Which bit is best?

[Jimmy260910]

My horse is stubborn. I ride him in a french link loose ring snaffle, and I can get him on the bit, with a bit of persuasion, and going nicely for a little while before he starts to lean heavily.
The last couple of times I've ridden him, i've ridden him in a dutch gag with a french link, (with the reins on the second ring) and he's gone really nicely, trotted for a long time on the bit, beautiful canter, and I couldnt feel him leaning!
However, I know this bit isn't legal in BD, and so I was wondering what was best. Personally, I think he leans because he hasnt built up the muscle yet in his back, so would it be a good idea to school him in the dutch gag? Or keep going with the snaffle and hope he gets easier?

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Stick to the snaffle. When he starts leaning its because you've asked him to hold the outline for too long. Ask for a little less, ie let him have a stretch on a long rein for a break before he gets to the stage where he starts to lean on your hands. As his muscles build so he will be able to maintain an outline for longer.

In the other bit he is probably not maintaining a true outline but just tucking his nose in and tensing the neck rather than leaning on your hands. In other words, the bit is likely to be pulling him into a false outline. If he doesn't have sufficient muscle to maintain an outline, putting a stronger bit in his mouth hasn't suddenly changed that.

 

[Jimmy260910]

Stick to the snaffle. When he starts leaning its because you've asked him to hold the outline for too long. Ask for a little less, ie let him have a stretch on a long rein for a break before he gets to the stage where he starts to lean on your hands. As his muscles build so he will be able to maintain an outline for longer.

In the other bit he is probably not maintaining a true outline but just tucking his nose in and tensing the neck rather than leaning on your hands. In other words, the bit is likely to be pulling him into a false outline. If he doesn't have sufficient muscle to maintain an outline, putting a stronger bit in his mouth hasn't suddenly changed that.

Thank you