What piece of tack do I need?

Gusbear

Gusbear

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I just took my 18.2hh lump of a boy for his first canter/gallop today on the local downs. Apart from him being so bouncy (couldn't sit without feeling like on was on a bus with square wheels so leaned forward and made him go all the more faster) he was very keen and has a massive stride, similar to being astride a jet fueled rocket launcher on full power. I felt in control (more or less) and his head carriage was not high however I felt as though my reins were all over the place and in the end I bridged my reins and held onto the neck strap of his breast plate to stop me jabbing him in the mouth and feeling as though my hands were in the air.
I don't want to put him up to a stronger bit (currently in a Myler comfort snaffle) as he did respond to my attempts at keeping him in check, however I felt as though I would have felt safer with a martingale or the like to help me keep my hands more steady as my riding buddy said initially I looked as though I was trying to hang out the washing until I grabbed the breastplate.
It was the first time I've been beyond trot on him and I must admit his power and speed took the wind out of me and had me a little worried. He trots as the same speed as his 17.2hh buddy canters so you can imagine his canter/gallop was warp speed and more than my rusty riding is used to.
Would appreciate any replies from those of you with nerves of steel. :)
 
Not much help as I ride a 14.3 who has a quick, choppy + bouncy pony stride, but if I feel like my hands are all over the shop when we're galloping then I allow a little more slack in the rein and rest my hands on his withers\neck. Not as helpful in canter if you need brakes\steering, but I hear a lot of people swear by an old stirrup leather as a neck strap xx
 
By what you've said I wouldnt say you need any other forms of tack.

I think as this is the first time you've been cantering/galloping him out its just shocked you a bit.

If he is responsive to you pulling him up, he doesnt need his bit changing.

A martingale I'd only use if he was throwing his head up to avoid the bit when pulling him up.

I would continue to use a breastplate to use as you did, to steady yourself without pulling his mouth.

I would personally do more of it, but perhaps it shorter bursts so feel more in control of him, maybe take him somewhere where you have to pull up after a while? you can then test the breaks without being on a long track with lots of room to bomb off?!? :)

I had the same problem with Spot (17.2 WB with a lot of power!) and was already in a pelham! I shortened my stirups before we did any canter/gallop work so I felt more secure in the saddle and practiced him listening to me, in the end I could control exactly what speed we went and we both enjoyed a good blast across a corn field :D :D
 
I'd love to see a photo of this giant!:)

Neck strap AND running martingale set to a height where reins would normally lie on his neck.

I know a martingale is traditionally for horses that throw their heads but if your hands are a trifle unsteady the martingale will keep the contact on his mouth at a constant level if you get my gist.

I know many instructors who use martingales on school horses for exactly this reason, no (or at least much less) jabbing in the mouth.
 
Enfys said:
I'd love to see a photo of this giant!:)

Neck strap AND running martingale set to a height where reins would normally lie on his neck.

I know a martingale is traditionally for horses that throw their heads but if your hands are a trifle unsteady the martingale will keep the contact on his mouth at a constant level if you get my gist.

I know many instructors who use martingales on school horses for exactly this reason, no (or at least much less) jabbing in the mouth.
Click to expand...

^^^^^ this
 
Envys, I'll post some pics once I have access to my OH's laptop as can't do so from my IPad :(
My riding buddy said my boy looked a magnificent sight in action at speed. I'm sure he did however I was too busy hanging on for dear life as the world went past in a blur. My boy's great grand sire won the English Derby so I think he may have picked up grandpa's speed gene along the way.
I've ridden some fast and furious neddy's in my day however my lad completely took me by surprise. Bit much for someone like me who has not ridden for over 5 years and it was only the second time I've hacked him out.
Will be heading off to the GP's next week for some Valium for the next time I take him out :D
 
I've never got on with neckstraps - but hey, my horse is 14.3.... I swear by wearing full length chaps - they help me stick to the saddle. without them I feel like I'm going to slide off:eek:
 
Try a neck strap, but try it somewhere safe first. My boy has been taught to slow/stop with pressure on a neck strap, so be careful you don't fly over his head if he stops suddenly.
 
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