What bit?

starbar

starbar

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My new bot arrived at the weekend. He's a 14.2 cob, built like a tank and very sweet. I have pottered up the lane and round the woods on him in an eggbut snaffle and he was fine, shaking his head a bit but I'm getting his teeth checked next week. I thought I'd try and do a bit of schooling with him tonight, just to see where we are at. We school in a large flat open field which can sometimes be a bit exciting! He was fine but a bit strong and a bit fast on trot. I'd try and half halt to bring him back to me but he wasn't really listening and the brakes weren't too hot either. He did at times get a bit heavy on the forehand. What bit would you recommend to get him to soften his jaw a bit and improve the braking?!
 
TBH I think you'll need to wait till you've had his teeth check before you can make any decisions. Especially if he's shaking his head a bit.

My mare does all the things you have said here but it turned out she had problems with her teeth and now that she's had it treated we can start working on the issues.

I would just use something simple for now until you know where you stand properly....
 
Well considering you only got him at the weekend he could possibly be just finding his feet a bit and finding it exciting anyway, thus being a little too forward, may not mean you need to change his bit, perhaps wait till his tushy pegs have been done, try schooling him on a bit more and wait to see if he eventually listens better before changing his bit? he may settle in time.
 
I would swap to a bit with a link in it (much more comfortable than single joints) and practice! If hes on his forehand he cant physically stop or slow down as quickly because he isnt balanced enough. It will take time and alot of schooling so he is physically capable of carrying himself better and also to get to know you and your aids. Aim to use your seat more and hands less.
 
Was also thinking something with a link. Changed to a loose ring french link snaffle yesterday and he was much more responsive and the head shaking stopped, he also began to work in a lovely shape today. Teeth are still going to be checked. Also I think if we were in a more exciting situation the brakes might need upping! He's settling in so well though, am thrilled. :D
 
I got my horse in March, and have been through 3 different bits with him. Started with head shaking problems, and just got worse and worse with it ending up him hating any pressure at all with the reins. Saw the dentist two days ago and she said all the problems came from his wolf teeth, which she took out there and then. she also checked his latest bit in his mouth and adjusted his bridle. He does not have a standard size mouth so he needs is bridle slightly longer where it connects to the bit (sorry don't know correct wording on the English bridle only know it in French). Basically you cannot beat seeing a specialist when it comes to something like this, wait and see what the dentist says.
 
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