Bitting woes

[eventinghenry]

I’m literally banging my head against the wall trying to bit my boy for hunting.

He’s in a simple loose ring/fulmer snaffle for every other occasion. But hunting is a whole different ball game. Thought I’d finally got it right with a Kimblewick with a
mostly have brakes when needed, less fighting/head chucking. BUT seems to be causing him to cut his mouth somewhere? It’s not splitting his lips in the corner like the Waterford did, can’t see any cuts looking in there, but it’s definitely bleeding from somewhere. Plus the curb chain seems to have rubbed him a little.

Any suggestions of what else to try? Waterfords are 100% out, just shred his mouth. Curbs seem to work quite well if I can find a way to stop them rubbing without losing the effectiveness.

Should I try a different kimblewick? This one is a little on the small side (but this brand doesn’t go any bigger). He’s a generous 5.75” usually, but kimblewick is a 5.5”.

List of all the bits we’ve tried before this:
Wilkie - might as well have been riding in a headcollar
Plain universal - couldn’t hold one side of him
Waterford universal - alright (better with a back strap) and cut his mouth open
Waterford Dutch gag - awful, cut his mouth open, head in the air, fighting the whole time
Cheltenham gag: decent, but had a habit of putting his head down and just running through it or chucking his head up and launching forwards. Better in a jointed one.

For info he’s a 16.2hh, 3/4 Irish Draft, fairly fleshy mouth/tongue.

Thank you, and well done if you tead

 

[Griffin]

I always say this in response to bitting queries but get a specialist out because they save you money (and your horse's comfort) in the long run. I used Horse Bit fit but I expect there are others out there. You will be able to try out several bits and get some expert help to make sure you and your horse are happy.

 

[eventinghenry]

I always say this in response to bitting queries but get a specialist out because they save you money (and your horse's comfort) in the long run. I used Horse Bit fit but I expect there are others out there. You will be able to try out several bits and get some expert help to make sure you and your horse are happy.

thank you, I would be keen to try this, but how would it work when I really need to try the bit in the situation? There is no way to truly replicate the situation for him (I’ve tried!!) I’ve tried all the bits I have at home/hacking first and he’s always been absolutely fine, which is part of the frustration!

 

[ihatework]

Vulcanite Pelham?

 

[Griffin]

thank you, I would be keen to try this, but how would it work when I really need to try the bit in the situation? There is no way to truly replicate the situation for him (I’ve tried!!) I’ve tried all the bits I have at home/hacking first and he’s always been absolutely fine, which is part of the frustration!

The bitting expert will ask what you want the bit for but really what you are paying for is their expertise in anatomy and their understanding of how different bits work. They will examine your horse and look at what types of bit will suit their mouth/teeth (it's really interesting), so that should help stop the cuts. My mare was in a bit that was too small and caused tiny sores, which you could only see if you looked right into her mouth.

 

[Kizzy2004]

Have you tried a different type is nose band? A kineton nose band may help, a friend hunts their ex racer in one when they were struggling trying to find a bit to help with control.

 

[Goldenstar]

Did you have two reins on the Cheltenham gag ?
and would consider trying a controller noseband this teamed with a dr Bristol .
a controller noseband and has solved my issues with two very strong horses .

 

[eventinghenry]

The bitting expert will ask what you want the bit for but really what you are paying for is their expertise in anatomy and their understanding of how different bits work. They will examine your horse and look at what types of bit will suit their mouth/teeth (it's really interesting), so that should help stop the cuts. My mare was in a bit that was too small and caused tiny sores, which you could only see if you looked right into her mouth.

Great, thank you. Will look into it! Was thinking about it anyway for his everyday bit, just to make sure my thinking is right there too

 

[eventinghenry]

Have you tried a different type is nose band? A kineton nose band may help, a friend hunts their ex racer in one when they were struggling trying to find a bit to help with control.

I haven’t, I thought you could only use them with a snaffle type bit? (I don’t know much about them so do correct me if that’s not right! I’m slightly scared to take him out and have no control like I did in a couple of the milder bits if I’m honest...

 

[eventinghenry]

Vulcanite Pelham?

Was thinking about a Pelham. Any reason for going for vulcanite in particular? Would have to use with roundings for hunting, which I know is technically not correct/ideal...

 

[eventinghenry]

Did you have two reins on the Cheltenham gag ?
and would consider trying a controller noseband this teamed with a dr Bristol .
a controller noseband and has solved my issues with two very strong horses .

Tried it with 2 reins once which was a disaster, my coordination isn’t the best so kept getting myself in a complete mess and dropping reins everywhere.

I had looked into a kineton but I didn’t have the confidence to go for it. But definitely looks like I should consider it! Any tips for fitting it? Do you just use a loose ring dr Bristol?

 

[Goldenstar]

I don’t like kinetons so I not the right person to ask .
I had this issue with H I completely solved it with a double bridle but if you don’t like two reins it won’t help .
theres a whole range of myler bits for strong horses I don’t greatly like them but needs must .

 

[Goldenstar]

My Dr Bristol is eggbutt the fixed mouthpiece makes it stronger .

 

[Annagain]

My go to for Archie (who would put all his 3/4 of a ton into leaning and pulling) was a waterford 3 ring gag with two reins so I can't help on the bit but in terms of trying to replicate the hunting situation when trying a bit I found that hacking out with two or three others and trying to hold him back while they cantered off in front of me was the best way to test out a bit (we didn't hunt but did lots of fun rides and beach rides etc) without having to get into a potentially mind blowing situation with no brakes. He too was foot perfect (and in a mulllen mouth hanging cheek) under normal conditions but would lose his head in an exciting situation.

 

[eventinghenry]

I don’t like kinetons so I not the right person to ask .
I had this issue with H I completely solved it with a double bridle but if you don’t like two reins it won’t help .
theres a whole range of myler bits for strong horses I don’t greatly like them but needs must .

Thanks. I think that long term my best solution will be to learn to ride with 2 reins. I’m also hoping that by taking him out more regularly than I’ve ever been able to before, he will settle a little and be a bit easier! Will look into the Dr Bristols

 

[eventinghenry]

My go to for Archie (who would put all his 3/4 of a ton into leaning and pulling) was a waterford 3 ring gag with two reins so I can't help on the bit but in terms of trying to replicate the hunting situation when trying a bit I found that hacking out with two or three others and trying to hold him back while they cantered off in front of me was the best way to test out a bit (we didn't hunt but did lots of fun rides and beach rides etc) without having to get into a potentially mind blowing situation with no brakes. He too was foot perfect (and in a mulllen mouth hanging cheek) under normal conditions but would lose his head in an exciting situation.

Ooo that’s an idea I could try! He doesn’t much like other horses leaving him so might give me some idea. Thanks!

 

[Cob Life]

Vulcanite Pelham?

This was going to be my suggestion. I ride with 2 reins (So only had to bring the curb into use when he was a sh*t!) but you could use roundings. His worst trait is He puts his head to his chest and goes, this is the only thing I stand a chance of holding him in