oh for bits sake !!!

If he's chewing, what about giving him something to chew/mouth on? Just found these quickly on Robisons
http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/saddles-tack/bits/sweet-iron-cper-roller-bradoon.html

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/saddles-tack/bits/l-ring-cherry-roller-snaffle.html

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/saddles-tack/bits/jointed-l-ring-mouthing-bit.html

Apologies if you've tried these. Also you mention he's too strong for a Hackamore? Is there anyway you could get someone out to help school him to be ridden through the seat more, so you could perhaps try a hackamore when he works from your seat?

I like having something for a horse to mouth on as I find it helps keep them concentrated.

Have you had a few lessons to see what an instructor recommends?

I hope you find something that works for him.
 
What type is your horse? I've got an Irish cob x who I've had since a 5 year old - I suspect he road raced sadly so has also "driven" like yours.
It's taken me a lot of bits, the edt and playing around with our schooling to find he goes nicely in a cambridge snaffle and me riding properly with my seat or a Kimblewick for more fun occasions! Its handy having the same mouth piece. He's got quite a fleshy tongue so is much happier with a port.
 
I would have his wolf teeth out before anything else. Wolf teeth float and are not attached to the jaw bone making it very painful if knocked. Even if the bit is not touching them your horse may anticipate that this may happen.
My youngster had his out earlier this year as one was set forward from the molars and would have caused him pain. I then gave him three weeks off from the bit. Also are his tushes through yet?
My vet charged £100 to sedate and remove his wolf teeth taking about 10 minutes.
Following that I think going back to basics and some re-schooling would benefit him greatly.
 
Driving bits are not strog unless used on the strong settings, they can be as mild as any other bit. Like every bit, they are only as harsh as the hands that use them.
 
I read a thread earlier where Wagtail had success on a fussy sensitive mouthed house using a bomber
I have a myler I would sell. Can't remember if it's on ur list of already tried bits. It's a comfort snaffle with hooks. I think it's too strong for my boy and I don't think he likes the action. He is simple enough but has a soft mouth
 
I would teach him to disengage his hindquarters every time you ask him to bend his neck, it can be taught on the ground first, so every time he tanks off disengage. John Lyons horsemanship has lots of training ideas, relevant to any horse even if not western. Whereabouts are you? Might be able to recommend classical instructor
 
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