New bit and noseband?

[verient]

At the moment I have my pony in a french link snaffle and grackle noseband. I'd like to change this though because I don't think it's really making any changes for the better. He's quite reluctant to work in an outline and tends to grab the bit. He is quite strong and can get very silly. He definately needs his gob strapped shut in some way because he opens his mouth and tanks off otherwise! I don't want anything severe...just something that may help us. I also have a habit of using my hands to much so is there anything that can also help that? I don't really know much about this sort of stuff lol.

 

[kerilli]

a full cheek bit with keepers (figure of 8 leather loops from the cheek pieces, round the tops of the bit cheeks) will stay totally stable in his mouth, a lot of horses really like this. i'd put it with a drop noseband, fitted so it sits 4 fingers' width above the top of the nostril, with at least 1 finger's width in the chin groove, it shouldn't be tighter, can be looser and just as effective. either a single-joint bit or a double-joint one, depends which he prefers... my personal preference (and i haven't found a horse yet that doesn't like it) is a myler comfort snaffle 02 mouthpiece no hooks, with full cheeks.
as far as your hands are concerned, do you wiggle them around, or do you get too strong with them?
holding a thin whip across horizontal under your thumbs as you ride can help a lot.

if he's reluctant to work in an outline, i would always try to rule out physical reasons - get teeth, back and saddle checked. if one of those is uncomfy, his hollowness might well be a symptom, not just naughtiness.
best of luck!

 

[Turkishdesperado]

I'm a huge fan of Happy Mouth bits. I use a peanut roller happy mouth gag to stop my girl leaning on the bit. She loves this bit and it gives me great brakes. I agree with the drop noseband, although I wouldn't go changing too much at once. If there's a bit bank near you you could always try that???? As for your hands, if you're concerned you're a bit heavy try the Flexi Rein Training Aid. It's quite expensive but you can get them off eBay cheaper!!!