Horse is getting too strong for the bit...

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missy99

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Hi,
recently my 7 year old horse has been becoming a bit strong in the mouth and has been getting harder to stop generally, but especially hacking. She has got a lot fitter since i bought her and during this time has become a lot more forward, she is currently ridden in a loose ring french link snaffle and goes nicely in it, it's just the brakes that are my problem!
I'm not looking for anything too strong or severe just something to up the brakes, if anyone has any advice i would be really grateful!
thanks a lot

(also posted in competing and training but didn't get any replies)
 
you could try a thinner mouthpiece version of what you already use. Hard to say though without seeing the horse or knowing how she is avoiding the brakes. Also remember to do lots of work in the school on your slowing down and stopping transitions to keep her attention and do them now and then out hacking as well
 
spike123, i use a martingale and flash noseband but she still chucks her head up and tries to pull her head away from me, not sure you can get a thinner version of what she has! thanks though.
 
missy99 said:
do you have any idea what mouthpiece i could use though? thanks
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I'm not really that knowledgable with bits so can't help you that much I'm afraid. From what I have read though it sounds as if its a bit of trial and error - bit banks help people to keep the costs down etc as you don't have to buy one full price until you know it suits your horse. It might not even be that your horse is no longer liking the mouth piece, I just mentioned it as my friends horse suddenly did this and was the same even having teeth done etc. Changed the bit and she was back to her old self again.

Hope you get sorted! I'm sure some more knowledgable bit people will be along soon as well :)
 
Back to basic schooling with all transitions accurate and calm before you move onto faster paces. So lots of walk to halt , walk to trot to walk in a few strides until the pony is accepting the bit and the aids. All this if the horse has had his teeth checked, and all other health and tack checks in place. it is always better schooling and instruction that does the trick. It takes time but it works
 
windand rain said:
Back to basic schooling with all transitions accurate and calm before you move onto faster paces. So lots of walk to halt , walk to trot to walk in a few strides until the pony is accepting the bit and the aids. All this if the horse has had his teeth checked, and all other health and tack checks in place. it is always better schooling and instruction that does the trick. It takes time but it works
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Fully agree with this. Check it that this is not pain related with teeth, saddle and back check. If this is fine take a step back and go back to the basics
 
I would have a few lessons with her if you can. Get someone experienced to assess her and help you with any decisions. My mare is very strong and a lot of leg is the best way to slow her down.
 
thanks guys, will do lots of work on basic schooling downwards transitions and see how it goes:)
if still isnt going great will look into teeth etc

On that note though i do know that her saddle isn't fitting properly at the moment as an xw is still pinching her slightly and my saddler is in the process of trying to find a new one, its very hard though as she's so wide! (she's not fat just a cob with no withers and an almost completely flat round shape!) saddler said saddle shouldn't be causing problems at the moment... but could it be?
 
Cobble mare wasn't going very well in her French link and schooling session after schooling session and numerous vet checks on everything she was changed into an English Hackamore. I can't recommend them enough, it's done wonders for her outline, she totally relaxes and loves it. A Hackamore can be strong if you require them to and nice and easy when you don't. I would start with going back to basic at first then if that's still not doing the trick look into getting a Hackamore. The German one with the long shanks is quite strong so start on an English one. You can pick one up on eBay for about £15. Also get her teeth, tack and health looked at also.
 
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