Help with steering!

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vicksey

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Any suggestions for what bit to use to help me steer.

I have a strong sec d x Clyde who has developed a bad habit out hacking and crabs toward any wall or edge of the field. Even in walk he hangs onto my rein and will not listen to my leg. I think this is a confidence and security issue but we have always had issues with steering. I have gone back to basics tried to vary our routes and hack with other horses and generally increase his confidence and make things fun but nothing will work. I currently hack in a kimblewick which is great for generally but I have no steering control at all. He is a fab horse and we have a very good relationship, but I feel this habit could get out of control and maybe dangerous. All advise welcome!
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How old is he?

I hate to say it, but I think schooling sessions are the main route to get over this problem. You need to get him to listen to your leg and hand signals, and react appropriately to those. He's obviously a big boy (I'm assuming from his breeding) so it may be he'll need strong riding to hold him together and keep his attention on the rider.

Also, if it is a confidence issue, are you riding him out alone or with other horse/s? If you do ride him in company, does he do the same?
 
Hi thanks for that, he is a little lazy in the school but we do school 4 x a week and vary it and he is getting better. Yes he is the same in company, he would literally barge the other horse out of the way or drop back to get close to the wall. I am not scared at all when it's happening, it’s more frustrating to try and keep him in a straight line.
 
When he hangs on just lift your hand slightly very quickly to get him off. He can't hang on if there's nothing to hang on to. Maybe a few lessons with a good instructor might help and if you are struggling with steering might be worth trying a fulmer full cheek snaffle
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Check teeth and try a full cheek bit or a fulmer which has loose rings. As he is keen to get close to a wall or something similar, its probably something to do with him using it to lean on as he is lazy.

School on an inside track with plenty of outside leg when required.
 
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