What bit would you use? Help please!!

[Samantha008]

My new horse, rising 9 tbx, is currently in a waterford. I tried him in a french link when i first got him, but he constantly plays with it, throws his head up and down tries to eat his way through it. Its not a happy mouth either :/

So his old owner said to use a waterford as thats what shes always used and what i tried him in. He does go much nicer in it but ive taken him out hacking this week for the first time and discovered that i dont really have any breaks what so ever when im in front ( which i am constantly when cantering/galloping as everyone else at my yard are on 14hh cobs and im on a 16.3 tbxISH)

So...should i use a waterford gag? But i hear this is really harsh and dont want to ruin his mouth but i also dont want to be out of control. He throws his head up when i pull on the reins and ask him to stop. I dont saw his mouth and dont pull on both at the same time. Yes i use my seat and my feet too but its not enough for him! Would there be anothr option that might work better? Hes not that fit and leans on the bit in the school but throws his head around trying to evade contact on a hack.

Ive got the dentist coming out in 2 weeks

Thanks

 

[ThePony]

I wouldn't use one myself. If he throws his head up when you ask him to come back to you in the waterford then he is avoiding the pressure - could be because the bit feels harsh to him or it could be that he has discomfort elsewhere or he could just be saying 'no thanks'!
If you can work out which might be the more likely then it will give you an idea of what to try next. If he leans then without pulling his head off it will be much harder to get nice controlled downwards transitions. I would play with lots of transitions in the school to lighten his forehand and get him listening to you - try walk to trot, good forwards trot (you can ignore where his head is, just make sure it is a good forwards trot and he isn't leaning on you) then with your rising and body only slow the trot right right down, then give the smallest half halt and come back to walk - if he reists the half halt or rushes on then repeat - the aim being that he listens to you without you halting with your reins which will just allow himself to prop up on your hands.
Re which bit, I would start with a shaped french link lozenge (gently playing and mouthing the bit is a good thing, you don't want a dead still mouth) - alot of horses go well in this (even if it is refined further with a different choice, it is a great starting point). Try it in the school first and get him working without leaning on you - it takes alot of work and disapline not to let him lean! Well worth getting a couple of lessons to help with it as someone on the ground helps alot.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I agree with ThePony.

He throws his head up when i pull on the reins and ask him to stop.

He does not sound happy with this bit. I would borrow different bits from friends to try and also work on his schooling.

I would try something with a soft mouthpiece and a curb and see how he responds to it in a safe enviroment (an enclosed arena would be great).

^ Kimblewicks are very under-rated but alot of strong horses will go nicely in them and you don't have double reins to worry about.

^Universal bit with curb.

I would also try him in a Myler comfort snaffle if you can borrow one as I've had alot of success with them and 'difficult to bit' horses.

 

[meesha]

Hi - I have your problem too - out on own or on quiet hack my chap is fine but when doing faster work esp jumping then he is v strong - I was in a waterford gag - this wasnt too harsh for him and still didnt solve the breaking issue - I have now swaped to a myler (the one with the slots for reins and cheek piece) he seems v comfortable in this but just need a little bit more for the xc so going to put a curb on it (you need quick links and the curb chain) and see how i get on. He hated a happy mouth and a french link and wouldnt settle in them - he seems to like the thinner bits with more movement in them. Good luck - look on ebay I got my almost new myler for under £30 when they rrp at £80 !!!

 

[Emma S]

I had the same problem with my exracer and after trialing many different bits I found the best thing for him was an english hackamore!
He liked bitless especially to jump or XC and didn't fight with it like he did with everything else.

Have to be brave to try it the first time though!!