Calling all long reiners!

[benson21]

Right, started long reining a couple of weeks ago, donovan is 4, 12.2hh sec b.
When I put his bridle on, as soon as the bit is in his mouth, he puts his nose on the floor. He will not pick his head up which is very annoying when trying to do all the buckles up! Any ideas?
Also, we are long reining in bridle, and roller. He walks forward nicely, but as soon as I ask for a change in direction he tucks his head right in and down, almost between his knees. Like I say whilst walking in straight lines we are fine, its like as soon as he feels some contact he is trying to evade the bit, which is obviously a trick I dont want him to learn.
All ideas are gratefully received!

 

[jhoward]

id be thinking he hadnt been bitted well enough.

 

[benson21]

So, a different bit? He is in a happy mouth jointed snaffle.

 

[jhoward]

does he play with his tounge a lot when the bit is in?

 

[benson21]

no, not really, although he does chew the bit a fair bit.

 

[jhoward]

id go back a step and start with a key bit, lots of time bridled but just left alone.

 

[benson21]

ok, thanks for that.x

 

[MrsMozart]

Plus one you've probably already dealt with, but when were his teeth last done?

 

[benson21]

his teeth were done about 3 weeks ago, I think probably for the first time.

 

[Mike007]

yup, got to agree with the above, a bit issue. Eg Bob the (not a ) cob was a total disaster in a fulmer snaffle,because of the shape of his mouth,yet a french link has made all the difference.incidentaly bob just loves long reining. I think I might just want to break him to harness for my old age (as long as he never sees any big hedges )