Bitting Advice!

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HappyHunting

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I have had my 14.1 Cob for 7 years now and have always had the same problem....bolting. After 7 years of laughing it off, falling off and tring my best to 'school' him into being better he still does it. Currently in a waterford hanging cheek and most of the time being a typical lazy but spooky chap easy to stop on roadwork or schooling. Once on grass or with a group he pulls his head to the ground and I have no chance...

After galloping past the field master the other day I am admitting I need help, totally understanding a bit is not a quick fix. I have had suggested- crank noseband, curb chain with the hanging cheek (not seen this before), tom thumb and martingale. Suggestions and opinions please!
 
Am sure lots of people on here will have lots of suggestions but I personally don't think any bit will stop a horse that really wants to bolt. I tend to think that horses lean into pressure and the stronger the bit the more they lean. I would recommend trying to get him to understand how to stop from the softest touch - if you can incorporate this into just hacking about on the road intially. Once they seem to get the concept that you reward even the slightest try by removing the pressure it seems to help. Good luck, its horrid.
 
Agree with the above, I ride my boy in a snaffle all the time, hacking, jumping, going for a gallop etc...no problem at all. I take him hunting in a pelham with two reins and a tight crub chain and i have no chance he is off like a rocket.
 
Sorry it's one of my pet hates but your lad isn't 'bolting' he's running off with you. A true bolt isn't something you laugh off and it's certainly not something you want to experience more than once. ;)

Anyway my lad is a runner, he loves to gallop and as I'm a speed freak too I've added to his excitement by usually allowing him to run as soon as we touch grass (or beach in his case). I've had him 7 years also and we do still have moments when I can't stop him. I found the most effect bit was a Myler Triple barrel bit, http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Mullen_Triple_Barrel_Eggbutt_with_Hooks_30_31_waterford_myler-(583).aspx I used this for around 6 months when his behaviour was really getting beyond a joke and found it extreamly effective for telling him 'no we go when I ask not now!'. It's a lovely soft bit until you apply the brakes and it really made him listen. I don't agree with using it all the time so once I had managed to make him realise rushing off when not asked for wasn't done I've moved him to a Neue Schule Tranz Angled Universal http://www.rbequestrian.co.uk/241330/products/Neue_Schule_Tranz_Angled_Universal.aspx?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=PriceComp&utm_term=Froogle&utm_content=None&utm_campaign=PriceComp1 which I use on the snaffle for 'normal' and on the ring when hunting or doing exciting things. He's 100 times more respectful now and does listen...I'd be laying if we didn't go bounce bounce whhheeee sometimes but that's part of the joy of a good cob isn't it?? ;)
 
Right O, sorry I thought bolting was when you couldnt stop, my lad bolts until he reaches a gate/dead end often almost chucking me over it... anyway-

Could I have some opinions on- tom thumb, hanging cheek with a curb (never seen this before but was advised it) and a jointed pelham (would be riding with two reins) and their actions and strength.
Thanks:)
 
tom thumb, i have the sweet iron with copper rollers, excellent :D but i swap between this and dutch gag when doing fast work/xc/jumping etc.

i have a french link rugby pelham ride in it with 2 reins, shes very light in the mouth in it, tonnes of breaks, i only show in it and school sometimes, couldnt be faffing on with two sets of reins xc etc.
 
Totally agree with jsr regarding the NS Universal, having "5 bits in 1" you have you will have the option of changing the action of 1 bit. I've got a arab that used to enjoy putting his head down and running off, changed him to a full cheek waterford for a while, which really suited him, so I know what it feels like!! A waterford is a good idea, but with the hanging cheek (baucher), it will be putting extra pressure on his poll, so encouraging him to have a lower head carriage. I would definately give the Universal a go. One other thing, have you had his teeth checked recently?? Good luck.
 
Thanks guys im really liking the sound of this NS Universal as it looks a little less severe than the tom thumb? although I do still really like the sound of the tom thumb with the lozenge mouth piece. Yes teeth all up to date but good comment cant believe some people leave them!

Also would a martingale help at all? need to get a breatplate due to slight saddle slippage! and thinking of getting a hunting breastplate with martingale attachment

Thanks!
 
Ah man now im not sure! Just seen the price of NS bits....

3 ring waterford continental, NS Universal or Tom Thumb?

I really need something to get him UP and this is what I have wittled it down to!
 
Lol!! Yes they are certainly not cheap but you can hire them to try first. The way I thought of it was if it worked then it would be the only bit I'd ever have to buy for him so spreading out the cost of 20 years it was a bargain!! ;)
 
HappyHunting said:
Ah man now im not sure! Just seen the price of NS bits....

3 ring waterford continental, NS Universal or Tom Thumb?

I really need something to get him UP and this is what I have wittled it down to!
Click to expand...

I really rate the tom thumb (actually just posted too on another bitting thread). I'm not sure it will get him 'up' though, my understanding was that the leverage action on the poll helps to encourage lower head carriage?

Personally I'd still give it a go. We've had a couple of ours in TTs, most recently our ex-racer who you just could not stop when out in company (hunting was disastrous!). Brakes are much improved in the TT and he's lovely and soft in it.

Not sure a martingale would help either tbh, if his head is on the ground, they really only come into play if the horse's head is up round your ears.

Plus TT's won't break the bank :)
 
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