Bitting minefield - help!

[moneypit1]

There seem to be lots of threads lately re bits and I always read them avidly as I need help myself! Fly is ridden daily (hacking and schooling) in a loose ring snaffle with a lozenge. If it is fast work or he gets excited I have to really haul on the reins to get a very limited response. I know this is not good but am loathe to put something harsh in his mouth or strap his mouth shut with a flash etc. He is 12 and can be extremely strong. I used to jump him and do fun rides etc with a Tom Thumb with a dog bone link which is I think quite severe. So tell me, is it better to put the Tom Thumb in and be gentle with my hands or leave him in the snaffle and have to fight him so hard my shoulders ache? What other bits do you recommend? He does have a large tongue so the thinner bits suit him. I ride him without a martingale and under normal hacking or schooling he is very light and obedient, its just when his "blood is up" we start to disagree! xx

 

[katiejaye]

Have you tried a loose ring waterford? My boy is VERY strong out XC and SJ and I found gags and strong bits of that sort stressed him out. He also has a big toungue and little mouth and he is really really happy in the waterford. I find it great as it's really gentle in his mouth when he's relaxed and only kicks in a bit stronger when you have to pull. He's always going to be a forward going horse but I find the waterford a great compromise as he's still forward going but I have a more control.

 

[ladyt25]

I tried mine in a tom thumb and, although it worked a bit it seemed to make him sore so i went back to my original bit (dutch gag) and he has always been happy in that. Used to have it on the bottom ring for jumping etc but now, as he's got older and has more manners, I just use the middle ring and he's fine, doesn't back off it but doesn't hurt my arms either. He's not overly strong as such, just heavy on the forehand and it helps get his head off the floor! First used them on my old pony when all else (pelhams, kimblewicks etc) failed and he was brilliant in it - he WAS strong.

 

[the watcher]

I think, on balance, that it is better to have a stronger bit, that you can use with a light contact and a little more firmly when circumstances dictate, than a very midl one that you really have to haul on.

In your circumstances I would seek out a pelham with a mouthpiece similar to the one you have, which seems to be working. Most of the time you can continue to ride off the snaffle, but you would have the curb rein for serious braking moments - most importantly it wouldn't take your horse long to work out that you have it too. You could possibly get away with a single rein and D's if you are light handed

But do remember that I am desperately old fashioned, and there will be many more up to date suggestions i am sure.

Going back to your mention of the flash - you certainly shouldn't have it there to bind the mouth shut, but a flash is a useful way of concentrating the mind of your horse onto what the bit is doing, and it really doesn't need to be tight

 

[moneypit1]

Thanks everyone, I've just remembered that his previous owner said she used a Kimblewick for extra control when jumping etc. Don't know how i feel about them really, (was brought up to remembering kids using them at pony club!) Perhaps its worth giving it a go, obviously he didn't object to it so it could be an option. Watcher, I know what you mean! I too am so old fashioned! Thats a good point about the flash, I notice that Fly is "fussy" in his mouth and is continually opening and shutting, I think I have perhaps mistook lack of concentration to pain. Thanks again. xx