Very strong horse, new bit Pelham?

FanyDuChamp

FanyDuChamp

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Fany is an extremely strong Ardennes, with ideas about where she should or shouldn't go. She has recently lost a lot of weight and is getting very strong to ride, she hates going out. But is not afraid, just lazy/ worried she won't be taken home. Very good in traffic etc. My daughter let her turn around once, now she thinks she can do it all the time. (Daughter is very embarrassed and sheepish as she would never let Captain get a way with naughtiness.)

I am thinking of changing her bit from a full cheek french link snaffle to a french link pelham. I want more control, just until she learns manners. Thoughts please, or any other suggestions.
Thanks
 
I got a PeeWee bit which has side pieces to help with the not/turning issue after a very strong Clyde took off with me in a french link snaffle. I have found it very effective also on IDx who can have fixed ideas at times. The bit is quite mild and suits horses with fat tongues/fleshy mouths but is effective when needed as brakes and for turning.
 
Does she bolt? Put her head down / up? pull? jog?grab the bit?

Just wondered as these can have an impact on which bit may suit...
 
Aaah, well I have found that pelhams can *sometimes* make things worse in respect of horses grabbing the bit and bearing down on them....you could try, but I would suggest loaning one first just in case it has this effect with your horse. It may not, but the last two horses I have tried with a pelham have ended up grabbing the bit and using it as a leverage against the rider.

Other possibilities could be a pee wee as pearlsasinger said, or kimblewick which doesn't have as much curb action as a pelham or even a dutch gag to raise her head...
 
this might tell you a bit more about the pee wee...

pee wee

If she is green, I would be wary of a curb bit as they can feel harsh to some horses and very different to a non-curb bit....if you go for one of these, I would suggest an elastic curb to start and definitely 2 reins rather than roundings so you can limit the action of the curb to only when needed...
 
thanks certainly worth thinking about.

You have been a great help, thanks
grin.gif
 
If you are going to try a pelham, don't get one with a joint, it can give the horse confused signals and fluffs the action of the bit. Read sustainable dressage about pelhams, they are a good bit in many circumstances but not with a joint and not with roundings as you can't be specific with them.

If she is dropping her head a dutch gag may be more appropriate but as you are worried about harshness try using it with two reins (as originally intended) use one rein on the snaffle ring and the other on the bottom rein and ride off the snaffle ring unless you need extra control when you can use the gag rein. I've used this with a naughty cob and it works a treat.

A dutch gag with two reins is a great tool, but with just one set is a bit like a pelham with roundings, it looses all finesse and accuracy.

Practicing managing with two reins will be great for your riding too.
 
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