Bitting Help?

[Jemayni]

Next weekend I am taking my little pony hunting. I haven't taken him for two years after I had a particularly nasty fall off him, and I decided it was safer for both of us not to bother. Now we're both two years older, with two years more experience I am going to take him again next week.

So the Question is what bit?

He has a very soft mouth and endless scope but is very strong and rude out hunting.

So do I take him in the pelham as it did a relatively effective job last time (but made him rear and jump around), a kimblewick (less poll pressure), a dutch gag (no curb) or any other ideas - apart from a straight snaffle (I might as well have cotton in his mouth!)

 

[RunToEarth]

Have you ever tried a waterford loose ring?

 

[BroadfordQueen]

when you say strong do you mean he takes ahold of the bit? if so, maybe a straight bar like a pelham or kimblewick isn't the best option. try something with links in so he cant grip it and go.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Your choice will depend on what made your pony rear i.e. was it the poll pressure or the curb he objected to. If curb then maybe swap chain for a leather or elastic curb. Also did you use rounding, or two reins. I personnally only use a pelham with two reins, so I can ride off the snaffle., till I need the brakes!!!

 

[Jemayni]

Thanks for your help guys, I went hedge hopping yesterday armed with bits! I tried the waterford - not for him (Sky lived up to his name), but thanks anyway Rosie. I tried to ride him without the curb on the pelham and he didnt rear even when he got a bit jazzed up, so I think I will either go with that or the gag really... Thanks for the tip piebaldsparkle, I dont dare ride him in double riens though, he is only a 14hh conne with a very short upright neck, he also wears a martingale, I always end up with so much leatherwork in my lap I get in a right mucking fuddle!