Bitting Help For The Coblet

[Jay89]

Hello

Up til this season I have always hunted my little coblet in a 3 ring gag and have never had any problems. However this season has seen him probably the fittest and most full of himself in the 8 years I have owned him!!

After a few hacks out where I found myself with limited/non - existant brakes I decided to try him in a cheltenham gag, as he tends to tuck his head between his knees and tank.

The first time I took him out hunting in it he was fab, really great. The second time was the worst days hunting I have ever had on him with no brakes and no steering.

So my question is what to try next? I am thinking maybe a waterford, as they cant lean on them and encourage them to use their back ends rather than leaning on the forehand. Or a peleham, but then if he already brings his head down, I wonder if a peleham would just encourage this. Your thoughts and opnions please?

 

[JenHunt]

if he leans then a pelham will only encourage him IMO!

a waterford may be worth a try as he'll find it difficult to set himself against it, other wise I'd be tempted to try a double bridle if you can cope with 2 reins. the bradoon will let you be nice when he is, and the curb will lift his head and give you brakes and steering.

 

[TwoPair]

if he leans then a pelham will only encourage him IMO!

a waterford may be worth a try as he'll find it difficult to set himself against it, other wise I'd be tempted to try a double bridle if you can cope with 2 reins. the bradoon will let you be nice when he is, and the curb will lift his head and give you brakes and steering.

Exactly what I was going to write - it's refreshing to have someone else as so pro-active about the double as me! (Dying breed I fear, but I do *hate* seeing them incorrectly fitted!)

 

[Jay89]

Thanks, think I shall give the waterford a go first as not sure if I will manage two reins out hunting, I have midget hands!!

 

[Bernster]

Assuming he's the one in the photo, he would look sooooo nice in a double. But perhaps for showing not hunting if midget hands cause an issue

Have just started using a double/pelham for flatwork and horse is going beatifully in it, although I don't need it for brakes fortunately!

Does a pelham with a rounding (so you use one rein) work or does that defeat the purpose of being able to employ snaffle/curb independantly?

TP - am also slightly afeared that I have not attached it all correctly. Will check with my instructor this weekend!!

 

[JenHunt]

Exactly what I was going to write - it's refreshing to have someone else as so pro-active about the double as me! (Dying breed I fear, but I do *hate* seeing them incorrectly fitted!)

A double used correctly is a very useful tool, and has suited Ron down to the ground - it's amazing! He's not got much room in his mouth, and a pelham made him rear, so logically the double shouldn't work but it does!

Does a pelham with a rounding (so you use one rein) work or does that defeat the purpose of being able to employ snaffle/curb independantly?

TP - am also slightly afeared that I have not attached it all correctly. Will check with my instructor this weekend!!

Bernster - it depends on the purpose is!

in OP's case the purpose is to give control in exciting conditions - in which case a pelham and roundings wouldn't work, because you don't get the flexibility of using solely the weymouth to lift the head, instead you'd just give him something to lean on.

in the case of showing where you need the appearance and perhaps a little poll action to help encourage the horse to carry himself in an outline, then a pelham and roundings would help, and would be more comfortable to the rider with smaller hands, or the less experienced rider.

 

[Bernster]

Thank you! This forum is soooo handy and informative, although all these bit options make my head spin

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

my cob who is a bit of a legend for carting over jumps etc has finally acquired some brakes after 6 years of experimenting- he is perfect in a liverpoll driving bit with low port .. and you only need one pair of reins (only £12 S/H off Ebay )

 

[Paris1]

I hunted in a pelham with two reins, and after introducing the double I would not hesitate to go hunting in this as he did get his head a little low at times in the pelham.

 

[emmab13]

Can I suggest a Waterford Elevator?
Like this:

http://www.equiport.co.uk/products/detail/waterford_elevator_bit/884/

Cheaper versions are available, mine was nowhere near this much, this was the first one I googled.

I had a horse called Thug who lived up to his name in every way. This made him into a reformed character after half a season, and you could hunt him in a Waterford Fulmer in the end.

 

[TwoPair]

Bernster - it depends on the purpose is!

in OP's case the purpose is to give control in exciting conditions - in which case a pelham and roundings wouldn't work, because you don't get the flexibility of using solely the weymouth to lift the head, instead you'd just give him something to lean on.

in the case of showing where you need the appearance and perhaps a little poll action to help encourage the horse to carry himself in an outline, then a pelham and roundings would help, and would be more comfortable to the rider with smaller hands, or the less experienced rider.

I would also say why not in that case just use a kimblewick another bit I fear will be lost!

 

[wench]

Waterford cheltenham gag?

 

[Jay89]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I have managed to borrow a 3 ring waterford gag, that I am going to give a go this weekend.