Sorry - stupid question

SuperSonicMare

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Hey all, I have a very strong horse. I have had her for 3yrs & I adore her. However I dont feel I can take her anywhere (pleasure rides etc) or do fast rides in company as I have no brakes! She schools ok & is usually fine hacking for the first half of the ride, then gets stronger as the ride goes on (same if known or new ride). I got her in a french link as her previous owner felt she'd be strong in whatever bit so just dealt with her! I'm not quite so brave unfortunatley :(

My problem is (as I have never had a strong horse before) I dont really know what she does!! I mean I dont know if she is taking hold of the bit, setting her neck etc. I dont think she leans as, given the choice, she runs around everywhere with her head in the air as her prefered method of evasion! I have found a myler combination solves the head in the air problem, but she is still very strong. She likes the myler & seems happy & confortable in it. She also opened her mouth in the snaffle & had a flash as a result, but does not do this in her myler. How do I tell what she is doing in order to be "strong"? (I told you it was a stupid question).

I have been recommended to try a waterford snaffle & possibly combined with a kineton (as the noseband on the myler works well) but I did some research & it seems the waterford is for horses who lean (not her) or take hold of the bit (possibly??).

She hates jointed bits as has a small mouth & I am sure these hit the roof of her mouth.

I think gags are a no-no as they raise the head, and she runs right through a pelham, also hated a kimblewick (tried as she is an ex-carriage horse). Any other suggestions?

Back, teeth, saddle all ok. And she is better with more work but I dont have a sand school readily available or transport & in winter can only ride weekends, weather permitting.

Thank you :)
 
I would recommend either getting an instructor out to see you on your mare so they can explain what she is doing and how you should deal with it or getting an experienced friend to ride so you can see what's going on from the ground and they can describe what they're feeling.

Good luck!
 
Yes I'd say get an instructor involved if you can. If not could you hack out with a friend that can ride along side you and watch what is going on?

PS. Nothing stupid about this question!!x
 
Thanks, it was my instructer who advised the myler!! I was wondering if there was a way to tell. To look at & the feel is off a hard mouthed horse just going through the bit, bu she is actually very sensitive in the mouth! Strange horse :D
 
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