What bit shall I try?

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lozz

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Hiya,
I have a 13.2 8 year old newforest x, he is 8 years old. I got him on loan on sunday however, he is fairly strong and just trys to pull you all the way! I know its not all down to a bigger stronger bit its mostly down to the schooling, but I feel his current bit is not right for him.

He came to me in a waterford snaffle and this bit made him pull even more and he didn't enjoy the little rings in his mouth.He just lent on my hand even more with this bit. I did try for a couple of rides a happy mouth french link 3 ring gag on him on the second ring and this provided me with breaks and steering. I could ride with a looser contact rather than holding his head all the time.

I dont particually like riding in the gag and am not sure its right for him either, so just wondered what bits you would put on my pony (I have permission from the owner to change his bit) ?

Cookies and mcflurrys if you got this far !!
 
Unresponsive to my hand aids so moved it down!
I really want one too, but its okay because I work there so can grab one on lunch tomorrow! haha
 
I have explained that the owners were happy for me to change the bit whenever I wanted to. As already posted above he came in a waterford snaffle. He does not open his mouth, nor cross his jaw, neither does he get his tounge over the bit. He's just strong!
 
First off try a flash on him, it wills top him opening his mouth and leaning on the bit :) how is he strong? Has he don hard in the mouth or is he just a generally strong pony? If he has gone hard in the mouth try a bit to get him softer and to play with more, like one with a lozenge or made out of a different metal like sweet iron perhaps?
 
just read your latest post after I posted mine :p I don't really like the Dutch gag as it pulls on their poll etc, perhaps try him in a pelham? Lots of people I know have their strong horses in them :D
 
I've only had him since sunday, but he took the move in his stride and was settled in perfectly the same day! So have ridden every day this week apart from today and rode a few times with their instructor and the owners. He has been as stong all the time. I dislike the 3 ring gag but its the only other bit I had to try at the time so thought it was worth the try!
I will try the hanging cheek snaffle as it might work, its worth a go! My friend has a similar horse and she had hers in a kimblewick, but a special one... I dont want to assume this is the right bit but will be trying a few on him to see if they are suitable for him.
He seems to like the happy mouth, so would have to get a bit that was a happy mouth as the 3 ring gag happy mouth made him produce lots of saliva and i've read that this is a good sign!
 
My boy came to me in a wateford snaffle and I hated it, he leant on it more and I had very little control, I then put him in a french link loose ring and this bit is brill for dressage.

For jumping I have him in a D ring snaffle with copper rollers. I would really recommend this for you as he can't lean on the bit but he won't fight it like the waterford. If you go on the horse bit bank you can actuallytrial bits before you buy.

If the waterford is still not working a Dr bristol is quite good but severe so be careful with your hands in it.
 
Kokopelli said:
My boy came to me in a wateford snaffle and I hated it, he leant on it more and I had very little control, I then put him in a french link loose ring and this bit is brill for dressage.

For jumping I have him in a D ring snaffle with copper rollers. I would really recommend this for you as he can't lean on the bit but he won't fight it like the waterford. If you go on the horse bit bank you can actuallytrial bits before you buy.

If the waterford is still not working a Dr bristol is quite good but severe so be careful with your hands in it.
Click to expand...

Good Suggestions, wish i'd thought of them :D
 
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