Bitting/tack advice

[Grey_Arab]

Just wondered what you peeps can suggest, took my boy on a funride today, and he was fab 80% of the time, however when we got to a big long valley, we let them go big time he was fine to pull up, but after that got really over excited and full of adrenaline.

Not a problem usually, but he got really really strong when we went for our next canter, mouth wide open, trying to get his tongue over the bit and he suceeded (he has NEVER done this before!) he was quite heavy in my hand (unusual for him as he's an arab!)

He is currently in a hanging cheek snaffle (with a normal single joint) and a cavesson noseband and a running martingale which works a treat to SJ
He has been ridden in a full cheek snaffle, but was still strong, but had his head more in the air.
He is in a loose ring snaffle with a lozenge for dressage which he goes really well in but I wasn't brave enough to use it on the funride as I felt his ears would end up up my nose!
His back, teeth and saddle are all fine btw
Thankies and cookies and Pimms

 

[Sammason]

Does he wear a flash?? if he doesn't this might be worth a try as would stop him opening his mouth. you can get a connecter that fits over the nose band to hold it in place.

Id try this before andything more drastic.
xxx

 

[serena2005]

mmm pimms....

lol at ears up your nose comment! lol

i ride a pony that does the same after a good canter. iv tried a dutch gag with roundings which is quite good unless he gets his head down mouth open job then i have no hope in hell. works better with a flash, but still very strong

iv tried a kimblewick i think it was a bit too harsh, head too high, over bent but still at full pelt speed... stopped using that

and now im road testing a rubber pelum (sorry sp)
but so far its working a treat

i think u just got test to see what works for u both.

 

[michellepearson1]

I have my girl in a dutch gag on the second ring with a flash when we go out on fun rides so that I have brakes she too gets a bit excited. The dutch gag is a happy mouth with a lozenge.

 

[hellybelly6]

I used to work in an arab stud and we found the best bit was a mullen mouth pelham, second best was a lozenge. Arabs tend to have low palates which get jabbed with a single link bit.

Presumably he was not getting his tongue over the bit due to tooth pain.

Gags are great for horses who lean downwards on the bit as they have a head raising action.

Curb bits are best for horses who are above the bit.

 

[xnaughtybutnicex]

should try a market harborough martingale before changing to another bit it gives more control u can use it on diff. strengths n it stops the horse putting his head up as much.