Hunting bitting advice please??

[Rupert-the-bear]

Hi all, after a bit of bitting advice please?! Normally ride my boy in a fulmer snaffle as he's still quite green in the school, however he's started to become a bit stronger as he has become more balanced. This is normally controllable in the school and generally out hacking HOWEVER, I'm taking him hunting next weekend which will be his first ever time and am 99% sure we will be needing much better brakes (As we never ride out in company he gets a little excited with other horses about!) and when he gets galloping 'forgets' about riders aids.....

So what would you suggest?

Was considering a waterford although I'll be the first to admit my hands aren't as quiet as I'd like them to be with a green horse so not sure if this would be the best option?! Thanks

 

[Derfette]

Has he had his teeth checked recently, as even a sharp tooth or ulcer can cause alot of problems.

Waterfords are an asset if your horse tends to lean on your hands or takes hold of th bit and "gos", but you have to have soft hands to use that bit effectvely.

Have you had a look at Neue Schule bits? The Universal is one that you could have a look at. As the name suggests, it's several bits in one. It can either be used as a standard loose ring snaffle, but if the reins are dropped down to the lower ring, it has a slightly stronger effect?

 

[Rupert-the-bear]

Thanks Derfette, his teeth are checked religiously every 6 months, and were done about a month ago with no issues

He does tend to lean on the bit quite a a lot and be generally quite 'heavy' in the mouth, so maybe a waterford would be suitable? My issue is I don't want anything too strong because he can be very behing your leg until he gets going, so almost looking for something that will be soft on him until he starts leaning ans tanks if that exists?!?! My hands aren't strong at all, they just tend do open out sideways by about half a foot whilst turning for some strange reason! (Am working on it ) Oooh will take a look at the universal, thanks!

 

[Derfette]

Have you got anywhere you can do some regular schooling, maybe lessons? I know it's nothing like hunting, but it's just another way to help him be lighter on your hands. I know I've mentioned NS bits before, but for general schooling, a Verbindend would be another good one to try. They are basically a loose ring snaffle with lozenge, but the mouthpiece is curved which helps to encourage the horse to push themselves along with their hindquarters instead of pulling themselves along and leaning?

 

[Rupert-the-bear]

Have been having a look at some of the NS bits and they do look very good!
We school regularly and have lessons and he is getting much better. He is quite downhill and on his forehand, and it has taken a while to get him to start working from behind after some pelvic issues and injuries that have now been fully resolved, but with his old owners was working from in front of the pelvis for so long due to a hidden injury that its been a case of educating him on how to work properly