Help! What bit do I use on a strong cob????

Hi Guys!

I have a 15.3hh shire cross cob. He's heavyweight and knows it! I've been having trouble with bits as he's very on the fore hand at times and has his head in a very low carriage when being schooled. I've used a pelham on him as he now and again takes off but he now snatches and pulls down I also have the same problem with a snaffle as it's mild and he can hold it! Very clever horse! My dressage instructor suggested I put a post on here for all you Cob owners/showers and see what suggestions i get back - she thinks maybe a something with a port?? Any ideas would be great!! Getting desperate now !
 
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tinker512

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I used a Kimblewick with a port on a strong cob and it worked wonders.

Something with a waterford mouthpiece so he can't take hold?
 
If he tends to put down his head and b*gger off, then I'd definitely try some sort of a gag as it has a head-raising action - but obviously it isn't dressage legal nor can you show in it!
 
I used to use a loose-ring waterford (stops them taking hold of the bit) or a dutch gag on the second ring (lifts the head) for my shire x clydie. Neither are dressage legal, but I was then able to use a snaffle for dressage competitions as she'd got out of the habit of leaning.
 
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I'd definitely try some sort of a gag as it has a head-raising action - but obviously it isn't dressage legal nor can you show in it!

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Try telling that to Rob Walker after the cover pic on H&H this week!
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Agree with a Waterford or a Kimblewick though, both could be worth trying.
 
If he opens his mouth to evade, definately try a flash or drop noseband both are dressage legal, grackles also work wonders but cant be used for dressage or showing

if he keeps it shut but leans, try a cherry roller. Horses an't really lean on them and it encourages a sofer mouth of course you have to be soft in the hand as well to achieive this, without the use of all these daft gags and dodgy weird things that are on the market these days.
 
Military reversible, choice of rein positions, ported ??

Useful bit, shame some thieving toe rag pinched mine
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Military reversible, choice of rein positions, ported ??

Useful bit, shame some thieving toe rag pinched mine
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I have several of them rusting in the tack room lol
 
I use a waterford 3 ring gag but use second ring I used to phone heather of neue schule they were very expensive and didn't work my waterford was £20 and served me well !!!!
 
I used a waterford snaffle on a 17hh eventer/masters horse, he was incredibly strong, but I didn't want something unkind, he had a very large tongue and opened his mouth a lot, but with a flash and the waterford the waterford "folds" round the mouth and so is quite kind really, it can just look a bit odd when you first see them, William went really well in that combination and seemed to really appreciate it.
 
Hi! well he can be like it all the time, he's fine for a few days but schooling and asking him for hard work on a hack and he'll turn into a monster and gets angry - then opens his mouth and he's off. He's got bad manners and habits as i let a riding stables use him for 6months whilst i did my a levels - big mistake!!
 
Thanks guys, i've got a flash bridle on order - i used to use one on him when i was younger but he used to get so cross he'd throw me off. However, i tried a flash on him in my last lesson and he was better but still held the bit and pulled so i'll give your bitting suggestions a go! Thanks a lot much appreciated!!
 
you could try a stronger pelham a swales or sam march or try a double with a banbury we have tried all sorts and these bits do the job .
 
Don't know which to go and try first! Still waiting on my bridle :-( The Swales and Sam marsh look very harsh but if they work i'll try anything!! We're moving yards next week and I feel brakes are needed when riding around 200 acres of farm land!!! Thanks Guys!
 
I ve tried everything with no avail 'til I put mine in an English Hackamore and he is just sweetness and light, with brakes!!
Problem though with dressage and showing as not dressage legal, so he is back in the french link loose ring for Dressage and the Rugby pelham and double reins for showing ridden classes.
But he loves his hackamore best.
 
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