Can you help? Strong horse alert!

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MichelesShiloh

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I'm sure there are many threads exactly the same as mine with the same issues, but with the vast amount of threads i cant target one! Boo!

I have a 9/10 year old gelding, who i have struggled to source a bit that we're both comfortable with! I have been through the snaffles (starting from the start and working through the strengths),he's been in a waterford, tom thumb and he's now in a 3 ring gag with D rings from the snaffle part to the third hole (strongest).
He is very strong, but doesn't bolt. He just holds his head so heavy all his weight is in my arms and shoulders, but he's not pulling for his reins, he's just being strong?
I have now attached my reins back to the snaffle part of 3 ring gag and started working him in draw reins which he is working with so well! He is starting to finally work from his back end and round his neck, however still remains slightly strong (no where near as bad as he was!).

Do i keep going in the snaffle part of the 3 ring gag or shall i opt for a different bit?

:confused::eek:
Liana.
 
Sounds like hes leaning on your hands, could you try maybe a waterford?
I used this bit in my heavy ID as he would pull and lean, however once he was working correctly from behind he was as light as a feather in your hands.
 
Good plain schooling - you need to get him off his forehand and using his backend. My suggestion would be a good instructor to help you with exercises to do this - no horse should be heavy in the hand; it's no fun to ride a horse like that.
 
Have also used this method to which he responds too as he is very voice orientated. I admit I need to start schooling alot more now that the lighter nights are coming and the weather is looking up. Hope I find something that he likes! Have been researching Neue Schules. What are your thoughts on them, ?
 
I don't know what level you ride at, so don't want to tell you how to suck eggs! however a lot of the time they are leaning because the rider giving them something to lean on. Its not about changing the bit, its about schooling. He cant lean on you if you don't let him. Its such an easy trap to fall into, he pulls so you pull!
Do you have an instructor?
 
Yes I agree
I am going to start a planned week of what to do when each evening to get into a routine. Am also starting to look at new schooling excersises and will be getting an instructor out now that the horrid weather is lifting! :D
 
MichelesShiloh said:
Have also used this method to which he responds too as he is very voice orientated. I admit I need to start schooling alot more now that the lighter nights are coming and the weather is looking up. Hope I find something that he likes! Have been researching Neue Schules. What are your thoughts on them, ?
Click to expand...

I love Neue Schule bits - all of mine are in them. However OP it's not the bit that is the problem - honestly it is simply that your horse is on the forehand and he can do nothing else but lean on the bit. You can go stronger and stronger bit wise and it will not stop him leaning.
 
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