hunting a big boy

[rharvey92]

hiya,
my friend has asked me to continue to fitten her 17.1 tank of a horse for hunting, as she has broken her leg and obviously cant ride. i am thinking hill work and jumping, anything else anyone can recommend?
also, he is very difficult to collect, as im sure you can imagine, and im a little worried he'll end up leaving me behind when we do hunt, having said this, he is very sloppy also. im not too keen on spurs, but will carry a stick of course, can anyone recommend a bitting solution? he is currently in a fulmer snaffle?
thankss!

 

[*hic*]

What's the problem with the current bit?

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

what's wrong with spurs? If you think he's a bit sloppy i'd be putting spurs on to keep him coming through and help him find an extra leg! I wouldn't worry about the front end as much as the back!!

 

[rharvey92]

there isnt a problem with it, i was just wondering if it would help me get him more under control? he is difficult to get 'together' and i dont want to be left behind, im wondering whether he has become 'numb' to it? and also whether another bit would help with brakes and steering?

 

[rharvey92]

what's wrong with spurs? If you think he's a bit sloppy i'd be putting spurs on to keep him coming through and help him find an extra leg! I wouldn't worry about the front end as much as the back!!

perhaps i ought to consider them! im just worried about my leg security and hurting the poor beast!

 

[*hic*]

Are you actually having problems with brakes and steering? If he's going to be this difficult for you then I wonder whether you wouldn't be more help to your friend by trying to find someone who will be able to manage him. Sorry.

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

If the saddle has proper knee rolls put your stirups up 2 more than you would normally hunt with and your leg will stay still. If you get spurs with a roller on the end you won't mark him or hurt him. Look in a dressage shop for them. get a decent length spur- those little ones look smart and harmless but you will need to work harder to get them to work effectively!

He'll hurt more if he falls in the hunting field!

 

[rharvey92]

thanks guys,
i took him out the other day across the fields and to an old xc course, and i could control him, but he's just so big i felt perhaps i could alter his bit to give me a bit more control. he is just like a typical big dopey horse, steering like a tank and brakes he takes a while to listen to!

 

[*hic*]

I'd make asking the owner what bit she uses if he's feeling a bit strong a priority. I just worry that by changing all these things at once youare going to end up with problems.

 

[boxcarhorse]

I'd suggest you do some regular grid work jumping, which should help you collect him and help make him more adjustable over a fence.

Re. bitting you might find riding him in a standing martingale rather than a strong bit will help more.

 

[Annagain]

There's only one way to find out if the fulmar snaffle is a problem or not.

I'd rather take my 17hh tank hunting in a snaffle than my 16.2 in anything!! Can't make smilies work but you can imagine which one I'd choose!