neck and if he sets it there's not much I can do about it! Saying that, he's not dangerous in anyway, I'm not worried about him bolting or anything like that - would just like to find a bit that suits him and helps keep him soft and responsive.

I'm also intending to take him hunting soon, so would like advice on best bits for that as well - I'm currently thinking a thin pelham, but would welcome advice!

Sorry for the long rambling post..!
 
Hello, I'm not an expert in biting however, there is a free monthly question and answer section on biting on the HorseChaser website. If you wanted to ask Emma (the specialist) you can just e-mail the question through and it will go up on the next edition. Hope this helps!

www.HorseChaser.co.uk
 
Ive always found a ported kimblewick works well - used it one several horses now! On my strong Sec D mare I only use a leather curb and IVe only used this out hacking when she feeling very fit. The rest of the time she is in a frenchlink snaffle.
 
Hi, I would recommend the 3 ring Neue Schule lozenge gag. I had this on my old sec d mare once she turned into the “I know it all 4/5 yo stage!” and would set the lovely sec d neck against me! The Pelham I found they can lean on and set against you quiet easily on and this bit has some movement and is still soft when needed to be. I would still stick to the snaffle that you have on now for schooling though. :)

http://www.horsebitbank.com/tranz-16mm-diameter-universal-cheeks-86.phtml
 
Is he in a Martingale at the moment? does he raise his head when he resists? (other wise there is no point) If he does that might help. Sometimes stronger bits just lead to stronger necks, obviously you know you horse best but I have had some good results with the stronger ponies that tend to lead with the neck and shoulder by using a large ringed loose ring double jointed bit. The lack of solidity to the bit seems to discourage them from 'setting' against the bit and running through it.
 
I like a vulcanite pelham with 2 reins for strong youngsters. Nice soft mouth piece, ride off the snaffle rein, and a bit extra when you need it via the curb rein.
 
I never advise anyone to put a youngster in a gag, so please don't. Use a correct fitting snaffle, with a drop noseband. Next step is a martingale to help control his head. Avoid situations were he can "miss behave" use your voice to offer reasurance or advise when he is going wrong along with your legs. If he has sec D in him he will be very good at remembering good and bad things so avoid whips and spurs.

If he locks one rein use the opposite rein and legs and turn him into himself, but a martingale should help solve this issue providing you have adjusted it to fit.

Let me know how you get on!
 
Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to stick to a snaffle of some sort in the school, he just needs to soften up and learn not to lock one rein - that should come with work though.

For hacking/jumping I will try a martingale - he doesn't lift his head much but I think it'd help to keep him straight. Will see how this goes as really don't want to put him in a strong bit, as he's only little!
 
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