Market Harborough?

[poiuytrewq]

Not something I'm at all familiar with so after some thoughts.
I'm going to bring back into work a strong little cob. V forward going with a tendancy to go giraffe like if allowed (he go's beautifully schooling etc) . He was always in a gag (3 ring) but last summer i swapped to a hanging cheek snaffle with a lozenge. Cantering out in the open or jumping this isnt enough really, Its fine otherwise.
Id personally like to stick with the snaffle rather than revert to the gag and a Market Harborough was suggested.

 

[JillA]

I used to like them, they are one of those gadgets that only come into play when the horse needs them. Like anything else have to be properly adjusted and TBH a running martingale, properly adjusted will probably do a similar job

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I used to like them, they are one of those gadgets that only come into play when the horse needs them. Like anything else have to be properly adjusted and TBH a running martingale, properly adjusted will probably do a similar job

If they lean, then the MH (correctly fitted) will prevent them leaning on you at the point of out of control, it's got a similar action to the running martingale but once the upwards trajectory of the head reaches the limit as set on the MH, the horse has no give, whereas with the RM, the rider can still give to the horse.
OP, the MH is a useful bit of kit when fitted correctly on a horse or pony and does resolve some problems. I used to drag one of mine a few yrs ago, after 2 meets I was able to return to an American gag with a RM fitted
Another was ridden in a snaffle but I felt the MH was a suitable addition in company, it did the job - this was an over enthusiastic giraffe cob !

 

[Bav]

If fitted correctly it’s a good bit of kit but a lot of people, I’ve found, are uneducated in regards to it. A friend had one on her horse very successfully, but was very rudely spoken to at a local competition by two other competitors and their entourage telling her you should never ever jump a horse in one...

 

[case895]

I have just stopped using one as it has done its job. I used to spend 30 mins getting my horse to stop hollowing and then get 10 mins good work from him. The arguing meant that the wrong muscles were getting more of a work out. The MH gradually turned that ratio around and developed the right muscles. He also got used to working correctly and it became the norm. Recently I took it away as it's not needed.

 

[Magnetic Sparrow]

I used one for a horse who fancied himself as a giraffe, got really strong and then bogged off. I was able to use a much kinder bit as the Market Harborough meant I didn't lose control as easily. I absolutely loved it.

 

[LadySam]

Very useful piece of kit with the RoRs. As you can imagine we get horses who are strong, forward and like to giraffe. As we are also teaching them to have a new relationship with the bit we really want to stay snaffle mouthed. So MH it is.

As others have said, it needs to be correctly fitted, so if you're unfamiliar please do your homework first and get some fitting advice if you need to. It's also best used as a temporary training aid rather than a permanent state of affairs.

 

[monte1]

I have just stopped using one as it has done its job. I used to spend 30 mins getting my horse to stop hollowing and then get 10 mins good work from him. The arguing meant that the wrong muscles were getting more of a work out. The MH gradually turned that ratio around and developed the right muscles. He also got used to working correctly and it became the norm. Recently I took it away as it's not needed.

Like you I recently used one, initially under the advice and guidance of my lovely trainer, well, i have to say it has worked wonders for both of us.
my chap has been going through a very backwards and evasive stage, nothing at all physical just 7 year old big moving irish horse with teenage attitude, decides doesn't like or want to do something and throws toys out of pram big time and my default go to reaction when he wont go forward was clamping on, kicking, and also just dreadful involuntary rein fiddling, none of which were working ( obviously!)

so, to help me have less busy and stiller hands and to not have so much to deal with she suggested the MH with the proviso that he is always going forward from behind into a soft hand. ( he wasn't at this stage really going forward from spurs or whip 0 in fact just shutting down, so i ended up with a sort of bit of wip w0p rope to wiggle by the wither along with a quiet forward leg aid and it has really helped him to think forwards without me having to resort to huge messy reactions ( anyway i am getting a bit off topic

I was a bit sceptical about MH to be honest as generally i don't "do gadgets" but the fact that he had a sensible framework to work within and couldn't evade, grab rein etc meant my hands remains stiller and i could just concentrate on my position and asking for forward.

i used every time i rode - to hack, school and even jump a little for about two or three weeks and I have to say it has been a revelation. we now don't need it, he still has a bit of attitude at times, but a little gentle left or right flexion on the rein generally gets his attention back and he settles again. my hands are stiller

I am starting to get some lovely soft forward work from him when on my own schooling or out hacking as well as during a lesson, which for me is just amazing. he is connecting over his back and carrying himself so much better.
my trainer schooled him last week for me as i was away and she was very impressed as had not had a sit on him for couple months, said he was much more off the leg in all paces and not leaning on either rein really starting to develop self carriage, so we must be doing something right

so to cut along story short i have become a fan of MH

 

[Joyous70]

As others have said a useful bit of kit if used correctly.

I was advised to use one on my mare, who has a tendancy to giraffe and due to her breeding is very baroque, I have to say I have only been using it a week or so and am not a fan of gadgets, but it really is helping, plus I feel a little more in control, and have been able to keep her in a snaffle, as I didn't want to put her in anything stronger.