Horse bit problems!

[Rachael42]

Hi I’ve got a cob that holds his head up high avoids any contact, I was looking at a hanging cheek bit to encourage him to bring his head down and work into the contact but I’m unsure what mouthpiece to put him in. He was ridden in multiple different bits before and he would just grab a snaffle and take off. He has had everything checked, back, teeth, saddle etc..

 

[cobgoblin]

Does he have a fat tongue? If so try him in a ported bit or a mullen mouth.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Hi Rachael42, I do not mean to come across as anything other than helpful, but I would run through a check list to ensure that the basics are in place. ie does he work back to front, is he mature enough to carry himself, are the riders hands sensitive and not pulling back,thus restricting him. What is his mouth shape, how much room does he have in his mouth, has he got fat lips ? does he understand riders seat aids and a half halt, does he listen or just bowl along doing his own thing ?

Other than that for trying bits the horse bit shop is very helpful

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Do you have an instructor or trainer you can work with? There are so many factors to take into account it will be difficult to give advice without seeing the whole 'problem'. I believe a horse working correctly from behind, happy and comfortable will bring his head down and it cant be fixed with changing one thing.

I used a bit fit consultant who looked at anatomy of the mouth and way of going and found a solution for us.

I use a hanging cheek but I wouldn't say it brings the head down. I think the science shows that as the bit is used it relaxes the cheek pieces and reduces any poll pressure so I'm not sure that's what you're looking for.