I rode a giraffe today.. HELP!?

[JustKickOn]

At least it felt like I was riding a giraffe, at points.

The bit the horse I ride is ridden in is a D-ring copper-roller snaffle, and she's also ridden with a market harborough.

On the roads she is ok, she can be strong at times but she is usually alright, but when we get to an open space her head goes up and she seems to think that she's a race horse. Today I did make her walk round the field in walk after she had gone off, much to her disgust and snorts of protest and attempts at jogging.
Sometimes it's fun if you want to go fast but, like today, I didn't and had some difficultly pulling her up and getting her calmed down again.

Having the market harborough means whenever I pull on the reins a bit more than usual, it brings her head down too meaning she can't avoid the bit, but when her head goes high enough this isn't really effective.

I'm not sure if it a habit she has been allowed to do by the person who rode before me, or something else, but I would love to be able to ride her in an open space without her thinking she can choose the speed.

I don't think changing her bit would be an option (I'd have to discuss with her owner first), so does anyone have any advice on how I can get her listening to me more in an open space?
(There is no arena at current yard and can't ride in field at the moment, although 15-20 hack away there is an arena for hire, but basic schooling is still difficult to achieve)

Sorry if that didn't make sense, if there are any particular questions, do ask.
Many thanks
Lizzie

 

[Tao]

My 17hh horse used to do the same, i have found that a magnetic head piece that runs over his pole has resolved this behavour for me. (don't ask me why?) but a few times out with it on and he is a changed animal, it has also calmed him down at comps too.
The great thing is that he has lost none of his playfulness, it has just made him more focused.
I wouldn't change the bit unless you REALLY have to, going back to basics with schooling should be your first route,or hacking with a calm horse to be an example for her. As the stronger the bit the less feeling the horse will give you in it's mouth and can create problems down the line.
Hope this helps x

 

[cellie]

I have a giraffe too and my instructor put her in harbridge very similiar to mh attaches to bit then runs to girth with elastic panels.Works on same principle as mh but you dont have to keep pulling on bit as head position is in the right place.Its worked really well on our new mare and helped her work in correct outline ,she is now building up some top line she had upside down ewe neck.The big benifit is it prevents her evading and rushing off.