What do we try now - bit?

[Hemirjtm]

I had Hemir in a pelham, but that is far to strong

Then someone told me to be brave and put a snaffle in, which he didnt respond well to

We have now got him in a wateford but he doesn't seem to like it, he shakes his head around and trys to evade my contact - no tis not to hard, he even does this when he's ona loos rein

So what do we try next? someone suggested a gag? Hes a 16hh Arab x French Trotter but can get quite strong when he wants to get his own way

 

[lillie07]

Have you tried a hanging cheek snaffle?

 

[Hemirjtm]

nope, may try that

thanks

 

[Hemirjtm]

we were thinking about a Hackamore, as he seems not to like whatever is in his mouth?

 

[AmyMay]

What kind of snaffle did you put in?

 

[flyingfeet]

A hackamore is not a replacement for schooling, plus fairly lethal if they run away with you!!

- How old is your horse?
- How much schooling do they get?
- Have you had their teeth done in last 6 months?
- Have you tried changing the noseband as that can irritate more than a bit?
- Does the rider tense up when the horse plays up?

 

[Hemirjtm]

D-ring with copper rollers...and a normal D-ring snaffle

 

[Hemirjtm]

[ QUOTE ]
A hackamore is not a replacement for schooling, plus fairly lethal if they run away with you!!

- How old is your horse?
- How much schooling do they get?
- Have you had their teeth done in last 6 months?
- Have you tried changing the noseband as that can irritate more than a bit?
- Does the rider tense up when the horse plays up?

[/ QUOTE ]

thanks, I wouldnt put it on him for hacking as that is the only place he runs away from me (i knwo they can be quite lethal if used incorrectly) It was just a thought...im not a bit expet and don't know enough about them to change it without asking for advice

12
lunged/long reined once a week, jumped once a week (if not every two weeks), schooled 2/3 times - if field is not to hard. and hacked out on the other days - but i try not to stick to a routine as he gets bored so it varies!!
Vet said they were ok
We have only just put noseband on (in Feb) he has become much better with it on, doesn't open his mouth anymore!!
No i don't tense up when he plays up, i used to but I am now relaxed on him and he doesn't seem to play up much anymore (mainly when its that time of the month!!!)

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
D-ring with copper rollers...and a normal D-ring snaffle

[/ QUOTE ]
So I'm assuming that the D ring snaffle has a nutcracker action?

Why not try a lozenge shaped bit such as a KK. Have yet to ride a horse in one that just didn't love it.

 

[Hemirjtm]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
D-ring with copper rollers...and a normal D-ring snaffle

[/ QUOTE ]
So I'm assuming that the D ring snaffle has a nutcracker action?

Why not try a lozenge shaped bit such as a KK. Have yet to ride a horse in one that just didn't love it.

[/ QUOTE ]

yes it did

 

[rdc1000]

Sounds very like mine, and now I still prefer to do fast/jumping work in a dutch gag. We tried the Pelham (hated it with a curb), waterford (simply hated it and did what yours appears to do) and I even spent nearly £100 on the Myler Combination, which he learnt to hate quite quickly. I'd say try the gag, but don't overuse it, because thats when things go wrong with them. Personally I wouldn't do flatwork in it, but I know people who do, and use the leverage to get their horses in a false outline.

I have a three ring version (one main ring, one above and below) because I think the pressure would be too much for mine with the additional ring.

 

[flyingfeet]

Right from the above I would say he definitely has an issue with fluid bits or nutcracker bits, some horses are plain irritated by them:

Avoid:
Any single joint
French link
Waterford

He should like:
Mullen bits (but may lean)
Barrel bits
Lozenge bits

If you want to do dressage I would try a barrel or lozenge baucher as a first port of call.

If you want control for hacking etc you could consider a kimblewick or 3 ring/ universal gag or tom thumb.

 

[rubyred]

Forget the name but what about the ns universal bits with leather strap round the back?
Found link
http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/prodshow.asp?id=1269&cat=2&scats=50,17

 

[henryhorn]

Hi, I watched your vid the other day and actually feel what's required is a lot more schooling rather than a stronger bit.
You can't really blame him for tanking along when you are riding him forward very strongly, and this isn't being nasty, just advising you what will I think help you both.
He looks to be a promising sort but needs to be obedient and supple if you want to jump him, I would perhaps try a hanging cheek snaffle for now but really concentrate on his training rather than competitions.
Are there any good instructors near to you?
I understand you posted he can be difficult but sometimes going back a couple of steps and getting the basics correct means when you want to move up it's easy.
The way he jumps at the moment you are getting away with because of his speed, when the time comes to shorten him if necesary it will be impossible without more training. I assume you've had his teeth checked etc to eliminate any problems ?

 

[Hemirjtm]

We have a good instructor, but thats an hour away, we have 5 lessons a month...but we may stat having more. The vet checked his teeth and said they were ok. However much schooling we do he stills doesn't soften and whenever i ask for a downwads transition (yes i do ride him into it) he still pulls the reins out of my hands

If anything i would like a kinder bit that wont iritate him, as i find that the ones we have tried he doesn't seem to like

He has been allowed to run in the past and get away with a lot of things

My iding instructor likes him but she said it may take longer than she would like to get him going really well, the dressage judge at the competition said that if we could relax together we could end up poducing a good test....I know we need to concerntrate on his training and i can't compete properly over here (france) until I have passed some tests. THis summer I am going to wok my socks off to get him to listen and be working from my leg and seat, but i still need to change his bit....this is not for my benefit but his comfort

I had enough brakes in the snaffle that when he took off i could bring him back to me...


thanks for you advice