Brakes needed!

Nat_in_Kent

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22 November 2010
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Westerham, kent
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I was talking to my loaner today (currently loaning my id x tb) and shes having brake issues!

Not with general riding, hes fine and manageable in a fulmer french link. His problem is he tends to spook and then shoot forward into a bolt, so she doesnt feel completely safe out hacking which is understandable, so the poor woman is just riding in the school every weekend and finn is now very bored!

so we need something that is mild enough, but has the stopping power should you need to exert it...what do you recommend? he tends to raise his head above the contact or just lean on the bit and be off.

his teeth/back etc are fine and hes only fed on good doer and fibre pencils.

I know its not ideal putting a stronger bit in but id rather be safe than sorry and only have to use a stronger bit lightly than a milder one strongly.
So any bits that can offer guaranteed stopping power, please recommend lol :D
 
i've just gone from a single jointed snaffle, to a french link fulmer for steering help.

But in my research without going up to the severity of a gag i'd try a pelham.

Double rained so can be gentle like a snaffle, but stopped power if needed from the lever action.
 
id try a hanging cheek french link snaffle as it gives you a bit of leverage and a bit of poll pressure wich will help lower his head :) also if he doesnt have one on already a flash so he cant open his mouth and evade the bit :)
 
Or a kimblewick if pelham/2 reins are a bit too much. Exerts a bit of poll pressure but not lots. I've found a lot of horses go well in them
 
I bought a PeeWee bit after my Clydie took fright at some colts playing in the field next to the (fortunately quiet) road. She hurtled off, never got out of a very fast trot but I could NOT stop her in the french link that I had her in until I pointed her at the wall across the T-junction.
In the PeeWee, she was completely stoppable, didn't lean on the bit and was more responsive when asked to turn. It also had the advantage of being up to 7" as I struggled to get 61/2" bits which she needed.
 
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