Need brakes - bit suggestions please!

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kit279

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So I have a TB that schools nicely but gets quite excited out hacking and doesn't really listen to his loose ring snaffle... or me! He's a lovely boy and won't rear/nap/buck but he needs brakes big time and is inclined to bury his head down a bit. I'm currently trying him in a Neue Schule Universal Lozenge bit but I'd welcome any suggestions as they're not currently making that bit in the right size for him (6 1/2).

So, my gut feeling is that he needs a gag of some sort, not a pelham, because he's not the brightest horse and will put his head down and crash into branches and things occasionally.

I like the Universal as it's a half way house and I don't feel like I'm bitting him up to the nines but I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences with them.
 
I have had exactly the same problem with my big strong lad.

From advice on here from Kerilli I tried him in a Waterford with a flash noseband. It really helped, and our fast work became much more controlled.
 
My horse loves the NS Uni lozenge bit. What about a 3 ring FL gag? If he puts his head down (like my boy does) the only thing is a gag or perhaps a waterford of some kind.

I had my horse in a full cheek waterford, but it was too small and I couldnt get a bigger one.

I have a similar problem to you, my horse needs 6 1/2 and they are nearly impossible to get. Have you tried shop4bits in case they have any in stock?
 
Yes, the largest they had was a 6 1/4" unfortunately - apparently the company changed hands and is behind with the less popular sizes..:(

Hadn't thought about the flash for some reason - will definitely give that a go.
 
My pony goes really well in the NS Universal, feels really good in it
smile.gif
 
My TB goes well in a 3 ring dutch gag for fast work, no flash, he hates that. I asked in my local tack shop for a 5 and a quarter and they had one specially made for him.
 
Waterfords are good because they can't actually grab hold of them to tank off in the first place. Maybe just a loosering waterford, or even a waterford gag on the top or middle ring?
Flashes are also good, they find it harder to evade the bit. Try a flash first, I prefer to go up nosebands then to go up bits first. (horse dependant of course)
Izzi xx
 
second the myler - my tank is much happier and controllable in the myler correctional ported snaffle with hooks that offer a little leverage and it fits his fat tongue...........
well worth the money and shop4bits do a trial on them!
 
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