Can I please have some bit advice?

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Sunny08

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I have just brought a new horse, (haven't even got her home yet!) but I did have a flatwork lesson on her today. I have brought her to school up. She is a 16.2hh WB and rides big, she is an absolutely super horse but does try to run through the shoulder in the school especially on the left rein. Though she is 11 her schooling is poor (hasn't really been in the school for about 5 years) and she does struggle to work in a balanced consistent way in the school. She is 110% hack and not a strong horse.
She is currently ridden in an lozenge snaffle bit, but today in my lesson the bit was almost being pulled through the mouth by how heavily she leans on one rein, I was working really hard to not 'carry' her and even the instructor was a bit baffled by how she was managaing it!
Now obviously I am not going to solve this issue by changing the bit but I do feel another bit would help with the schooling she needs. So basically I need a soft and gentle bit, which can help encourage her not to hang on the bit in the school, according to her old owner she does not respond well to a nutcracker effect either.
Schooling wise I am really concentrating on encouraging her to carry herself, consistency of paces, improving balance and outline...
Any suggestions?
 
I can't advise on a bit - it's really trial. and error, but you could try ringing the bit bank for advice and hire one for trial before you buy.

Has she had her back checked out by a physio? If she has any imbalance in her back it could explain why she is so heavy one one side.
 
A bit change won't make any difference to her lack of flexibility at this stage - only suppling work will do this - much of which can be done during your hacking work initially.
 
Bit of a stab in the dark, is she 'right' in the poll area? Maybe get a physio to have a look?
And an equine dentist for good measure. Can't give any suggestion for a bit, though think you are on the right lines with a milder one.

Jane
 
amymay said:
A bit change won't make any difference to her lack of flexibility at this stage - only suppling work will do this - much of which can be done during your hacking work initially.
Click to expand...

I agree with this entirely, this is a schooling and suppleness issue which we are working on, but concerned this bit isn't helping the situation. I am far from an expert on bits so wanted to see what other options I have.
Tack, back etc are all checked and fine
 
I have a horse that sounds a little similar, she would pull me through the bridle and want me to carry her head - has only SJ'd and always seemed to have been schooled in draw reins. When she turned she would only want to turn if you pulled her round off the inside rein and would drift badly through the shoulder.

We tried lots of bits as she was very fussy in the mouth - her tongue would come out of the front also but then finally found the Neue Schule Verbindend to be the one that worked and is also dressage legal.

I was advised to buy a size at least 1/4" bigger than usual.

She has had lots of schooling now, loads of transitions to lighten the front end (without any gadgets!) and works lovely in it.

Info here - http://www.horsebithire.com/neue-schule-verbindend-16

Good luck

Edited to say I agree with the others that it is a schooling issue but unless the correct bit to suit the horse is used then the rest will take so much longer to come.
 
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Mrs_Wishkabibble said:
I have a horse that sounds a little similar, she would pull me through the bridle and want me to carry her head - has only SJ'd and always seemed to have been schooled in draw reins. When she turned she would only want to turn if you pulled her round off the inside rein and would drift badly through the shoulder.

We tried lots of bits as she was very fussy in the mouth - her tongue would come out of the front also but then finally found the Neue Schule Verbindend to be the one that worked and is also dressage legal.

I was advised to buy a size at least 1/4" bigger than usual.

She has had lots of schooling now, loads of transitions to lighten the front end (without any gadgets!) and works lovely in it.

Info here - http://www.horsebithire.com/neue-schule-verbindend-16

Good luck
Click to expand...

Thank you this is really helpful, and lightening the front end without gadgets is exactly what i am going for! She is very willing and tries but I think as she is a such a big horse whe struggles to hold herself together. We are going back to basics but already she is showing so much improvement.
 
Ditto above , speak to as many bit banks that you can and see what they suggest and at least you get to try before you buy . You're right to look at the bit as it may be stopping you schooling thru the problems .
Good Luck
 
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