jacquaranda
New User
We have a big powerful heavyweight hunter type that is riden on his own and in company (2 or 3 hoses) in just a snaffle and ordinary caveson noseband. No martingales. We have not hunted him yet. He's never been any trouble until yesterday when we took him on a very busy charity ride. He became very uncontrollable when other horses passed him, particulary when they were cantering. As he became more excited, he started violently pulling his head forward, which unbalanced his rider and made her lose grip on the reins. He would then bound off until she collected the reins and stopped him again. He doesn't need a stronger bit - we can stop him, but we need to stop this violent pulling forward of his head for when he goes hunting. Note he pulls forward - not upwards. Is a standing martingale the right tool? can he jump in it? Is there something better I have not thought about. Help appreciated.