HELP-steering and breakage

[vicksey]

Im looking for a bit for strong cob to help with steering and breakage, something more than a french link full cheek can help with. Schooling is fine in the full cheek, but out hacking and XC is sometimes a nighmare.

Have been suggested to try a full cheek waterford or the Neue Schule Tranz Pelham but not sure.

Anyone tried any of these, all suggestions welcome?

Thanks

 

[spacefaer]

In what way is he strong?

Does he lean, pull, snatch, bear down on the bit.....????

 

[Honey08]

You'd be much better having a lesson with a good instructor and asking them for help after they've seen you in action on the horse...xx

 

[Jennyharvey]

I would agree with Honey08. Your horse has learnt to pull against you, so what you need to do is teach him that he doesnt need to pull. A stronger bit may cure the symptoms, but wont fix the cause.
I think you need to do a bit of ground work with him. See if you can bend his head really lightly around to wear your foot would be in the stirrup. Most horses are not taught to do this, but its the best starting exercise for it. If he cannot do this, how do you expect him to turn?
But its not just a matter of him bending, it has to be really light. No pulling, just him relaxing bringing his head around. When he does this, ask him to move his quarters around a couple of strides. He shouldnt try to straighten up. He should stay lightly bent. If he resists, you should hold him until he relaxes. When he relaxes and brings his head round, reward by releasing him. Its important to release him when he relaxes so he learns that is what is expected and he doesnt just lean on you.
When he does this well, try it on him. Run your hand down his rein, and bring your hand back and ask him to bend. Then when he is soft, lift your hand to your opposite shoulder and ask his hindquarters over, staying soft. Lightness is key here. You dont want him to learn to lean.
Maybe teaching him the one rein stop, which lots can be found on the web on how to do it. Using one rein to bend him is better than pulling both reins to stop him because when you use two reins, he can brace his neck and pull back. Keeping him bending and light will really help your steering.
From the ground, you want to be able to ask your horse to backup. Do this holding the reins under his chin and ask for a step back. If he doesnt do it, maybe tap him on the chest with the reins or a stick to cause him to move his feet. With practice, he should backup with a really light feel, and be good at it for when you get on. If you dont have a good backup, you wont have a good stop.
By practicing these in the school, and getting him really god, soft and light, then when you take him out on hacks, you should practice them as well. Obviously when its quiet, the ORS isnt always a good idea if there are vehicles about.
The full cheeks are great for this, because the bit wont move in the mouth, but make sure he doesnt lean against it.
Any horse can be taught to be soft and light in your hands, even strong types like cobs and draughts. It just takes practice. I normally do all my groundwork and riding in a halter because its a lot milder and horses tend to be much more willing to do something when the aids are milder instead of sharp or strong.