Leaning on the bit

[skydancer]

My horse is currently ridden in a dutch gag on the third ring- harsh you might think but she has been known to bolt! She goes really well in this but when we trot or canter she appears to lean on the bit and powers forward. I have been recommended a waterford gag because as i said she goes well in the gag and apparently the waterford will stop her leaning. Please dont say more schooling is required because she is an ex hunter who absolutely hates schoolin but is the boldest hack out there! do any of you ride in this bit or recommend one that can stop her leaning as the bitting world is a bit of a minefield
Thanks guys

 

[skydancer]

BUMP - Chocolates for anyone who helps???

 

[galacasinoking]

My welsh cob was like this. He never bolted but was fast and strong and I tried a huge number of bits but could not stop him leaning and taking the bit. I tried grackles, flashes, dutch gags (which made him worse!) various snaffles with different mouth peices, including the waterford and dr bristol. Also tried a dutch gag with pelham roundings. He seemed happy in nothing and I had no control. The only bit I had a bit of control in was a tom thumb bit, but even with this he still was not happy.
You might think Im bonkers, but I suggest trying an english hackamore. I did this and I am never going back. My horse has developed a hard mouth over years of strong bits (not from me!) so this works brilliantly. I gallop in fields and he pulls up straight away - with a bit I found myself in a constant fight! I jump him in it and I find the slightest touch of the rein and he 'comes back' to me. I hack out in it and school in it. He works in an outline brilliantly and hes totally relaxed in it.
Highly recommended!

 

[Birker2020]

I'm guessing you have been down the avenue of getting her teeth checked? do you reward the horse by giving with your contact when she does come down into a contact? Are you sure she has no physical problems which are causing her to run onto her forehand and run away with you, i.e ill fitting saddle, pain in back, hocks, etc?

My horse goes really well jumping wise in a pelham but I've refined my choice of bit to a NS trans angled lozenge as it is kinder for his mouth. He respects a hanging cheek snaffle more than a loose ring single jointed snaffle for schooling even though the loose ring is desinged to prevent leaning which for him isn't effective. I'm guessing that's because he responds to poll pressure better. All horses are different I guess and what bit works for one may not work for another. Once you find a bit your horse is comfortable in the difference is amazing.