Bridle / bit / contact help

[Lauren1993]

Hi all,

I’m looking into options for my new horse who I have now had 6 weeks.

Shes currently in a standard hunter bridle with a neue schule verbindend universal bit - this is what she came to me with.
We mainly hack, fun ride etc. just general riding atm.
She’s 15 years old, 16hh chunky Cob X & done abit of everything in her past.
Shes up to date with dentist & saddle fitter.

I have found when we are out hacking just us or with 1 other horse shes fine, happily stride out & has a nice contact - but once we’re in the fields or she has sweat up abit she flings her head & snatches the reins. I’ve added a shakeeze nose net which has definitely helped so think it is mainly pollen related.

When out in a group or asking her to trot behind others she evades the contact - shakes her head, sticks her tounge out not listening to me.
I can handle it & make her steady & accept the contact & she then goes nicely behind but always wants to rush infront & trot past others.

Obviously I’m working with her & making her listen & accept the contact but I wondered if a different bit and / or bridle would help ?

She rubs her head like MAD when we get home from the ride, she regularly rubs her muzzle on her legs while we are out too if she doesn’t have her nose net on she’s worse with this.

I want her to be comfortable so I can work with her & get her happy in the contact.

Any advice?

 

[soloequestrian]

I had one who developed head shaking - his was very clearly linked to weather/ environment. He was worse in the wind particularly if it was also sunny and he really hated things hitting his face (hail, pine needles sometimes if it was windy, petals, flies). A nose net made a huge difference to him but he'd still blow if the wind got bad and sometimes stand still with his nose on his knee. A fly mask also helped him (found that out accidentally!).
It sounds as if your mare has a bit of this but is also reacting to exciting situations. I rode my gelding bitless for various reasons so that's the only experience I have - the nose nets fitted the hackamore fine. Whatever you have on her head you could look at an Irish martingale which would stop reins ending up in the wrong place if she flicks her head around.