Bitting Advice

[sarahearle83]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can help?

I am wondering what bit to use on my horse, he is a 16.2hh shire x tb, so a mw hunter type. He is currently mainly ridden in a hanging cheek, jointed snaffle which isnt causing him any problems, but he can be quite strong.

He doesnt bolt or anything, he just needs a really decent aid to stop (more so than I would like to use). He does tend to lean on the bit and he hasnt a huge amount of room in his mouth, so tend to always go with a waterford or link bit.

I also sometimes ride in the following (but not often) - waterford loose ring snaffle and a rugby pelham (only used when showing - which isnt often).

I know all bits are severe in the wrong hands, but advice on this would be much appreciated. I have tried a continental gag (on the middle ring - snaffle setting), but he leaned even more on that and i felt he didnt turn/bend so well in it, we did only try it on two occasions though.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[monstermunch]

Generally horses that lean on the bit need some form of re schooling to solve the problem. I have a big 16.3hh warmblood who had the same issue. She is being re schooled and within a couple of sessions she is in a loose ring lozenge snaffle and stops out galloping very easily, which I couldn't do before.
I am not a fan of messing with bits until you have addressed the actual cause of the problem.
It sounds like you have tried some quite severe bits so I would definately look at getting some one to do some schooling sessions with him.

 

[sarahearle83]

Thank you for your reply. He is absolutely fine in the school when schooling, no leaning, stops really easy. Its just out hacking where he can be a little stronger, and its not a bolting or excitement thing.

He doesnt always bend so well when he is schooling, particularily through his right rein, but other than that is a dream in the school.