Help with bitting / bits

tobiano1984

tobiano1984

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Can anyone suggest a bit to try - I have a 5 year old cob x - welsh d type, very forward going but not hugely strong - i.e. I can hold him XC or hunting in a french link snaffle. Out hacking and XC he's absolutely fine at the moment but I'm having a few issues in the school and SJ - I think part of it is going through teething/teenage phase but I'm finding that he is great in walk, very soft and works in an outline, but then trot he lifts his head up and chews the bit and resists it, also leans on one side (usually the right). In canter he's very heavy in the right hand and so falls in. I don't want to fight with him or harden his mouth so I'd like to find a bit that'd help soften him up in the school.

Currently he's in either a french link full cheek or a french link loose ring. I don't really like loose rings as he has soft lips and tends to catch them in the ring. He's also got quite a low palette so not sure if a single link would hurt him by sticking into the roof of his mouth.

I'm wondering if a Myler might be good, as the independent movement might stop him from leaning on one side?

Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks
 
Um, I don't think your problem is anything to do with the bit; I think he has a balance, strength and schooling issue which would need to be addressed by further gymnastic work in the school.
 
My 7 year old was doing this in trot, his teeth were like razors only had them done a year ago as well. Took him to vets for rasping last week, he is fine now they had ulcerated his gums.

Check his teeth it may be that if he has sharp edges.
 
I will get his teeth checked - only had them checked a few months ago but at 5 I guess lots can change in that time!

I don't personally think its a balance/strength issue and neither does my instructor - he does great lateral work and is physically very balanced and strong - its just that he's gradually started to resist the bit and become less soft over the last couple of months which is what makes me think it's something in the mouth and/or brain!
 
can i just add sec Ds change shape an awful lot up until they are about 8 yrs old so if it was me id get his back and the saddle checked too just to be on the safe side, my sec D would buck like fury if his saddle wasnt right ( i had it flocked and altered 6 times between 4 and 8yrs) :)
 
I've actually got the saddler coming this week! Have had to borrow a saddle that fits him as he's grown out of his. I've had his back checked and all ok.
 
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