Help with bit and bridle choice...ewe neck

[vikkibeth]

My new 5 year old has a bit of an Ewe neck and does star gaze, I am looking to use a hunter bridle but was wondering if he would benefit from a double bridle?
I really would like to get him holding his head better. He is currently just on a plain snaffle but had consider a French link maybe with a copper link? Open to all suggestions.

 

[Eriskayowner]

What mouthpiece does your current "plain" snaffle have? If it's a single joint then it could be posing problems - either pinching the tongue or hitting the roof of the mouth. Both of which would be a reason for your horse not to want a contact.

I would try either a French link, lozenge or barrel joint as this would fit around the tongue better.

My horse had similar issues to yours. I started riding him in an MB04 long shank combination bit (to teach him what rein pressure meant - he previously had no respect for the bit) and he's now in an MB02 hanging cheek snaffle and was doing some really lovely flatwork yesterday.

Hope this helps!

 

[tallyho!]

How far in his schooling is he? What do you do with him? Certainly the bit may be making him do that so it would be good to change to a french link or like EriskayO suggested.

Is he working from behind, using his muscles correctly through his back?

I would be inclined to suggest lungeing and getting him to go forward into a contact perhaps using two lunglines or even a pessoa thing. This will work his topline and build muscle which he sounds like he needs. He has to work hard though, no loping around

 

[ThePony]

If you have a single link snaffle then I would loose that tbh. Then choose a french link lozenge (I adore cotswold sports tongue saver ones!) - either loose ring or hanging cheek. Then at least the bit won't be encoraging a higher head carriage. I personally would avoid a flash as I don't find it so easy to get a horse relaxed through his jaw in one. Either a normal loose caversson, nothing, or perhaps a correctly fitted drop if he does gap with no reason.

Obv make sure saddle and back are ok. Also be sure not to put the saddle too far forwards as it then rests on the muscles you are asking him to stretch when he lowers his head.

After making sure he is comfy then it is just a matter of getting the work in. Poles in walk and trot are fab - on a loose rein but making sure to work well forwards, hill work, getting the horse to turn around your leg (this often encorages them to reach down and forwards for the contact). Lunging is handy too. Above all else though, what ever exercises you do, it must all be working forwards into a moving elastic contact (ignore 'outline' totally for now - it will come when everything else is in place). Don't worry about keeping his head down when he offers a lower head carriage, at first he will only be able to manage snatches of it, given time and work he will be able to manage more and more and become more consistent. Just praise the good bits, allow him regular stretches (moving well forwards!!) as it will feel very hard for him.

Good luck, it is hard work, but you'll find it makes a massive difference!

 

[teddyt]

Both the bit and saddle can make a horse hollow with a high head carriage. the rider can cause the problem too. Go through everything one by one, look at the horses mouth conformation to choose a bit, check the saddle and make sure its not the rider. Then you can start to work the horse in a better head carriage and engaging the hindquarters.

I find double jointed (lozenge/links) bits are more comfortable for most horses. And also make sure your bit isnt too fat.

Has he had his teeth checked?