Onward bound retired Grade A - which Bit to try???

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ClaireT

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My 15 year old retired grade A mare is an ex-speed horse who can't seem to make sense of non-competitive life. She schools nicely in a snaffle on the flat in walk and trot, but after 20 mins or so she tends to come above the bit, or lean on it and take off.
She seems happier in a 4 ring gag with the rein on the ring below the bit ring and is certainly steadier to jump with this, but tends to throw her head up to resist the pressure.
Can anyone recommend a more suitable bit???
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Why have you retired her? Sounds like she wants to go jumping again.

She sounds just like my mare. When I got her she wsa in a 3 ring gag 2nd ring down but she did throw her head around a lot, I stuck her in a Myler combination and she likes it a lot more as it is a lot milder than the 3 ring but a bit stronger than a snaffle. For the first time in her life probably she can go around nicely.
 
What myler combo is it you have bought?

As the new one Connor, is a little too strong for his normal Myler snaffle when landing from fences but he hated the 3 ring it was too strong
 
I've got a Triple Barrell Mullen mouth with 3 rings. My sister had it lying around so thought I would try it and she is a lot better in it.
 
Not sure whether to just go for a D ring with hooks for just a bit more pull then a normal myler snaffle.

Or go for the combo! What do you think!?

He is very sensitive in his mouth
 
I've no idea, I used it as it was sat in my tack room and it worked. Don't know if I would have gone out and spent £125 on a bit just to try it.

Have you had his teeth done etc?
 
No I havent have only had him a week! So will get them done.

But im almost certain it isnt that, he just runs on a bit after each fence, he is keen in2 the fence but controlable, just would like him in my hands abit more after the fence!
 
My horse used to be strong both on the flat and to jump so I tried a gag - like your horse he was more manageable for a while but then became unsteady in my hand and tried to resist the pressure, becomming stronger and stronger

I tried a Waterford snaffle (this also stopped him from leaning) and he goes lovely in it

It took a lot of persserverance (sp?) with lots of transitions and lateral work to lighten his forehand but it was worth it and now I only use it to jump and ride on the flat in a loose-ring snaffle

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