First day out hunting - fab - but need help on bitting

aran

aran

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I took Aran out for his first day hunting - he was a super-star and really enjoyed himself - however he was strong and on the long canter stretches he kept pulling me out of the saddle and putting his head on the floor. Each time he wasn't difficult to pull up - but his 2nd hunt could be different and I'd rather not be totally out of control!
He has only ever been ridden in a happy mouth, loose ring double jointed (lozenge) - or the same but in copper. I ride him in a martingale for fast work and he has a cavesson nose band.
He has a little mouth with a fleshy tongue so prefers double jointed.
Does anyone have any ideas what sort of bit would be a good place to try?
Thank you for your help
 
That's exactly what my horse did first time hunting, and yes, the second time he was worse! I tried a waterford (still pulled) then a kimblewick (he went up!) so can't really help you beyond suggesting you borrow a few bits and try them before you next go out, perhaps on a fast hack. It's no use being miles from home on an overly excited horse and using a new bit your horse hates which is what I did! Putting head on floor requires upward pressure so I'm thinking maybe a running gag? That way he could still be in a bit he is comfortable with, until he puts the head down and then you have some leverage. Let's see what anyone else thinks of that idea!

I have just bought a peewee bit from Australia (eBay) which is meant to be for horses who pull and don't like tongue pressure but not had a chance to try it beyond school and gentle hacks so far but will let you know if it works.
 
I think the Cheltenham gag would be good as this raises the head. Best to use it with 2 reins and only use the bottom rein (the one attached to the rope) when absolutely needed.

I'm sure you can get one in the same mouthpiece as you've got him in at the moment.

Why don't you try hiring one first and go out for a blast in it?
 
thanks for the suggestions - i'm no good on gags as i've never had to use them! i will find someone with a cheltenham gag and see what he makes of it. its not terribly easy to work out what will work until i'm there as he doesnt really do this out hacking - i'll have to get someone with a wizzy horse to try and wind him up!

It was amazing out on the hunt - most were in 3-ring GAGs or eggbut snaffles - there wasnt the range that you see when out show jumping!
 
i've been told that a myler combination is good as it has 3 actions, poll, curb and nose, and that means that you can use less of a pull to get the desired brakes! Good for strong horses.
I've got my boy in a cheltenham gag and that is going ok for the moment, i'm keeping the myler as a plan b!
Good luck and Happy hunting!
 
thank you
odd question - but do you have a picture of your horse in the cheltenham.
I wonder whether the balding gag would be good as its loose ring which he's use to - has anyone used one?
 
Mine works well in a Pelham with double reins - far better than a Dutch gag. My wife's section D has started to ignore his Pelham so she's trying the Cheltenham gag - the Waterford was totally ineffective
 
I have a pelham but it is mullen mouth and I'm not sure that he will like it as he prefers a double joint. I don't think they do pelhams with a lozange (do they!?) - it's another one to try though!
 
I have a horse that does exactly the same as yours....tried a cheltenham gag, but made him worse...he is better in a balding, but would still be too strong in it to hunt! The best thing I have found is a tom thumb with a curb strap (leather) through the top ring. He doesnt overreact, and is alot more rideable....
smile.gif
 
aran: here is pic of cheltenham gag
hope the picture works, its my first time doing this!

<a href="http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melsk1/?action=view&current=westilseybb2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e292/melsk1/westilseybb2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
as a small lady on a 17.1hh IDXTB, that my OH occasionaly hunted hounds off, i used a myler 05 comfort snaffle, with independant side movement. trust me my boy was no plod, but this bit really helped.
google myler bits , there are lots of combinations.
 
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