Pony bitting ideas?

[chestnut cob]

I'm hoping for a bit of help with bitting please

New pony is a 14.3/15hh Connie type, just turned 6yo. Hunted at least one season in Ireland, possibly two, so knows what he's doing. He does everything at home in a hanging cheek Happy Mouth French link. He'd had about 4-5 weeks worth of flat schooling before I bought him in May, he really had only just hunted. So, I've spent lots of time on this and he's improving all the time. Learning to respond to weight/seat aids, half halts and is generally coming along nicely on the flat. Has never been strong in company until we started autumn hunting...(I've been fun riding him in the HM bit!) now cantering in company is THE most exciting thing ever. The first time I took him cubbing it was in the Happy Mouth. He was manageable but it was more of a fight than I'd like. Would prefer to have a stronger bit that I only need to take one pull on. However.... he can be very fussy about bits (had some teeth issues, dentist due back out in about 8 weeks) and I need to be careful what I put in. He won't tolerate anything like a waterford (which is my go-to bit usually... hunt my big horse in a waterford snaffle or gag). I've played around with nosebands - cavesson and flash is best for him.


So I'm wondering what to try? He is the total opposite of my big horse who is a complete tank - even in a waterford gag he can still be strong. I don't feel like I need to move up to stereotypically "strong" bits, just something more than I have. I don't think a metal snaffle/FL will be enough. A Wilkie has been suggested so if I was to go for that, which mouthpiece would you suggest? Stick with a FL? My other thought was a kimblewick, which I hunted my old Sec D in. I do have one but I think the port is too high. So again, a kimblewick with what mouthpiece? I've got a single jointed pelham as well though I'd rather not mess around with two reins (I have hunted my big horse in that).

All suggestions gratefully received, thanks

 

[JenHunt]

I would suggest that you find something with a french link mouthpiece as that's what he's used to...

the connie/ID types often have a shallow palette (according to our horse dentist) so often don't get on with high ported mouthpieces, or anything that takes up too much room in their mouths. (That said, Ron goes nicely in a double bridle...) Try a myler perhaps if you don't feel you need much more - the ones with the slots in the rings sit the bit up and give you a touch of poll pressure!

 

[chestnut cob]

I would suggest that you find something with a french link mouthpiece as that's what he's used to...

the connie/ID types often have a shallow palette (according to our horse dentist) so often don't get on with high ported mouthpieces, or anything that takes up too much room in their mouths. (That said, Ron goes nicely in a double bridle...) Try a myler perhaps if you don't feel you need much more - the ones with the slots in the rings sit the bit up and give you a touch of poll pressure!

Thanks Jen...I do actually have a Myler Comfort Snaffle (the MB04) somewhere so I could try him in that. The D rings are huge on them aren't they so potentially a bit of poll pressure and a thin, metal mouthpiece might just be the little bit extra I need. I did try him in it once but very soon after buying him that was when he was objecting to anything metal, hence going for the Happy Mouth. I'll pop him in it tomorrow to hack and see how he feels. He really doesn't need that much more - he isn't horrid, rude or naughty. He's just very keen, LOVES the job and I'm needing to take more of a hold than I'd like. He may just back off the Myler enough to make both our lives easier.

I've never had a horse who hunts in a snaffle before, it's a great feeling!!

 

[JenHunt]

that's what Ron hunts in when he's got over his "isn't hunting the excitingest thing ever" stage (by day 10 of the season!). He's 18 and still hasn't grown out of it!

 

[chestnut cob]

that's what Ron hunts in when he's got over his "isn't hunting the excitingest thing ever" stage (by day 10 of the season!). He's 18 and still hasn't grown out of it!

PMSL. My big one, at nearly 18, still thinks that about hunting too! Unfortunately for him he's too creaky for more than a couple of short days this season Hence the new pony, which really is a pony (esp compared to my 17hh monster!) and I've forgotten how to ride ponies!!