Stronger bit recommendations

[Neddie123]

I've recently started loaning an 11yr old gelding that has always been in a snaffle. He is fine in this for dressage and working in the school. He has been evented in all disciplines in an eggbut snaffle with flash.

But I'm finding it hard to stop him out hacking. I can eventually stop him but I'm finding it very difficult from a gallop. Usually I just allow a fields length to pull up, or I turn him but today he wouldn't slow and we shot round a sharp bend and through a gap at the side of a gate in a fast canter (luckily not a gallop). Luckily I got my leg out of the way but it could have gone very wrong.

I'm thinking a slightly stronger bit for hacking but not sure what.

He doesn't lock his neck or stick his head down, it's more him ignoring me.

Anyone got any suggestions? For either a bit or tips on getting him listening?

 

[Annagain]

A lot of people will say it's a schooling thing and I agree so it's definitely something to work on but you also need to be safe in the mean time. I quite like a kimblewick as a step up from a snaffle.

 

[Pippity]

I school in a snaffle and hack in a dutch gag. I haven't needed it for tanking/napping for a good few months now, but I'm just more confident knowing I've got brakes if necessary.

 

[Sprat]

I use a NS universal for any fast work. It's not horrendously strong but it's enough to help get attention if things get a little hairy

 

[millikins]

I would suggest you need to discuss this with his owner. Has he always tanked out hacking or do you need to learn how to be more effective as a rider?

 

[Neddie123]

I would suggest you need to discuss this with his owner. Has he always tanked out hacking or do you need to learn how to be more effective as a rider?

He's always been in a snaffle but the previous owner never really hacked him on his own which is when he does it. My partner is a jockey and he doesn't do it when he rides him so I suspect its down to my riding too.

 

[hellfire]

If he doesn’t do it when your partner rides it’s a rider issue. You need to do some schooling get him really listening and respecting your commands and aids. Do you carry your hands low for example and some tend to carry hands higher and this alone can mean the difference for some ignoring the riders slow and stop signals when doing faster work.