Bitting advice- Pony hates strong bits but very strong

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OliveBuffy1129

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Hi

I am in need of some serious bitting advice, I have a 14hh mare whos quite strong especially XC. Originally she was in just a full cheek french link snaffle but I found I couldn't hold her in it, we then tried a gag which she really disliked and would stop in it. I then was recommended to try her in a waterford and shes was much better but then has again started throwing her head about, stopping and really fighting it. I think now I have the hang of her I could have her in a wilkie or snaffle for SJ, not for XC though. I was just wondering what bit people would recommend or perhaps trying her in a micklem as well as a new bit? 99% sure its her bit/bridle as she has been checked head to hoof and is in perfect health with saddle checked regularly..
 
Are you trying jointed or peanut bits? A lot of horses will not accept the jointed bit.
 
You need to get her listening to your seat and off your hands when schooling as this really does help when they lose their head xc. Would also be worth looking at themouth pepiece rather than cheeks. My pony hates a single joint for example and goes much better in a bit with a lozenge. Also the metal type or try using bit wrap round the bars. So many things. What does she do when she's strong? Is she leaning? On the forehand? Head up?
 
Ella19 said:
You need to get her listening to your seat and off your hands when schooling as this really does help when they lose their head xc. Would also be worth looking at themouth pepiece rather than cheeks. My pony hates a single joint for example and goes much better in a bit with a lozenge. Also the metal type or try using bit wrap round the bars. So many things. What does she do when she's strong? Is she leaning? On the forehand? Head up?
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She locks onto jumps being a typical eventer but then I have to hold her to a certain extent else she'd be to fast even using my seat. She tends to throw her head about so I try to push her on but just leaps around resisting the bit and not going forwards with contact, had her teeth all checked and there fine.
 
Agree ella19, also the jointed bit is very harsh so she will fight it, check back etc as well to be sure. Prssure release pressure release, and i feel the jumping about before the jump is being she is excited but also you are holding her too tight so you need to reschool her to listen to,your seat and makes your hands soft, soft hands not long reins.
 
STRIKER said:
Agree ella19, also the jointed bit is very harsh so she will fight it, check back etc as well to be sure. Prssure release pressure release, and i feel the jumping about before the jump is being she is excited but also you are holding her too tight so you need to reschool her to listen to,your seat and makes your hands soft, soft hands not long reins.
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Thank you for your reply. I have had her back, teeth and saddle checked, they are all fine. I don't feel like I'm holding her to tight, we do tend to do lots of flatwork and long and low work etc to improve her working soft with long reins.
 
If she is happy in the french link for dressage and flatwork then you really need to keep to that if you can but with a little more for when it is required, it is all very well trying to reschool but for strong established horses they may just need a stronger bit to allow the rider to stay in control and be safe.
This pony sounds as if she knows her job and is rather keen to get on with the jumping, you need to learn techniques to help with your control but will probably need more than a simple french link to help while you do, I used a french link wilkie on an experienced horse xc, he was very happy in it as it was the same mouthpiece as his normal bit but just gave the rider the ability to take a check when required without resorting to pulling, his head did not come up he just came back sensibly with a half halt, in his normal loose ring he ran on just slightly too fast for safety or he would have required constant checking to stop him getting into his preferred xc mode, this was the best for both horse and rider. A wilkie is similar to a dutch gag but without so much poll pressure or leverage which many are not happy with, they are not expensive to buy and well worth considering.
 
french link is quite sore if they are being held more than normal, i would try soemthing with a little more poll on it like a hanging cheek lozenge or a lozenge gag
 
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