Pony gets wound up and excitable hunting etc

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ToddyDominoLaura

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My pony gets very excitable out hunting on fun rides and cross country. When you ask him to trot he bolts of. I messaged his old owners who said he gets very wound up. He gets very strong and i can only stop him by turning him in circles for a long time. I can't 'collect' his canter/gallop he is either galloping flat out or walking. He gets quite strong and pus his head down as well at the moment he is in a beval/loop ring bit, we have tried a half cheek snaffle neither of which have made a difference out in the country. Any suggestions mainly on how to get him calm and to just go slowly and collectedly. Would you suggest changing his bit untill he stops bolting off at the nearest chance. I really don't think he is being generallly naughty, just excited, although any suggestions welcome thanks :D
 
Have you tried a Kimberwick? They have a similiar action to a pelham, but can be ridden on one rein and good for strong ponys.

My son's pony sounds similiar and although normally just goes in a snaffle, have to use a stronger bit for hunting and fun rides.

We find the more days hunting he does, the calmer he gets, so if you are only hunting occasionally, you may always have an issue.

When hunting do you have somone to 'nanny' you on a quieter horse as that can help calm yours too? Also can you spend the summer hacking out with others, so he gets more used to going in a group?

If none of this helps, I would advise you get some input from a professional - it is no fun being tanked off out hunting and can be dangerous, and will not make you popular with the hunt either!

Good luck.
 
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I did some research and would seem a pelham brings a horses head down, whereas a gag brings the horses head up. Or something alonf the lines of that :p sorry for being a bit stupid, my pony normally puts his head down or stick his nose forward, so what bit would be best?
 
The only gag that brings a head up is a cheltenham gag - which I wouldn't recommend for a pony. Other gags such as a continental or bubble ring will work on poll pressure similiar to a curb bit and bring the head down.

It is very hard without knowing the pony or how you ride, but my son's pony also tucks its head in but with the kimberwick it still gives him more brakes. Another option would be a waterford with full cheeks, especially if he leans.

Have you access to any bits you could try? I know other people may say the pony needs schooling etc, which to an extent is true, but as a seasoned hunter, imo brakes are crucial.

How big is your pony?
 
He is 13.2 but stockily built i hve been told by his previous owners that he gets very wound up out hunting and very strong. We are schooling him at the moment but at the moment it is dangerous to school him in the bit he is in as we really have no control.
 
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