Bitting suggestions for a horse that snatches?

AndrewAmy

AndrewAmy

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Hi everyone, I have a six year old warmblood that I've started doing some cross country and odd day of hunting with. He's snaffle mouthed and although he doesn't get too strong in a snaffle doing hotter work. He does start snatching.

Does anyone have any suggestions of bits they have used in the past to try and prevent or stop snatching. It's very annoying and I don't want it to become a habit.

Thanks,
Andrew
 
I am guessing that he is snatching because you are taking a firmer hold during fast work. I like to have two reins in such situations, so a Universal, Pelham or Kimblewick should fit the bill. I use the snaffle rein for much of the time but pick up the curb rein when necessary. I always think that a 'stronger' bit used well is less severe than a snaffle used too firmly.
 
He snatches because he is impatient and excited - he loves it!

I think a lot of it is to do with his age and experience.

I'll look into using a slightly stronger bit and see how he responds... thanks.
 
I'd go for a "two rein" curb; you might need to experiment.

I had good success riding my cob in a "French Link Rugby Pelham"; you'll need to purchase another headpiece, it is supposed to very much replicate the action of a Double Bridle but without the extra bit. I found that it suited my cob far more than a general "bog standard Pelham" as because you have an extra ring on it, there is more action and it sits more loosely in the mouth, might suit a more "fussy" horse?

There is someone called the "Bit Fit Lady" she's on FB a lot, if you did want to try something and/or others from your yard would join in, you might find this lady is worth a punt? Just a thought. You could try before you buy then!

Just a thought before I go away! - I dunno when your horse's teeth were last checked? Coz it might, just might, be worth asking someone to have a look............ you'd then eliminate physical reasons for the issue at the very least.
 
Thanks for sharing your past experiences and advice.

I’ll check out the Bit Fit Lady on Facebook. What a name!

Also, good point on the getting his teeth checked. We’ve got one getting checked anyway so no harm in him
getting checked too.

I was thinking about getting a running gag, and using double reins that way it’s like his snaffle when he’s not snatching. Thoughts?
 
blitznbobs said:
I’d say this is where a two rein arrangement is best either a Cheltenham gag or a double depending on ‘how’ he snatches
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It’s quite hard to describe a type of snatch but I’ll give it a go. It’s when we are going or he wants to go forward. If I try and stop him from going at the pace he wants to go, he gets impatient and snatches in an attempt to go at his desired pace...
 
What situations is he snatching and to what extent/how is he doing it.

What does he do after he has snatched?

How are you managing it at present?
 
AndrewAmy said:
It’s quite hard to describe a type of snatch but I’ll give it a go. It’s when we are going or he wants to go forward. If I try and stop him from going at the pace he wants to go, he gets impatient and snatches in an attempt to go at his desired pace...
Click to expand...

Does he throw his head up
Or down?
 
A couple of suggestions, in addition to the bitting ones - might be a bit trial and error though

Kineton noseband
Standing martingale
Potentially combine the above, but you would obviously need to cobble together a double noseband combo

Try not to get into a pulling & snatching cycle. Keep your reins bridged, the only thing horse should be fighting is itself, not you.

Ultimately it’s going to be patient education though. I’d be sacrificing jolly days out for boring days at the edge of the action. With a view to having a nicer mount out hunting in future
 
I have one at work that does this when pulling up at the bottom of the gallop. I have almost got him out of the habit. Mostly due to age and him growing up mentally as well as the fact that I just throw the reins at him. If I ain't holding onto him he has nothing to snatch against. I use my voice and either go down in front or I co behind a Horse I trust not to kick if I get too close at the bottom. He has largely stopped being a cock except on the most excitable days.

I realise this isn't possible in the hunt field! You can't always go up front or have a Horse in front of you as brakes. But at home I would spend less time holding onto him.

Does he do it out hacking, in the school or just out hunting?
 
I can't give a bit suggestion. But if you engage your core and resist him with that and your back rather than your hands you'll be much more secure in the saddle. They can't really pull you forward as much that way.
 
Thanks all for the useful suggestions. I opted for the Cheltenham gag this time round. It seemed effective and after trying to snatch once or twice, realising that he was pulling against himself, I've seen a big improvement.

I think a bit more experience, and a couple more times with the Cheltenham he should be back in a snaffle. Although, at the moment he's in a double jointed eggbutt that is quite thing and easy for him to snatch. Might try a single jointed eggbutt with a thicker mouth piece to discourage that behaviour from repeating...
 
AndrewAmy said:
Thanks all for the useful suggestions. I opted for the Cheltenham gag this time round. It seemed effective and after trying to snatch once or twice, realising that he was pulling against himself, I've seen a big improvement.

I think a bit more experience, and a couple more times with the Cheltenham he should be back in a snaffle. Although, at the moment he's in a double jointed eggbutt that is quite thing and easy for him to snatch. Might try a single jointed eggbutt with a thicker mouth piece to discourage that behaviour from repeating...
Click to expand...


Or you might cause more problems with a single jointed bit. some horses find them very uncomfortable.
 
fathorselover said:
A friend has recently had this issue and started riding her horse in a kimblewick. Has solved the issue brilliantly, horse no longer snatches, is ridden in a very light contact and goes very well in it.
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You could have written this about me and my horse as when I had a snaffle in and friend cantered in front my horse snatched rein down and tanked off so was nearly on friends horses heels. Recently popped a Kimblewick in and no longer snatching and charging off. We leave a good gap between us and horse in front. Ridden on a very light contact and fast work is pleasurable.
 
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