suggest bits please

[pixiebee]

not quite got the right bit for my boy so looking for ideas to try, basically I am looking for an every day bit, I have a pelham for showing or hunting and a myler comfort for dressage. He is ok in the above two bits, but not great, the pelham he backs off a little and tends to sit behind the vertical with a tense neck, mouth and back- unless he is really going foreward then it does the job. The myler he is very strong in and whilst I can get away with it in the school i darent take him out the school in it.

He is 14, been in the field/mostly hacked until 6 months ago when I got him, so schooling is still quite new to him and he canter is very unbalanced so he tends to rush and feel stronger as he wants to go faster, im guessing due to lack of balance. In the pelham I can hold him better but it does make him quite tense. He has had teeth/back/saddle done and I have tried lots of transitions etc but cant help feeling he isnt quite happy with the bits. He does not like single joints and seems to respond better to a bit of curb action. the pelham is a chunky mouth lozenge one. He is very fussy with his mouth, always chomping at the bit, but he is quite forward going and a bit hot headed. I have put a pic here so you can see what his mouth is like 99% of the time when ridden.I recently put a grackle on and he is slightly better but still tense. some of the pics I am really having to hold him as he is so strong and runs on if contact is released!

 

[zaminda]

You could try something with a hanging cheek. If he doesn't like single jointed mouthpieces, a french link or waterford mouthpiece might suit

 

[cyberhorse]

I think my best advice would be to ask your EDT or vet if he is a new horse to you before going out and investing loads in new bits. I learned more and cured my problems by asking the EDT. He made more space and a rest as he is a KWPN with a big tongue and not much room (why he hated single joints). He also suggested to experiment with materials not just types. I now have him in a much milder bit as he relaxes more in the mouth with happy mouth material. When he relaxes in the mouth it gets rid of the rushing and tension so I do not need a strong bit. Also thinking about it do you know if he has had his teeth done recently? would be good to rule out any potential causes of discomfort which could cause problems.

Try enquiring at the local tack shop/country store about bit banks/trial periods. For a small fee you can hire different types of bit without buying until you find the one you like. Obviously also buttering up as many peeps with their own failed bit collection is a must!

I would hope as you have said once he gets more balanced and stronger he'll not want to rush so much and have more of a settled tick over mode in canter and less need for support. He looks really beautiful, nice type - good luck with him!

 

[sleepykitten]

My mare is also very strong, I ride her in a waterford dutch gag as she hates a straight bar, but I'm currently trying her in a french link hanging cheek snaffle, gives a little poll pressure and not a nutcracker action which she hates.

Your horse is absolutely gorgeous by the way