Meowy Catkin
Meow!
Brilliant progress. 
Next bit up from french link - nappy horse
- Thread starter CobSunshine
- Start date
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
Did the run of doom on Saturday and couldnt get him down it by myself 
Used all techniques on here but at a certain point he spun and trotted away back in homeward bound direction. Managed to stop him, turn around and start to head back towards other horses who'd carried on as instructed. 30 seconds later spun again, whip out to side or waving it about didnt stop him, nor did tight circles he was too strong.
Pulled him up 100 meters down the bridleway and boyfriend attached lead rope to side of bit, he became good as gold and was lead down the "nasty section" uncoupled him after the styal and rest of ride was faultless.
One thing I didnt do is actually use the whip on him as such as I was trying the waving to the side technique.
Obviously I dont want to whip him for being naughty as hes trotting in the wrong direction as I guess this would make him worse and tapping on shoulder is hard as the whips so long
Where would you bring in using the whip for saying "dont be naughty" in above scenario,and how would you use it?
Used all techniques on here but at a certain point he spun and trotted away back in homeward bound direction. Managed to stop him, turn around and start to head back towards other horses who'd carried on as instructed. 30 seconds later spun again, whip out to side or waving it about didnt stop him, nor did tight circles he was too strong.
Pulled him up 100 meters down the bridleway and boyfriend attached lead rope to side of bit, he became good as gold and was lead down the "nasty section" uncoupled him after the styal and rest of ride was faultless.
One thing I didnt do is actually use the whip on him as such as I was trying the waving to the side technique.
Obviously I dont want to whip him for being naughty as hes trotting in the wrong direction as I guess this would make him worse and tapping on shoulder is hard as the whips so long
Where would you bring in using the whip for saying "dont be naughty" in above scenario,and how would you use it?
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
I would slap his shoulder with the whip as soon as I feel him *thinking* about trying to turn around. I would tap/slap the shoulder that he goes towards. So if he always turns to the right, I would carry the whip in my right hand. You need to stop him from turning, so then you never get to the 'trotting back home' situation.
La Fiaba
Well-Known Member
I once had a horse that was strong as an ox who could be nappy. Once he took off with me home, no way I could have pulled him up so I kicked him on and cantered him all the way home (it was farmland not roads!) when we got home, straight in the school 20 mins cantering round then back out again. He tried it again so this time half an hour in the school and back out. Never did it again.
On a side note I notice someone suggested it could be pain related - please dont rule this out just because saddle is ok. My mare started to nap in a similar way to yours earlier this year, turned out to be in foal! Not suggested your boy is a miracle of nature
but just saying maybe have a think outside the box as to why hes started to misbehave. Hope you get it sorted soon
On a side note I notice someone suggested it could be pain related - please dont rule this out just because saddle is ok. My mare started to nap in a similar way to yours earlier this year, turned out to be in foal! Not suggested your boy is a miracle of nature
but just saying maybe have a think outside the box as to why hes started to misbehave. Hope you get it sorted soon Ranyhyn
Well-Known Member
Good idea!! Make home the place where hard work continues, not stops!! That'll soon make him think twice about wanting to be home!
*but may make him nappy coming out of his stable! 
*but may make him nappy coming out of his stable!
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
UPDATE
a week later with boyfriend in tow in case leading required.
He didnt nap once at any part of the ride, flawless down the bridleway of doom.
Combo of new bit/longer whip/firmer+more authoritive ridings style when needed/use of whip to discourage turning around/leading him in hand last week showing him nothing scary after nappy bit
Its worked whatever ive done
Thanks again all
a week later with boyfriend in tow in case leading required.
He didnt nap once at any part of the ride, flawless down the bridleway of doom.
Combo of new bit/longer whip/firmer+more authoritive ridings style when needed/use of whip to discourage turning around/leading him in hand last week showing him nothing scary after nappy bit
Its worked whatever ive done Thanks again all
noblesteed
Well-Known Member
Yay!!!! Well done!!!!
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
Yay!
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
*update*
even more progress.
He's never hacked out alone, he simply wont even leave the yard.
What he will do is follow the boyfriend who he trusts, its quite funny when the BF stops he stops, one step forward horse takes one step forward, BF jogs horse trots LOL
For the first time ever on Sunday he willingly went in front of BF who walked behind and lead the way the entire ride. Its like ive got a new horse
Found the growling more firmer voice worked wonders to initially get him in front of BF and leading the way himself.
even more progress.
He's never hacked out alone, he simply wont even leave the yard.
What he will do is follow the boyfriend who he trusts, its quite funny when the BF stops he stops, one step forward horse takes one step forward, BF jogs horse trots LOL
For the first time ever on Sunday he willingly went in front of BF who walked behind and lead the way the entire ride. Its like ive got a new horse
Found the growling more firmer voice worked wonders to initially get him in front of BF and leading the way himself.
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
Fantastic progress.
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
*************************UPDATE***********************
So the full cheek french link has helped with his steering 10 fold, but his brakes arn't always brilliant. Usually the time when brakes are most important he'll lean on the French Link and plough straight through.
So far its not been an issue, but when he's having one of his days he can still quite easily lean through it. On Sunday he stepped out into an oncoming car when crossing the road. The car stopped with plenty of time, but it was a wakeup call I need something to stop him and keep him stopped.
I didnt fancy going straight to a curb chain style bit, or pelham etc which gives many times the levarage over the hands.
I had a look at the entire range of full cheek bits to maintain the steering aspect, and the waterford stood out by a mile
There is a lot of conflicting info about it online, some say its ultra severe, and some say in quiet hands can be quite mild. For brakes most concur though that it falls apart if the horse tries to lean on it,
I guess a stronger bit which gets the results is better than pulling at the mouth on a french link to no avail.
He accepted the bit no problem, on the first couple of brakes tossed his head around a lot to try and avoid it. After 5 stops he was responding beautifully to it and coming to a perfect halt.
Riding felt VERY different his head carriage was a lot more natural with a relaxed motion, almost as if unbeknown to me he's always slightly slightly leaned on the french link in everyday motion. Then fully leant on it to get his own way and barge through it. He played with the bit a lot and got a good soft mouth and towards the end of the first ride with it, only subtle, quiet feedback on the reins was needed for a response.
Anyone else tried a Waterford?
I love it
So the full cheek french link has helped with his steering 10 fold, but his brakes arn't always brilliant. Usually the time when brakes are most important he'll lean on the French Link and plough straight through.
So far its not been an issue, but when he's having one of his days he can still quite easily lean through it. On Sunday he stepped out into an oncoming car when crossing the road. The car stopped with plenty of time, but it was a wakeup call I need something to stop him and keep him stopped.
I didnt fancy going straight to a curb chain style bit, or pelham etc which gives many times the levarage over the hands.
I had a look at the entire range of full cheek bits to maintain the steering aspect, and the waterford stood out by a mile
There is a lot of conflicting info about it online, some say its ultra severe, and some say in quiet hands can be quite mild. For brakes most concur though that it falls apart if the horse tries to lean on it,
I guess a stronger bit which gets the results is better than pulling at the mouth on a french link to no avail.
He accepted the bit no problem, on the first couple of brakes tossed his head around a lot to try and avoid it. After 5 stops he was responding beautifully to it and coming to a perfect halt.
Riding felt VERY different his head carriage was a lot more natural with a relaxed motion, almost as if unbeknown to me he's always slightly slightly leaned on the french link in everyday motion. Then fully leant on it to get his own way and barge through it. He played with the bit a lot and got a good soft mouth and towards the end of the first ride with it, only subtle, quiet feedback on the reins was needed for a response.
Anyone else tried a Waterford?
I love it
Last edited:
Flummoxed
Well-Known Member
I've only just seen this thread and had a smile to myself as this sounds so like my Section D's attitude! He always knows best (he thinks).
I am glad that you have been able to work through your issues.
Bitwise, I use a loose ring snaffle, although I did also try a fulmer for a while before reverting. Maybe I'll have a look at the Waterford.
I am glad that you have been able to work through your issues.
Bitwise, I use a loose ring snaffle, although I did also try a fulmer for a while before reverting. Maybe I'll have a look at the Waterford.
angel7
Well-Known Member
Glad you've made such excellent progress and found bit that works.
I wouldn't dismiss a mullen mouth rubber pelham and curb with two reins, it can be a very useful aid on jowely thick necked cobs who like to set their necks. I find the cheeks help with turning the tight circles and I can pick up the curb rein for more stopping power if needed.
If he's diving his head to the floor consider a bit with a raising action.
Well done and kick on!!
I wouldn't dismiss a mullen mouth rubber pelham and curb with two reins, it can be a very useful aid on jowely thick necked cobs who like to set their necks. I find the cheeks help with turning the tight circles and I can pick up the curb rein for more stopping power if needed.
If he's diving his head to the floor consider a bit with a raising action.
Well done and kick on!!
CBFan
Well-Known Member
I think you've had some fabulous advice - long may it continue - I rode a mare as a teenager who used to spin and bolt for home - despite pelham, martingale and flash (please don't slate me - she wasnt mine and it was a very long time ago)I had to learn VERY quickly how to ride her and catch her before the spin or I was pretty much doomed! lol!
Glad your boy is responding - and yes, I really like the full cheek waterford - I have my big CB boy in one for hacking and he seems to like it too I use it with keepers... do you?
Glad your boy is responding - and yes, I really like the full cheek waterford - I have my big CB boy in one for hacking and he seems to like it too
I use it with keepers... do you?
Passtheshampoo
Well-Known Member
Well done for perservering and asking for help. I too have a nappy horse and having just given her 3 months off whilst I've been raising a litter of puppies, now back in ridden work she's back to her old tricks. I've obviously got to reassert my authority again as you have done. I too go down the route I know she'll be a pain as I'd rather confront the problem than avoid that route so we don't have a fall out. You'll probably find your boy will always have a tendancy to nap but hopefully once you have confidence in yourself more so will he.
CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
Oh I also upgraded my whip to a bright pink one in the Robinsons sale, he really notices it now when I stick it out
Flummoxed my Dentist told me large palleted cobs dont like the action of a snaffle as it pokes them in the roof of their mouth, so a flat french link is more suitable. I'd definetely give the waterford consideration if your section D starts knowing best too often LOL
I looked at the fulmer bits but didnt like the idea of having to use a bit gaurd and it pinching his lips, so prefer the fixed d rings of a full cheek.
Thanks for the other suggestions Angel, his head carriage is perfect now, really shocked by how different he rides with nothing to lean on.
CBFan + FPErin, I don't know where i'd be without this forum, seriously got me back on track as and when needed. Advice has been supurb. I've not tried it with keepers, it seems to fit quite well.
I've gone from
Happy mouth snaffle
Happy mouth french link
JP curve sweet iron french link
JP curve full cheek french link
full cheek waterford
Each time a brilliant progression, and trying to progress only one step at a time. As opposed to mild > ultra severe with no in between if it doesnt work.
Flummoxed my Dentist told me large palleted cobs dont like the action of a snaffle as it pokes them in the roof of their mouth, so a flat french link is more suitable. I'd definetely give the waterford consideration if your section D starts knowing best too often LOL
I looked at the fulmer bits but didnt like the idea of having to use a bit gaurd and it pinching his lips, so prefer the fixed d rings of a full cheek.
Thanks for the other suggestions Angel, his head carriage is perfect now, really shocked by how different he rides with nothing to lean on.
CBFan + FPErin, I don't know where i'd be without this forum, seriously got me back on track as and when needed. Advice has been supurb. I've not tried it with keepers, it seems to fit quite well.
I've gone from
Happy mouth snaffle
Happy mouth french link
JP curve sweet iron french link
JP curve full cheek french link
full cheek waterford
Each time a brilliant progression, and trying to progress only one step at a time. As opposed to mild > ultra severe with no in between if it doesnt work.
rosiejones
Active Member
Although it may be possible to ride or longline through the sticky spot successfully, at the moment your not getting that and each time he practices the habit it's becoming more ingrained. That's whi I'd suggest getting off before there's a problem and get g back on after there is likely to be. After a few rides like that, get back on somewhere in the sticky spit ride a few small circles and get off again. It's all about getting control jf his feet and developing a work ethic but there is no point getting stubborn instead of smart, you don't want him to have any more chances to develop his napping technique as you develop yours. Good luck
rosiejones
Active Member
Gosh sorry I only read your op not the other replies and now realised my advice prob not relevant if you did manage to ride through successfully, sorry!