First-timer hunting a big, strong WBxID

[adsthelad]

Well I survived, just. Cheltenham gag did absolutely nothing. Yard owner has given me four bits to try:
- Neue schule Weymouth, can I use this on it's own? I had zero control, ended up pretty much crashing into people, nearly got kicked a few times. (I aplogised profusely each time, the people were very forgiving). Could it be too severe, even for my horse? Honestly i would rather have something too strong
- neue schule type Waterford three ring gag
- plain steel three ring gag
- twisted eggbut snaffle

My horse was leaning like crazy today, head down and flat out galloping. No control AT ALL. May go with the Weymouth if it fits him.
Otherwise, I would have had a brilliant day, but I seriously need to do something.

 

[EquiEquestrian556]

Sorry to hear you couldn't stop - it's quite common out hunting Try the NS waterford dutch gag (remember to go a size up from his normal bit for a waterford, so it wraps around the lips). No, you can't use a weymouth on its own, it's the curb bit of a double bridle. I'd try the 'plain' dutch gag first though.

It's a very severe combination, so I'd only recommend it as a last try, but I've had success with a waterford balding/ cheltenham gag, on impossibly strong horses, used with two reins. However, it extremely severe, so I'd certainly cation using it unless you really have to.

Good luck!

ETA
The waterford will only work IF he leans, if not then it will be useless. Furthermore, in order for it to work you must give a bit, each time he pulls/ leans, so he has nothing to grab. Perhaps ask your YO to show you how it works, as it is a severe mouth piece if used incorrectly. Also, perhaps try looking at a kineton noseband, may help a bit.

 

[adsthelad]

I'll try the waterford gag then, will go for a gallop in a field tomorrow and if I can stop dead in it, then I should have more in the way of brakes out hunting (hopefully! )
Fingers crossed it works!!!!
Regarding the Weymouth, that's what I thought. If he's still mad mad mad though, could it technically be used? He's a huge horse and of course it would be a last resort (before possibly trying the waterford balding) but although not correct, would it be possible?

Was looking at Kineton nosebands, may invest in one! It can only really make my situation better.

 

[Goldenstar]

I don't think you can get real tear hunting nicely by using more and more biting .
Not any point in using a Weymouth on it's own if you want that sort of action use an American gag
a controller noseband is severe but can help with very strong horses
But when they get the red mist thing and run into other horses it's not bitting that solves the issue it's taking the horse often and never putting it into a situation where it loses it .
So I had one out for the first time today he is 14 and as far as I know has never been to the hounds an advanced eventer so plenty of engine to get him into trouble .
Fatty my OH's ID was there companion showing him the ropes .
We hacked along behind the field for half an hour then joined them then had a canter with them and stayed with them for a while then went away and stood off a distance and let him watch .
Then we let him up by the hounds for a watch then away again then the field went one way so we went another and took him up to ridge to watch proceedings from a distance .
We brought him back to wagon happy and calm .
Your horse needs calm repeated trips to the hounds until he settles he needs not to be in the situation where he's running with the field until he's learnt that you require obedience and manners and a degree of calmness .
No amount of bitting can replace showing the horse what you require from a hunter .

 

[spacefaer]

I don't think you can get real tear hunting nicely by using more and more biting .
Not any point in using a Weymouth on it's own if you want that sort of action use an American gag
a controller noseband is severe but can help with very strong horses
But when they get the red mist thing and run into other horses it's not bitting that solves the issue it's taking the horse often and never putting it into a situation where it loses it .
So I had one out for the first time today he is 14 and as far as I know has never been to the hounds an advanced eventer so plenty of engine to get him into trouble .
Fatty my OH's ID was there companion showing him the ropes .
We hacked along behind the field for half an hour then joined them then had a canter with them and stayed with them for a while then went away and stood off a distance and let him watch .
Then we let him up by the hounds for a watch then away again then the field went one way so we went another and took him up to ridge to watch proceedings from a distance .
We brought him back to wagon happy and calm .
Your horse needs calm repeated trips to the hounds until he settles he needs not to be in the situation where he's running with the field until he's learnt that you require obedience and manners and a degree of calmness .
No amount of bitting can replace showing the horse what you require from a hunter .

Trouble is, Goldenstar, the OP is hunting with a drag pack. Hard to do proper hunter education with a drag =(

 

[Goldenstar]

Trouble is, Goldenstar, the OP is hunting with a drag pack. Hard to do proper hunter education with a drag =(

Yes that true ,
But then perhaps it's not the job for this horse , it's no pleasure having your arms pulled out of their sockets while apologising to people and wondering if you told your nearest and dearest where you left your will.
Hunting just does not suit some horses , one of my greatest sadnesses is that my horse so a lifetime would not settle to be a hunter in our country .
With a big hedge hopping pack she would have been great but for hunting in the hills ,it was not going to work.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Trouble is, Goldenstar, the OP is hunting with a drag pack. Hard to do proper hunter education with a drag =(

Impossible I would say. All it is a mad hooley, never understood why landowners allow it, unless it is a big payer of course.

 

[adsthelad]

Depending on how my brakes are in the Waterford gag tomorrow, I may go and after the first few fields if he's still super strong I may pull out.
He is built for it and he's done it before, both in the UK and also over here. I'm really hoping that he calms down.
If I realise that I can't cope, I'm going to ask a more experienced female rider from my yard if she wants to take him. She may be able to control him better.

 

[Goldenstar]

Adsthelad what's the main job you want a horse for ?

 

[adsthelad]

As in what do I personally want my horse for? I want an all rounder who can do a bit of everything (safely)

I didn't get a chance to try the Waterford gag today, as the moment I trotted on our hack I felt something was wrong. Have a suspicion he may be slightly lame