Grabbing bit and pulling

[WackyWelsh]

My horse isn’t very strong but is improving loads, he stretches down nicely and will (eventually) soften into a lovely outline. But, he has a habit of grabbing the bit and either pulling straight down or BTV when I give with my hands. I try to have a ‘supportive’ outside rein, so I always have a light contact, but give with the inside rein when he softens. He just seems to grab the bit and almost pull himself BTV, then when I take the contact back he’ll throw his head back up then soften again? He’s in a French link eggbutt.
Any advice welcome!!

 

[Cortez]

Use your legs properly and he will go forward, not fiddle about with the bit. "Softening" is not all about the bit alone, there also has to be a connection in the horse's mind with carrying everything forwards - knowledgeable eyes on the ground would probably help.

 

[Shay]

Obviously showing my age - but not sure what BTV is in the two separate contexts above.

When a horse fights the contact it is either from pain elsewhere or because the contact is sought from the bit alone. You need a vet to do the usual tack / back / teeth. Always rule out pain first. But then you need to learn to ask for a contact from your seat so he becomes through. You can't contain him from the front only. You have to generate the power behind for you to contain.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

It sounds more like a rider issue to me. I suggest asking a good instructor to help.