Brakes or lack of!

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MyLuckyStar

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I've had Paddy since January on loan, when his owner first had him he was in a pelham however she changed him to a full cheek french link snaffle which was fine for the odd hack and a bit of schooling. However he is now doing more work and as he is getting fitter he is getting stronger.

We've tried him in a hanging cheek snaffle but that didn't work so last night we tried a dutch gag on the 2nd ring but still had lack of brakes cantering (there was only 2 of us out).

I don't want to put him in a pelham. Is there anything else I could try?

He is currently been schooled (when we get to hire the menage) and hacked approx 3 times a week.

He did his first ridden show a few weeks ago and was ridden in a wilkie snaffle and seemed to be fine in that
 
What nose band are you riding in? After years of no brakes and struggling I tried out a Mexican grackle on my lad the other week and it was like a light opened up!!! I can now ride him on a snaffle over XC courses and when having a gallop, and have complete control! Can't believe how a nose band could change his going so easily.
 
Hi , He may not be happy with the bit sitting on his tongue , esp when you start doing faster work . If he cannot lift his tongue to swallow he will fight ( a single joint pushes down onto the tongue so your horse cannot lift his tongue to swallow , a horse produces 38 liters of saliva and salivates most when working , just try resting your finger on your tongue then try swallowing , keep it there , now do some exercise .... difficult isnt it to swallow ! ) . If the pelham was a cambridge mouth ie had a port in it , I think thats why he went well in it , the port means he can move his tongue and swallow , plus the part in his mouth is very kind , as its not pushing any joint onto his tongue , most of your pressure is poll or curb .... so much better than in his very sensitive mouth ( well they can eat around worming granules etc ! ) . Worth speaking to some bit banks and try before you buy .
 
what about trying a good old traditional double bridle? nose bands can also play a big part in brakes with various bits. a cheltenham gag has worked for mine with 2 reins with a grackle then he goes in the double for showing and a neue scheule hanging cheek snaffle for dressage!
 
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How has he no brakes? Does he set his neck against you? Does he lift or drop his head? Does he open his mouth? Does he clench his mouth? Head between knees?

My horse has been in a French link snaffle and cavesson noseband for 10 years. When I want extra brakes I fit the flash noseband which keeps his gob shut and which then stops him opening his mouth and setting his neck against me.
 
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