Just got back from having my arms pulled out!

[QueenDee_]

Took my mare hunting this morning and just couldn't hold her, can manage her excitement but she kept putting her head down between her knees and pulled constantly/as soon as I sat up pulled me down and out the saddle. Foolishly took her in a snaffle and martingale so hoping someone can give me some suggestions as to what to take her in next time? I know she'll get better the more I take her but just didn't feel in control as over excited and strong as she was

Any suggestions welcome someone also suggested giving her some calmer just to take the edge off next time then she'd perhaps settle easier but don't know whether the adrenaline would just override it:/

 

[AmyMay]

Kimblewick. Smashing little bit which should give you oodles of breaks.

I would never, ever give a calmer to a horse going hunting.

 

[QueenDee_]

What sort action does it have?

 

[AmyMay]

It has a curb chain and some have a ported mouthpiece.

 

[glamourpuss]

If she's putting her head down then I'm not sure about a kimblewick TBH, surely that has a leverage effect?
I'd be tempted to try an elevator bit http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=67 with 2 reins so you can ride her on the 'snaffle' rein when she is behaving

 

[AmyMay]

I kimblewick won't necessarily exaggerate the head down action. It very much depends on the rider.

 

[Cortez]

Given the choice between a really quite severe snaffle (elevator) and a very mild curb with practically 0 leverage (the kimblewick), I'd most definitely plump for the kimblewick.

 

[Shysmum]

kimblewick here too.

 

[frannieuk]

I kimblewick won't necessarily exaggerate the head down action. It very much depends on the rider.

I agree with this- a kimblewick would be a good place to start imo and it doesn't give you the bother of double reins.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Kimblewick or Waterford for the head down and leaning. I stopped my mare doing this with a tom-thumb bit, she was in a snaffle for everything except company , bring out with other galloping blew her brain everything else she was fine in a snaffle to compete

 

[springtime1331]

Cheltenham gag, that would help keep her head up.

 

[Red-1]

Hi,

I like the Kimblewick, but would try it out at home first if your horse is not used to a curb chain.

I used to have a horse that was in a snaffle for everything except hunting. For that I had a Cheltenham Gag with 2 reins. With that it was a snaffle, was a snaffle, was a snaffle, holey moley that was sharp I think I will slow down, was a snaffle, was a snaffle.......

I guess it depends very much on the rider and weather you are happy in 2 reins. I know a few people who hunt in a double, so again most of the time they have a snaffle, with a bit more up their sleeve if needed.

I think the Kimblewick is the best if you prefer one rein. Also a Waterford if you can trust yourself to let go when the horse does not need a pull!