Which bit?

[flying solo]

I currently ride my cob in a french link hanging cheek snaffle but I am looking to head out cross country training for the first time with him (his first time, he's just 5 this month). He can be strong when the mood suits him and although is good out hacking etc himself he has been known to **ss off with me out in company or at a show if his mates are at the other end of the field

He is schooled etc and I only want to take an extra bit just in case.
What would you reccomend or suggest as I dont want to use a bit which would be too harsh. I'm thinking a Dutch gag???....

 

[PingPongPony]

i thought dutch gag! i have my mare in a roller centre happy mouth dutch gag, she is strong when she wants to be and she's run off with me before in a snaffle and since she's in this, she works lovely and i have a lot more breaks.
this what she's in:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HAPPY-MOUTH-3...Horse_Wear_Equipment&var=&hash=item72171946bd

 

[flying solo]

Thanks Shiny,

I just wanted someone else to reccomend it. Would you stick with french link or go for a standard, single joint?

I have always used french link as I feel they are more gentle (fluffy bunnie, i know!)?

Thanks again xx

 

[PingPongPony]

i'd stick with a french link, if he likes the bit he's in but you don't have enough breaks then keep the mouth piece and just play around with different rings, a wilkie migh be good as well. it gives more gag action than the on you have but less than a dutch gag.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-WILKIE-LO...Horse_Wear_Equipment&var=&hash=item72173c733f

 

[flying solo]

Tried my shetlands wilkie (HUGE shetland!) and had the same reactions of my snaffle, will order the dutch in a french link snaffle and give it a try. Whats the worst that could happen

 

[Horses24-7]

The good thing about using the gag is you cud start with it on the snaffle rings so works like the bit your using currently (hanging cheek) and it's easy to alter must by moving reins, I did this half way round xc schooling once as I realised I needed more breaks!

 

[flying solo]

yeah this is what i thought but first time breaking my own pony, i just want to get it right. He's not exactly the forgiving type! Bit is now ordered, wish me luck for the forth coming day out!