I need a new bit...

[Tiarella]

Because Doug has become so strong in his mouth & jaw I officially have no control over him at all!

At the moment he is in a loose ring snaffle which does nothing. I have a eggbutt snaffle with french link i could try on him or would that not really make any difference? He is like a mini tank he gets very very strong then just runs off with you in all directions!

I dont really want a gag though as he doesnt need any poll pressure on him, but something that will make him respect the bit a lot more.

Any ideas?

Thankies

 

[Erehwemos]

Vulcanite Pelham - or, if he is quite sensitive mouthed, a Happy Mouth Pelham. But if you use either, you MUST use the curb chain, albeit correctly fitted and not too tight!

I used a Vulcanite on Mickey when I had him; he was so strong, but it really made a difference. I also have jumped Ellie in a Happy Mouth in the past - although more for being able to get her underneath me as opposed to more brakes (as she isnt strong at all) - both are excellent bits, used correctly

 

[michaelj]

Hanging cheek snaffle?
That gives me enough control on bobby

x

 

[Kate260881]

Kimblewick

 

[Tiarella]

He doesnt have a sensitive mouth at all, infact quite the opposite

I could try a pelham but does it have the same effect when used with roundings instead of two reins?

What sort of effect does a kimblewick have?

Im so clueless about bits!

I only ever really use snaffles

 

[teddyt]

pelhams, kimblewicks and hanging cheek snaffles all have poll pressure, to varying degrees. So if you dont want poll pressure none of these will help. Does he grab hold of the bit or lean? Waterfords can be quite useful for horses that do, and no poll pressure. Also the thinner the mouthpiece the 'stronger' the bit as the pressure is on a smaller area so you could try a thinner mouthed snaffle? Most horses accept bits with links better than single joints because they are less likely to pinch tongue and bruise roof of mouth.
You could also think anout different nosebands, such as a kineton, in conjunction with a snaffle.

 

[annret]

How old is he? If you've been in a simple-jointed snaffle up till now, I would really hesitate to step it up a gear to something with masses of poll pressure -
I would have a prowl on ebay for a 'sprenger turnado' - I really can't believe how well they work, they just seem to create such softness/communication. I picked up one for about £6 and it's fabulous.
http://www.shop4bits.com/item--Sprenger-...588+-+16mm.html

Teddyt's advice is really very good, above, and I'd second the thinner bit option - something like a french link bradoon.

I would also think about something with a link that serves to communicate - something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BNWT-Copper-Traini...%3A1|240%3A1318
Horses tend to pay attention to the isolated ball in the middle very well and again you're avoiding poll pressure by working on the tongue. Also, that particular one's copper so he may enjoy the taste more.

Good luck, anyway!