changing bit

[chungalung]

hi everyone, a friend has told me that she is going to change her ponies bit.
she is a dales pony and is very strong out on hacks, atm she is in a half cheek snaffle. They say she is fine when schooling but in my eyes she is still very strong. i just think she needs schooling and the owners need riding lessons. she is only ridden a couple times a week. can anyone reccommend any bits that are safe to use in very novice hands or how do i go about telling them that it is them, when other people ride her she is brill, not strong at all, i feel so sorry for her when she is ridden, they take up the reins and just hold on to her, pulling constantly. her mouth is always sore. she just opens her mouth and completly evades it. thanks, chung!

 

[irishdraught]

The last thing the poor pony needs is a stronger bit if all the hands on the other end do is pull - I think a bit of tact is required, go on you can do it........ good luck

 

[kerilli]

i'd put a metal bit in their mouths and attach reins and pull on them, and see if they get the message.
alternatively, you could say that she doesn't pull with other people, that it takes two to have a tug of war, and that if they can't keep their balance, the mane is there to hold on to, and it is a cardinal sin to use the reins for balance...!