this season

[Bombaybuddy]

So when the hunting season starts I got a new 13.2 section c project. I've started schooling but when I hack him out he's really strong and that's when someone gallops off without him he likes to bomb off wouldn't technically call it bolting as he isn't dangerous just I find it hard for him to listen to me. He's in a snaffle but I want some tips to help as I kinda want him to be a future kids pony for some confident teen so don't want to harden his mouth up to bad. I really don't want to not hunt the whole season cause of my nutty pony and I'm not expecting to have full on brakes just a certain amount of control would help! Advice please!

 

[Goldenstar]

Training is always the answer .

 

[Clodagh]

A quote I once read 'There are fools, bloody fools, and fools who hunt in snaffles'.
Manners and schooling at home will certainly help but for your safety and for everyone around you I would put something stronger in.
I am old fashioned and like doubles for hunting, but perhaps not with a native pony.

 

[Orangehorse]

Josephine Knowles wrote a book on breaking and schooling and she suggests breaking in a pony using the noseband for iniital schooling, so as to keep the mouth soft and responsible. Obviously not suitable for hunting but sounds like more schooling is required, including voice aids, maybe.

Try and find a bit that you can control the pony easily, much better than fighting and pulling, and just use it for those exciting situations and a normal snaffle for everyday riding.

 

[AmyMay]

All my horses have been snaffle mouthed. All, however, hunted in much stronger bits.

 

[Shay]

What about a dutch gag with two reins? You can ride off the snaffle rein if you can - but have the second rein for back up? Or a pelham with 2 reins?

You'll do more harm to his mouth pulling on a mild bit than you will with a light touch on something though to be more "severe". Any bit is only as harsh as the hand that uses it.