So I bought a Waterford...

[Troyseph]

And he went OK in it, but still very strong:-/ obviously couldn't lean on it but had a trot, half halted, didn't work started getting very fast so had to pull bk a few times and only then did he slow a bit! Any advice?!

 

[Tickles]

Can you post a little more about
- age/experience of horse
- how he is kept (turn out, feeding etc)
- what you do with him?

 

[Troyseph]

He is 5, used to be a driving horse. Turned out just on grass(not lush) and hay
Just hacking at the min! c

 

[RaYandFinn]

Had exact same problem with my cob. He was a real leaner and strong. To the point where I almost sold him. Tried various bits, including a Waterford. Didn't make much difference tbh...

The turning point for us was finding a fabulous instructor and lots and lots of hard work. Schooling, transitions, half halts, using your seat correctly...basically encouraging the horse to carry his own weight balance correctly and work through his back, rather than relying on your hands for balance...and being strong because it's easier for him.

After a long slog, I now have a horse who rarely leans/gets strong and is ridden in a myler snaffle...and now I'm a firm believer that yes, finding the right bit helps, but if you have a strong horse they will always be able to 'run through' it if they wish.

I really would suggest finding a good instructor and going back to basics it certainly worked for us

R

 

[caroline23]

you have to school him in the waterford, it isnt a magic bit lol i expected it to be when i tried one on my strong cob, but over a few weeks off having it in and he got lighter and lighter

 

[Izzwizz]

you have to school him in the waterford, it isnt a magic bit lol i expected it to be when i tried one on my strong cob, but over a few weeks off having it in and he got lighter and lighter

Exactly this!

 

[Tickles]

So, your horse is still relatively young and has just had a change of career. I'd agree with the poster above who recommended a good instructor. You have time to get this right without resorting to a waterford. Back to basics sounds good!

 

[vixiem]

agree with the others, plenty of schooling and a good intructor is the best way.
also though, is it that he is just strong and pulls? or does he actually clamp hold of the bit? because the waterford is quite a specific bit it will work well if hes grabbing hold of bit but not so much if hes running through it and just strong?

 

[Troyseph]

Thanks for replies! I can't have lessons as we don't have a school/ not allowed to ride in fields so I try" school on hacks as much as poss!!...

He used to actually clamp hold of the bit and wouldn't stop! X

 

[caroline23]

if you go on thehorsebitshop.co.uk and search waterford it gives you details on what help the waterford will be to your horse e.g good for leaners, its a good source of info and if you email they are knowledgeable and might be able to suggest something

one thing i found with my cob is a loose ring waterford didn't work as well as a full cheek waterford, have no reason why!