What bit?

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Vodkagirly

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Looking for some advice, I normally ride spooky TBs but my new ride is a 16hh cob, who is built like a tank. Normally he is fairly responsive, but when he wants to go, he goes. I am recovering from a broken wrist from him nicking off then going around a corner so fast, he fell. I've started riding again but just in the school at the moment till my strength builds up and starting lessons again next week to help us improve and refine my technique to match him.
However the stories I have heard about him since my accident are making me dubious about whether his current tack of french link and grackle are going to be enough to contain his outbursts. When he goes his head is down and there is absolutely no reponse to any aids from sutle to yanking and "motorbiking" with my hands or using my stomach muscles (which works in the school)
I'm hoping for some suggestions for tack that may assist in association with the lessons.
 
Without seeing him, it is hard to suggest a bit. (There are so many to choose from!) Does he lean on your hands/take hold of the bit? If yes maybe try a Waterford Snaffle. Another suggestion is a pelham with double reins. That way you can ride him on the snaffle rein but you have the curb rein for extra leverage when he is strong.
 
Hi, i find when youve got a horse like this double bridles can be quite a good option as you can ride off the braddoon then have the weymouth as a back up. It can as soft or as severe as you make it. It may even just be you need it as atemperoy option untill his schooloing is a bit better. Sometimes when riding a big well built horse you do a bit more and theres no shame in that as long as the bits used correctly and with soft hands.
 
Borderland baby- he is in a french link.
Yes I would say he leans on the bit. problem is that it doesn't happen in the school so hard for an instrucor to see.
Does a pelham not have a lowering effect? would prefer to aoid double reins if possible but may resort to it.
 
It can have a lowering effect but only if you use it constantly. You should ride mainly off the snaffle rein and then just use use the curb rein to 'check' the horse as and when necessary.
 
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