So confused right now :(

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michelleice

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OK i bought Benson in a snaffle loose ring french one, he came with martingale and flash.

hes fine in a snaffle leading but riding you have little to none control if he wants to go he will. Ive tried hanging cheek as one HHO said did nothing. thank god for my tack shop doing a buy,try and return scheme minus £2

I put him on a gag on 2ND loop again nothing and then 3rd with that he throws his head in air and opens his jaw and tries to cross it(got someone else to ride so i could see it properly) All i want Ben to do is stop when i ask. After seeing him cross his jaw Ive decided to get him a grackle but here goes the problem -

1 Cant find any full size (black) none of my local shops do it and all Ive seen on ebay is tan or wrong size.

2, Not sure which one is best Mexican or English one that's fixed and one with rings which is best???
 
Don't know if this has been suggested before, but if he used to be fine in a snaffle and now he is not, could it be a problem with his teeth? Apologies if you have already looked into this and I am just repeating previous suggestions!
 
Hey, sorry your having a tough time. Your boy sounds just like my mare! After trying a few different bits I had her back checked by a chiropractor. Made a huge difference. It wasnt too expensive, and worth every penny! She is still a live wire some days, but thats more her spirit than anything else. And we now stop when asked!!
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Good luck and I hope you find something that works. xx
 
Have you tried a pelham? Something I was reading the other day said that a gag tends to lift the head, and a pelham to lower it. Maybe a pelham with curb chain will help you to bring his head down and get him back into control. It works with my horse who has a very high head carriage and will throw his head up to avoid contact; he hated a gag. I use roundings rather than double reins as I can't be bothered with co ordination...
 
i had back specialist out last week and his teeth are done every 6 months like clock work

hes not been 100% in a snaffle since i got him Ive just put it down to him being out on his own
 
Try two reins on your gag, one for the snaffle ring and one for the bottom ring. Hold the bottom ring rein like you would the curb bit on a double bridle and only use it when you really need the brakes. When he is going nicely just work on the snaffle ring, he should be more prepared to work into the contact of the snaffle and you can just use the gag action when needed and release when he does as he's told.

Alternatively a kimblewick might help and can be used with one set of reins. If you are going to try a pelham, don't get a jointed one and do use two reins, that way you get the full precision of being able to use the curb action only when needed. A pelham with roundings is a bit of a blunt instrument and can be confusing.

If you aren't comfortable with two reins have some lessons. In fact have some lessons anyway as your riding may be partially to blame.

The grackle will help, but in the meantime the flash will stop him opening his mouth.

If you really want a snaffle mouthpiece you could try a Dr Bristol for extra brakes (use it the mild way, not angled into the tongue this can be a pretty severe bit) maybe just for fast work. Or maybe a myler of some sort.....
 
I'd second the suggestion that you try a pelham.

But you also need to consider whether this is a schooling issue... if you're not able to stop your horse you need to start establishing some rules as just simply pulling harder doesn't necessarily fix it.

My tb used to tank off in canter when I first got him, so I established that it would be at my speed or not at all. When he tried to zoom off I was ready for it, pulled him back and made him trot all the way instead. Next time did the same thing, and the next and the next.... It really didn't take long for him to realise that his behaviour dictated whether or not he got to canter or not.

Also how are you dealing with his behaviour? What is actually happening? A few lessons might help improve your confidence and his obedience!
 
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