Bitting for fast work

[Hormonal Filly]

My 5yo mare has always been in a Neue Schule loose ring snaffle since I backed her last year. She’s in a cavesson noseband.

We’ve been doing faster work like funrides, hacks with others. Now she’s a lot fitter, when I’m with others she’s extremely strong when we canter. To the point I have minimal control even if I’m in front of the rest (trying to) steady canter.

I’m aware schooling will help which we’re working on and have lessons booked, but want to keep enjoying riding in groups.

I’ve got a 2 ring gag (same mouth piece) I was going to give this a try making sure I ride very soft with my hands. I only want to use it for group rides and faster work, will keep her in the snaffle for riding on our own and schooling. Don’t want to ‘stop her enthusiasm’ but equally feeling out of control isn’t very enjoyable.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Perhaps have a look at a kineton noseband, these can help with slightly more control without exerting more pressure solely on the mouth.
or a hackamore type noseband, albeit I realise they have the same action as a gag, but they have become quite popular alongside bits in the showjumping community if Hickstead Derby and RIHS is anything to go by, so must be something in it.

 

[scats]

Kimblewicks are my go to for horses who get a bit keen doing fast stuff. I hacked Millie in one for the first few years and we still use it for farm rides if we are having a blast.

 

[LEC]

I like a universal. Depends on what they do with their head, I am also a flexible rubber Pelham fan like WFP.

 

[NinjaPony]

I had a very similar issue, and used the same snaffle on my boy as you did. I put him in a grackle and a two ring gag on the snaffle ring and that solved the problem. He went in the snaffle and cavesson in all other situations, it was only in groups that he got a bit silly.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Thanks all

I like a universal. Depends on what they do with their head, I am also a flexible rubber Pelham fan like WFP.

Rode in a universal this morning, massive improvement. Had control cantering across the field with very little contact she seemed to like it, did bury her head a couple of times but just have to ride her forward and be soft with my hands.

Going to try a hanging cheek snaffle with lozenge for flat to, think she would prefer something off her tongue.