Hunting for the first time - do you change bits?

[ImmyS]

I’m planning to start getting Arlo out to a few quieter hunt meets this autumn/winter and have found a lovely lady and sensible horse to go with and nanny us round as I have never been and Arlo has not been hunting at all.

I’m deliberating on what to do about bitting. He goes in an eggbutt snaffle currently for everything, hacking, schooling, beach ride, sponsored ride, xc schooling etc and I’ve never really had a problem. In those situations though he’s never really been in groups, even the sponsored ride I pootled round with one friend. We had a couple of group canters on the stubble over the summer and he got a bit onward bound but listened and could pull him up without a fuss. But I really have no idea how he is going to respond to a busier more stimulating experience!

Do people normally use something slightly stronger than usual as a safety net initially? And then go back to normal bit once assessed their horses reaction?

 

[popcorn1]

By what you have described I wouldn't personally, he will soon settle once he has had a few blasts anyway.

 

[be positive]

By what you have described I wouldn't personally, he will soon settle once he has had a few blasts anyway.

There is not always any 'blasting' involved in autumn hunting and even hunting properly may mean plenty of hanging about at the start and controlled moving about, a good hunter should be educated carefully early on so it does settle, can canter quietly if asked and be a nice ride without pulling the riders arms out for the first hour.

I think Arlo should be fine but if you are concerned and want to have a bit more control in case he does get strong it is the one time I would recommend a dutch gag, not my favourite bit but it has it's uses, you can start on the top ring and have much the same as normal or start down on the middle ring with the choice of easily going up or down if required, if you are happy with two reins it is even easier but most people prefer just one, if you can borrow one and try him in it, same mouthpiece as his normal bit, it will give you a little bit extra without him really feeling much difference, if he hates it at home then you can hunt in the snaffle.
I would nearly always put a martingale/ breastplate on so you have something to grab if needed, especially if you hog him.

Just to add the first time they are often a bit overwhelmed and may seem settled, the second and third times will be more telling as to how they will be longer term so do not assume that if he is good and quiet first time he will be the same or better the second, some are but some get steadily worse before they learn to settle.

 

[ImmyS]

There is not always any 'blasting' involved in autumn hunting and even hunting properly may mean plenty of hanging about at the start and controlled moving about, a good hunter should be educated carefully early on so it does settle, can canter quietly if asked and be a nice ride without pulling the riders arms out for the first hour.

I think Arlo should be fine but if you are concerned and want to have a bit more control in case he does get strong it is the one time I would recommend a dutch gag, not my favourite bit but it has it's uses, you can start on the top ring and have much the same as normal or start down on the middle ring with the choice of easily going up or down if required, if you are happy with two reins it is even easier but most people prefer just one, if you can borrow one and try him in it, same mouthpiece as his normal bit, it will give you a little bit extra without him really feeling much difference, if he hates it at home then you can hunt in the snaffle.
I would nearly always put a martingale/ breastplate on so you have something to grab if needed, especially if you hog him.

Just to add the first time they are often a bit overwhelmed and may seem settled, the second and third times will be more telling as to how they will be longer term so do not assume that if he is good and quiet first time he will be the same or better the second, some are but some get steadily worse before they learn to settle.

Thank you, that’s all really helpful to know. I will see if I can borrow another bit to try just so I have options. I always have a neck strap on, is that ok to use rather than breastplate/martingale?

 

[be positive]

A neckstrap is fine but they can slip so I prefer a breastplate, if he is hogged you definitely run the risk of it going up his neck so if you can add a loop to the saddle to keep it where you want it that may be a good idea.

 

[ester]

Something you can stick two reins on does at least give you an emergency option.

I never changed because I hacked F in a dutch gag anyway, for other reasons than stopping .

Great that you have a nanny, that definitely helps .

 

[ImmyS]

A neckstrap is fine but they can slip so I prefer a breastplate, if he is hogged you definitely run the risk of it going up his neck so if you can add a loop to the saddle to keep it where you want it that may be a good idea.

That’s a good idea, if I don’t hog him before first hunt is it ok to be unplaited if mane is tidy? Sorry, asking loads of questions now!

 

[ester]

yup if they are still on autumn hunting once you go.

 

[Fiona]

What about a bit you can use two reins on, and you can knot the second set of reins on his neck until you need it.

A Cheltenham gag with an eggbutt mouthpiece or a jointed Pelham.

Fiona

 

[Follysmum]

I use 2 different bits on one of my horses. If doing any endurance rides solo ( he gets very wound up and excited) I pop my 2 rein neue shule Pelham and it works a treat. At home he fine with a snaffle

 

[spacefaer]

That’s a good idea, if I don’t hog him before first hunt is it ok to be unplaited if mane is tidy? Sorry, asking loads of questions now!

You only need to plait for Opening Meet onwards, not for autumn hunting.

 

[Bs_mum]

Even my very experienced snaffle mouth hunters go out the first couple of times in a dutch gag with 2 reins. One of the snaffle, one on the last ring. I tie a knot in the bottom ring rein usually just above the breastplate and ride on the snaffle but the rein is there if I need it. The atmosphere hunting is different to any other event you will attend. There’s a buzz in the air, especially in the beginning of the season and the horses know. Can make the safest horses have a bit of spark!

 

[Annagain]

I'd go for a dutch gag with two reins. If you put the top rein on the big ring, it won't be much different from a normal snaffle but you'll have an emergency handbrake if you need it. You can tie the bottom pair on his neck if you don't need it.

 

[Bernster]

I'm a wuss and tend to err on the cautious side (even though my horses tend not be sharp anyway as I don't get on with fast ones!), so yes I do change bits for the first few outings - from a lozenge snaffle to the universal on the lower ring, with a martingale and flash. I have him in a grackle now for jumping so need to check if that's ok to use with a running martingale or not. Although tbh I've found it's not really necessary as long as you go with the field as mine doesn't tend to overtake and stops when everyone else stops, but it's nice to have it so that I can bring him back quicker if I need to.

It's brilliant fun and if you've done and enjoyed sp rides etc., it's a really good thing to do next. Green ribbon in his tail to show he's a first timer. Post in the hunting page, if you haven't already, to get other tips

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Thank you, that’s all really helpful to know. I will see if I can borrow another bit to try just so I have options. I always have a neck strap on, is that ok to use rather than breastplate/martingale?

If you dont use a martingale or breastplate then use a leather shoelace to attach your neck strap to a front d ring on your saddle. A neckstrap on it's own can (and has) caused problems if horse puts head down and neck strap goes too.......

 

[Regandal]

I learned the hard way that nice, sensible horses can get a bit onward-bound when hunting. My old IDx ‘took’ me hunting in a French link snaffle, despite being advised to put him in a gag. I lasted an hour and a half.......

 

[ImmyS]

If you dont use a martingale or breastplate then use a leather shoelace to attach your neck strap to a front d ring on your saddle. A neckstrap on it's own can (and has) caused problems if horse puts head down and neck strap goes too.......

Thank you, good tip!

 

[ImmyS]

I learned the hard way that nice, sensible horses can get a bit onward-bound when hunting. My old IDx ‘took’ me hunting in a French link snaffle, despite being advised to put him in a gag. I lasted an hour and a half.......

Oh dear, I’m sure that’s quite common occurance! I’m thinking a Stronger bit with two reins might be a good option so I have options!

 

[ihatework]

I would honestly put a breastplate on. Better to have it there and not need it than to wish you had just as the saddle is shifting

 

[ester]

Me too TBH.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Yes, first time I went hunting I used a french link gag with 2 reins.He was in a french link snaffle so knew he didn't mind the mouth piece. Horse liked the bit and was very well behaved, as well as the bottom rein being there if I required extra breaks which did happen a few times when the entire field blasted off in a bog.. and we kept very steady!

 

[ImmyS]

Thank you, breastplate has been ordered! Don’t want to take any risks

 

[Lintel]

Our first hunting outing I put the Hipo in a gag, just incase. He has always been ridden snaffle and we didn't actually need it but I liked the security of it being there.

I also put an "oh sh*t" strap round his neck!

 

[irishdraft]

I would always put a stronger bit in for first few times out hunting . I've seen too many people out of control then say oh he does everything in a snaffle . Its no fun being tanked about . If horse is fine then you can always go back to your usual bit.

 

[Upthecreek]

Always best to have some ‘insurance’ as I have seen even the most laid back horses go nuts out hunting. As others have said, they are often well behaved the first couple times before they really know what it’s all about, but after a few times and when the adrenalin kicks in they can suddenly become a different beast. A gag with rein options if you need them is perfect and definitely a breastplate. I always like to attach a martingale to stop the reins going over the head if I were to fall off.

 

[SOS]

100% go for a stronger option bit unless the horse is particularly sensitive in the mouth. However your days hunting is not the place to try a new bit for the first time. There is unknown terrain/speed and you must have control for you, your horses and everyone else’s safety. Hack/ride/jump in it a little before you go, some horses can act adversely to too strong a bit and you don’t want to find that out whilst holding them back on the hunting field or when walking quietly through a gate/past wire!

 

[ImmyS]

100% go for a stronger option bit unless the horse is particularly sensitive in the mouth. However your days hunting is not the place to try a new bit for the first time. There is unknown terrain/speed and you must have control for you, your horses and everyone else’s safety. Hack/ride/jump in it a little before you go, some horses can act adversely to too strong a bit and you don’t want to find that out whilst holding them back on the hunting field or when walking quietly through a gate/past wire!

Hi thank you, yes would definitely give any bit a fair trial before so I know he is comfortable but responsive in it. He’s not strong but not particularly sensitive either.

 

[ester]

The trouble with welshies, and their ilk is they do have necks which they are very adept at setting when you'd rather they didn't on occasion .
Hunting was the best days we ever had though, Frank loved it and while not perfect was pretty good. It did amuse me when he bounced through a gateway after a short road stretch desperate to follow and charge up the stubble field, and then rounded the corner to discover it went up, and up a bit more and decided keeping up wasn't as important as he initially thought and trotted .
Hopefully Arlo is even better behaved

 

[ImmyS]

The trouble with welshies, and their ilk is they do have necks which they are very adept at setting when you'd rather they didn't on occasion .
Hunting was the best days we ever had though, Frank loved it and while not perfect was pretty good. It did amuse me when he bounced through a gateway after a short road stretch desperate to follow and charge up the stubble field, and then rounded the corner to discover it went up, and up a bit more and decided keeping up wasn't as important as he initially thought and trotted .
Hopefully Arlo is even better behaved

I think Arlo will be much the same, keen and up for it until he realises there’s hard work involved! 😆

 

[TheHairyOne]

After my experience I would! I ride my lad in a loose ring french link snaffle for everything which had included large group hacking, the beach, sponsored rides at speed, xc etc. He's a bit of a lazy boy normally and he utterly buggered off with me and then wouldnt pull up with everyone else. Was dangerous so I left. Sadly havent had the chance to take him again but if I do will be in a cheltenham gag in the hopes of having some brakes! Least he waa polite enough I still had steering...