Suggestion ??

LaMooch said:
If you are thinking of changing the bit to this horse before purchase then I'm afraid its not the horse for you
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You are assuming that his present owner has him in the correct bit presently then, which may or may not be the case. I try out many horses which are in the wrong bit, which I then change to one which suits better. Nothing wrong with that, and doesn't mean the OP can't ride (or is a troll).
 
It is very hard for anybody who has not ridden or seen this horse to make and suggestion as to what bit would be suitable. I would suggest that you ride a little more after purchase and possibly get some advice from an instructor before making a decision.
 
I would add get his teeth checked, and also does his bridle fit properly? But no harm in trying to find a bit that suits him better. As said, it may be due to shape of mouth, etc.

<but you will need to keep working on his seat/leg aids>
 
I would use a loose ring snaffle as some horses lean in an eggbut, although some horses go better in one. Ifyou want something with cheeks (always a good idea with babies), then would suggest a loose ring fulmer.
 
When I went to try one of mine he was on the bottom ring of a gag, 4 years old. I changed the bit straight away , didnt mean he wasn't the right horse for me !!

I often change his bit depending on what work we are doing, how much work he's in and where we are going.

Op I would have a play with different bits and see what you and the horse like.
 
I don't think that there is anything wrong with changing a horse's bit, be it up or down, however if you have to ask complete strangers (who haven't seen it) what to change it to, you may not be as experienced as you think.. I do think your later posts with more information have worded things much better though. I still think that you'd be better having a chat with a good local instructor and having a lesson or two.

A 4/5yr old that is big and green is going to lean/rush etc in the school. A bit with cheeks may help a bit with steering (a D ring is a good help too), but its time and schooling that will gradually help with the general issues you have described. The last horse I bought was very similar and he learned much better out hacking, where he didn't have to cope with working in a school that was, basically, too small for his stride and balance.

And as a final point, not all horses like snaffles!! They are not always the kindest or best choice for every horse. I would never use a snaffle again on my horse if I didn't have to keep her used to it for dressage!
 
NellRosk said:
You were a foal once MrsD and I'm sure you asked for help and got it. Please stop proclaiming OP is a troll because she is new to the forum, she may just need advice :rolleyes:
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Yes, I have been a foal twice over due to losing my original name, and I have had to learn how to phrase questions, it just seems odd to have someone ask about a horse she has looked at with a view to buy and seems to think that a new bit is the answer, and it may be the answer, but more often than not it is the way of riding that affects the going of the horse, put a good rider on a good horse and it will go much better.
Some horse are challenging and most can be improved, but you have to be confident in your own abilities when deciding to buy a horse,
Personally I prefer loose ring snaffles for all but the most sensitive mouths, and would be prepared to try a few bits if I felt a horse was not comfortable or if it was evading the bit, but it would just be something I would try once I got it home.
I am not the only one who has queried the question, but I did not proclaim the OP as a troll, I asked if it was possible, hence the ?
 
LaMooch said:
If you are thinking of changing the bit to this horse before purchase then I'm afraid its not the horse for you
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I feel my post my have been taken out of context and for this I'm sorry.

How I read the original post was that the originally poster tried a horse and that felt it was strong and wanted to put a stronger bit and I assumed a Pelham or something.

I have now seen posters other comment about changing to stay within the snaffle family and they are not a novice rider.

My advice be to try a loose ring to help prevent leaning but also if you want to purchase this horse find a good instructor to work with one from day one. Have to remember that the horse is going to act differently in new surroundings good or bad and will take time to settle.

Whatever your choice I wish you the best of luck

Again I'm sorry if my original post was taken out of context.
 
It sounds as though this lovely young horse doesn't yet understand what the bit is for.

A full cheek bit may help but I'd suggest that whichever bit you choose you spend some time long-lining from the ground (definately have an instructor show you how if you haven't long-lined before), as I've found that youngsters will quickly pick up reins aids in this way and it transfers easily to ridden work.

Lots of luck with your youngster. Would love to hear how you get on.
 
Unfortunately after all the great advice, the horse didn't pass it's vetting & I wouldn't be able to afford the vet bills if there was any problems which it looks like there will be! So it's back to looking! :)
 
Zoee said:
Unfortunately after all the great advice, the horse didn't pass it's vetting & I wouldn't be able to afford the vet bills if there was any problems which it looks like there will be! So it's back to looking! :)
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I am feverish, so may be confused here, sorry. But to my experience, they are all basically walking vet bills waiting to happen. I take it that you mean this horse was found to have issues that would be expensive and uninsurable?

Seriously, they love vets. They all do.

<cries>

Better luck next time, OP.
 
Can't quite remember what the vet said it was but it was to do with his hocks & he thinks issue will most likely cause him to become lame in the future
 
Zoee said:
Can't quite remember what the vet said it was but it was to do with his hocks & he thinks issue will most likely cause him to become lame in the future
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Ah, flexion test then, just as well to have backed out of it. One of my youngster developed bone spavins at a very early age and was permanently lame.
 
Zoee said:
That's not very good corner mad house!
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Nightmare. I was prepared to keep him as a pet as he was such a lovely character. Lost him when he was 8 through colic. He had been operated on the previous year with a gut displacement (part of gut flips over) but the second time I could not go through the op again.

So if you are buying a horse, make sure it is as problem free as poss to start off with. Like how you started this thread .... luckily the vetting showed an issue which you may sort of recognised when you said about a stronger bit as the horse was rushing, might have been because of pain in his hocks, am just saying think twice before you buy.

Good luck with your search!
 
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