Frustration

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pip_dog

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I have a relatively new mare. Who is lovely. And settled in well. But she is one hell of a puller. But it's not all the time. Just when she's feeling arsy or excited. Like. Yesterday. Had a superb ride out. She stopped everytime i asked. No pulling. No slowing down but never actually halting. Just perfect. Today. She jogged down the road. Trotted nicely. And did slow to a walk when asked. But after that. Jogging. Trotting. Sometimes walking. No stopping. I try so hard not to pull her. I try to sit deeply. I try voice. When she isn't interested. She is such hard work. It's disheartening. She is ridden in a loose ring snaffle with a flash. She was in a Cheltenham gag. But she seemed to hate it. Any suggestions on slowing down a tank!
 
I have a tank horse, and I have experimented with lots of bits. Kimblewick was pretty good but still some resistance. Waterford snaffle was a total waste of time, he got mad and ran though it and was terrible! Pelham he is good in, but I have to ride with two reins, which is fine. The best bit he goes in is a french link snaffle - he is fab in this! Also, if he is being a tank I have turned him back the opposite direction and once he walks calmly then I turn back the way I was going. Only had to do this 3 times until he learnt that walking on at the pace I want gets him home faster!

Try some other mouthpieces in - perhaps your horse dislikes the action of a single joint? Mine does, woe betide me if I ever try one again, I will be on a giraffe that is rushing!

ETA - the biggest revelation for me was to not pull against him. I ride with a very loose contact now, and he hardly ever pulls me. Before, we were pulling against eachother. Try dropping your reins (in a safe place of course!) and see what happens - mine got such a surprise he stopped dead! He is loads better on a looser rein.
 
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Yes I find she is fine on a loose rein. It's just when she "decides" to start being a twit. I try ever so hard not to pull back. I know it's very counter productive. I was thinking of a pelham. At least I would have some back up for when she starts being awkward!
 
Instead of a deep seat try a light seat. Also when she dodn't like the gag was it the gag action or mouthpiece she didn't like? If the mouthpiece I found a great way to get the gag action with a softer mouth was to wrap up the mouthpiece in vetwrap so you ended up with a mouthpiece not unlike a soft rubber pelham but with the gag action if your horse prefers this to curb action (can you tell at this stage I've done alot of experimentation in my tim =) )
 
I find that because I am quite light and small. Sitting deep makes sod all difference! Sometimes. She is lovely but once an argument has started. That Is it! I think it was the action of the gag. She shook her head and generally had a total strop. Which since I changed to loose ring she has never done (head shaking I mean)
 
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