Pelham or Gag

[Flygirl]

Hi All,

We have a 15 Year Old IDX, she is lovely on the roads couldn't ask for a better horse, but when we go into fields there is no holding her back when she canters, she is in a snaffle and is ridden by my 13 Year Old daughter, who refuses to go through fields now!, I have a 5 Year Old D who loves to canter but is being denied this pleasure at the moment as we ride together for safety reasons,.

It has been suggested that we change her Bit, but I do not want to use something she may fight against or make her stronger not to mention the fact that I do not want to cause her any discomfort, I've heard gags are severe but not sure about Pelhams, any advise greatly received.

Thanks

 

[simplyhunting]

Does she lean on the bit and go? Or stick her head in the air?
I'd pop a little pelham in and see, even a waterford snaffle if she leans, and just have a play and see what works. Good luck

 

[Honey08]

They are both strong bits, and its too hard to decide really from advice on a forum. I would say find a local instructor, speak to them about the problems you are having. Even better have a few lessons with them, so the instructor can see how the horse goes and how it carries it's head... Then decide on the type of bit... Hope you get the problem sorted soon and enjoy your hacks again. (In the meantime could your little one have a canter around your own field when you get back perhaps? Thats what we did with our "diddy" for a while!)

 

[Flygirl]

Hi,

Borrowed a Gag from one of the other girls of the yard, had a more experianced rider on her this afternoon using this bit, and she was much better tried to go off but responded nicely to the bit and came back down to a slower pace.

Friend will ride her a few more times just incase, but if all goes well I will buy a gag.

Hopefully when daughter gets her confidence back we maybe able to get back to the snaffle.

Will take the young one into one of the fields at the yard for a canter as suggested.

Thanks