NeverSayNever
Well-Known Member
i have had my horse only a couple of months... he's a 15.2, 7 year old sports horse by Accondy, out of an AngloArabx Highland mare.
When I tried him he was light and responsive on the flat but jumping he did run on into fences somewhat and took quite a pull. His owners at the time had himin a running martingale,flash and tomthumb. I noticed however it was rubbing his mouth.
Since I have had him Ive kept the martingale - although he hasnt needed it on the flat or out hacking tbh, but its given me an extra grab strap lol, and a bit more confidence, just incase. But Ive had him in a cavesson and simple singlejointed, fullcheek snaffle and he has been absolutely fine! REally soft mouthed and easy, even jumping in the field at home.... no more rushing on into fences or getting strong.
However we went out to our first comp at the weekend and did some jumpcross. I found once over the first couple he got so strong I couldnt pull him up or steer - and ended up facing into a hedge at one point
I also found at one point I couldnt steer and we overshot a corner, i lost a stirrup and couldn't re-gain it, but I couldnt pull him up! I ended up circling to stop him and after that one the course I felt I couldnt let him run on and ended up keeping him at trot for that last few, as once in canter he got longer and longer and more on the forehand and I couldnt do a thing about it.
I also found that him going like this, meant I was finding it difficult to stay balanced and was ending up with my hands resting on his neck as he was getting downhill
Any thoughts as to what might be an idea to put in for XC? Im thinking perhaps an elevator or dutch gag type thing? I do have a flash and grakle.. but im not a huge fan of strapping gobs shut and he doesnt open his mouth to evade so not sure if they would do anything?
When I tried him he was light and responsive on the flat but jumping he did run on into fences somewhat and took quite a pull. His owners at the time had himin a running martingale,flash and tomthumb. I noticed however it was rubbing his mouth.
Since I have had him Ive kept the martingale - although he hasnt needed it on the flat or out hacking tbh, but its given me an extra grab strap lol, and a bit more confidence, just incase. But Ive had him in a cavesson and simple singlejointed, fullcheek snaffle and he has been absolutely fine! REally soft mouthed and easy, even jumping in the field at home.... no more rushing on into fences or getting strong.
However we went out to our first comp at the weekend and did some jumpcross. I found once over the first couple he got so strong I couldnt pull him up or steer - and ended up facing into a hedge at one point
I also found at one point I couldnt steer and we overshot a corner, i lost a stirrup and couldn't re-gain it, but I couldnt pull him up! I ended up circling to stop him and after that one the course I felt I couldnt let him run on and ended up keeping him at trot for that last few, as once in canter he got longer and longer and more on the forehand and I couldnt do a thing about it.I also found that him going like this, meant I was finding it difficult to stay balanced and was ending up with my hands resting on his neck as he was getting downhill
Any thoughts as to what might be an idea to put in for XC? Im thinking perhaps an elevator or dutch gag type thing? I do have a flash and grakle.. but im not a huge fan of strapping gobs shut and he doesnt open his mouth to evade so not sure if they would do anything?
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