Tricky bit question

[rosieapple1]

My horse has the worse mouth in the world! Its quite old and stuck in its ways and was like it when i bought him but its getting worse. Its not a physical problem everythings been checked and after working in its fine but this is taking a long time now. To start with it just sets its neck and jaw and is soooo strong! No matter how much impulsion etc you use its a nightmare. I need something to soften it from the outset - any suggestions?!

 

[KatB]

Slow everything down in his work, and really really work on rhythm, but slow! Lots of half halts and keep the bit soft and mobile in his mouth so he can't fix, lots of little half halts etc to keep him slow and get him to balance himself. Work on laterla work, with a bit of flexion through his neck, but again work on getting him moving away from your leg and keeping soft in the hand. Lots of transitions etc. What bit do you ride in at the moment? TBH if he is that fixed it is the schooling and balance you need to work on first

 

[vhf]

I wonder if with age (I know how that feels!) he's a little stiff in the neck/poll/jaw/back or something when he first starts work, and it's when that eases that he softens and stops trying to pull your arms out?!