Which bit?

[tabithakat64]

A novice friend has just brought a horse, it's a green cob (huge shoulder, but no muscle on it's behind) that is very on the forehand and she is struggling to stop it out hacking.
I've suggested she has some lessons and maybe goes out on slower hacks until they get used to each other.
My friend is wondering if a change of bit would also help, the horse is currently ridden in a Cottage Craft wonder gag on the middle ring. Would changing the bit help? If so what should she change it too?

 

[amandathepanda]

Personally I would put horsey into a loose ring french link with a flash and then reschool it! Gags usually have a poll action so can make a horse go on to the forehand.

 

[laura_1983]

ditto the above! and lessons too!

 

[BigBird146]

Ditto, but maybe even a grackle.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Ditto all the above, in the circumstances you've outlined this appears to be a schooling, or lack of schooling problem. She needs a quality flatwork instructor who will teach her & her horse to go properly. She is a novice rider on a novice horse so both need guidance & it is important to get the right kind i.e. a quality flatwork instructor. Don't start putting stronger bits in at this stage.

 

[tabithakat64]

I passed on everyone's comments, unfortunately it seems my friend wants a quick fix, she announced tonight that she's getting a sharer as she struggling financially at the moment so doesn't have any money for lessons. Some people just shouldn't buy horses.