persevere with new bit or give up?

S

Simbacat

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 March 2012
Messages
148
Visit site
My mare can get strong on the way home on hacks, especially anywhere we have cantered quickly in the past (she has an excellent memory!). She is in a simple eggbutt snaffle with lozenge. So I wanted to have something with just a little bit more strength to avoid me hauling on her reins, and found the neue schule tranz angled lozenge. I have tried her in this in the menage with the reins just in the large snaffle ring ( not the lower ring and not using the chin strap) She was fine in the ring but today I took her out on a short hack and she was back to her worst, really spooky on the way out and head shaking and prancing on the way back. BUT she was easier to hold back, although it was a little like riding a curled spring. Now I don't know whether to but that down to experience and return the bit to the bit bank, or just accept she will be tricky at first and ride through it. I would love that little extra bit of control, but hate the prancing head shaking monster version on my horse. Any advice?? :confused:
 
The lozenge makes them accept the bit so could be the reason she is feeling like a curled up spring, stick with the bit it is nice to know you have the control if you ever need it. Rather try to relax, release the reins and take up again, release and take up again, also try a different way home.
 
I quite like dr bristols. But op, when you're out and about and she's misbehaving on the way home, generally how long have you been out for??
 
amymay said:
I quite like dr bristols. But op, when you're out and about and she's misbehaving on the way home, generally how long have you been out for??
Click to expand...
This is a good point, Ben has to feel like he's actually done something or else he can be rather enthusiastic.

Personally I would always opt for a loose ring with a lozenge... The loose ring is great for those who try and take the bit and take the piddle, the lozenge is comfy and helps them to accept the bit...
 
Good point - as I was trying her in the new bridle we had just done a small round trip, maybe 35 minutes. But she will generally get strong on the way home even if we have been out for 2 and a half hours, she is just a very fit horse! Its where she can see ahead, likes the ground and thinks she deserves a fast canter. I wonder if maybe I was heavy handed in the new bit - does anyone know how much stronger a neue schule universal on the middle ring is compared to the snaffle (actually I have the loose ring not the eggbutt - have been looking into it more!) I will ring the bit bank folk again on Tuesday but couldn't get them last week - maybe they had gone to Badmington..
 
Is this really a bitting issue? Regardless of how fit they are there's no reason for manners to leave them.
 
I spoke to them and I think if you try the pellham roundings it just gives you that little bit extra when needed, google the bit and there is a video on there ezxplaining the actions, good luck, can't wait for mine to come so I can try it x
 
I'm not sure your new bit is actually any stronger than your current one TBH.
Personally I don't like holding them back....they just go up, or sideways:rolleyes:

Can you not make her walk out, or get a good trot going rather than allowing her to canter?
 
Sounds like it is putting her behind the bit which these bits can personally if you need a stronger bit I would try a dr Bristol which won't do this.
 
Quick update on this - took my girl out for a long 3 hour hack in the bit today and she was much better, I think she is getting used to it now. I feel she is a little more respectful of it and so I can be more subtle in my signals and not have the holding / hauling moment. I don't think I could put it on the lower ring or even the holdings - that could blow her mind. How are you getting on with it ELFSBELLS??
 
Good to hear your update, nice that you feel she's settling with the bit, still waiting for mine to come, not happy with the service, should be here by thutsday they tell me, will let you know x
 
How did it go Elfesbells, I love mine now, everything is much better, she can still be strong , but now I can sit quieter and hold my position better. She has even been schooling in it and going on the bit!:D
 
Hi, it came last saturday, so have only tried it a couple of times, on one ring, the snaffle, all fine, very responsive, but thought i'd try it with roundings today in preperation for hacking, he did'nt like it, so going to try hacking with just the snaffle, I'm hoping he will be okay because I actually like the bit, glad you're getting on okay x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top