Should I try a pelham?

[friesian80]

Now I have started hacking Vel out on his own I find if he want to go somewhere he will drag me to it, if we are hacking in company he is fine in his french link fulmer, however if he decides to turn around or pull onto the verge no amount of holding him back works, it doesnt really help that im still a tad nervous.

So Im wondering if a rubber french link pelham would be the next step up for steering/brake control, yes I know we need to work on our schooling etc but I have absolutely nowhere to school, the road is my only option.

Also should I stay with the french link mouthpiece or go for the straight bar/ported mouthpiece?

Ive never ridden with 2 reins but I guess Id soon pick up the hang of it or I could perhaps use roundings

Your input would be appriciated and if you have a better suggestion of bit please say!

Thanks

 

[pinky1401]

Do you have him in a loose ring french link or a fixed? If it is fixed I would try him in a loose ring. It is harder for them to 'lean' on the bit then and get a hold of it.
If your already in a loose ring. I wouldn't use a rubber bit, these are softer intheir mouths than what he is currently in so I don't think you would be better off especially as a pelham puts more pressure on them.
Also if you have a pelham you don't have to have two reins you could just fix one rein to the ring just below the main one. I wouldn't put a rein on the bottom one to start with - it might be like cracking a walnut with a sledge hammer.
Finally how do you ride him when he does that? I would look at that too - no disrespect but they know how to use their strength so you have to ride him in a way which prevents it. Turn him in the opposite direction fairly full on. If his head is bent in the opposite direction to that which he wants to go he'll find it very difficult to carry on with what he wanted to do.

Sorry for sticking my oar in but I have a welsh cob like this xx best of luck

 

[Tnavas]

Do you have him in a loose ring french link or a fixed? If it is fixed I would try him in a loose ring. It is harder for them to 'lean' on the bit then and get a hold of it.
If your already in a loose ring. I wouldn't use a rubber bit, these are softer intheir mouths than what he is currently in so I don't think you would be better off especially as a pelham puts more pressure on them.
Also if you have a pelham you don't have to have two reins you could just fix one rein to the ring just below the main one. I wouldn't put a rein on the bottom one to start with - it might be like cracking a walnut with a sledge hammer.
Finally how do you ride him when he does that? I would look at that too - no disrespect but they know how to use their strength so you have to ride him in a way which prevents it. Turn him in the opposite direction fairly full on. If his head is bent in the opposite direction to that which he wants to go he'll find it very difficult to carry on with what he wanted to do.

Sorry for sticking my oar in but I have a welsh cob like this xx best of luck

I think you are getting confused with a Dutch Gag.

A pelham has the equivalent of the bridoon (snaffle) ring, and the weymouth ring (curb) - it is either used with two reins or with roundings and one rein.

Frieian80

Sounds like your horse is 'taking the mick' because you are a tad nervous. Can you afford some lessons? This might help with your control issues.

A Fulmer TBH is one of the best bits for steering as the cheeks help by pressing against the side of the mouth when turning.

When riding out try to be a bit bossy, also think positively. Such as "Hey mate - you are NOT going up the verge" rather than "Oh no not again we are going up the verge" Positive thought really works.

Get tough and firm, carry a whip and if he starts to head off where you don't want to go, drop him one and return to where you want to be. Once he realises that you are in charge you will find the unwanted behaviour should stop.

 

[friesian80]

Pinky 1401 - Thanks for your comment, Im also wondering if you are thinking of a gag as there are only 2 rings on a pelham.
A fulmer is never fixed always has a loose ring and I have the fulmer loops to be honest 85% of the time when hacking he is perfect int his bit but as I say if he decides we are going this way he really just drags me there and I have to use a lot of force to get him back to where I wany him, I hate pulling at his mouth but it really is the only way I can get him back on track this is partly why I want more control as so I dont need to be putting so much strength through my rein to his mouth.

Evelyn - I think you hit the nail on the head there, he does know imnervous being a friesian he picks up on my every emotion, on days where Im not so nervous I ride him better and I can feel he is more confident and strides out more. I would love to get some lessons but have to wait till October.
Ive been riding since I was 5 and have had lessons for 10 years when I was younger, I lost a lot of confidence when I was thrown off earlier this year and broke my back, hip socket and pubic bone, ever time he messes around now all I can think is im going to end up on the ground broken again...although my confidence is definately coming back!

I will definately think more bossy thoughts when out hacking this next few times and see how we go, thanks x