A new bit for Pete?

[solomon]

I am really struggling now with the thought of going for a canter on my pony in company. My brakes don't work. I know I make things worse, and friends are saying give in and use a stronger bit just while hacking to get some confidence back. Thoughts please.

[scattymare]

Whats he in at the moment Sol?
e.t.a what does he do to avoid stopping - does he put his head up/down, just pull against you?

You are obviously working well with his schooling so I don't think theres any harm in looking for a bit more control hacking. Just what he's doing will affect the right bit choice.

[spotti]

Or you could look into some fom of martingale or elastic bungie-type thing if he throws his had up?

Athough, if this is the case then may he's just unbalanced and has to throw his weight arond in order to steady himself, and so more practice and stronger muscles would help this.

[ceej]

yes it'll be about finding out why you dont have breaks - so you can pick a bit (or alternative or riding technicque) that may help; harry used to set his neck cross his jaw and run past everyone else with his mouth wide open!!! A drop could help with this rather than a stronger bit as if pete is evading the bit then strength probably wont help - something else may, or someone onhere may just have a technique that would do the trick just as well. So many people put in a stronger bit first.

Also, some bits are stronger on some horses than pothers - it is about the pressure parts of the bit and what your horses mouth is like - for instance an Arab has a low pallet and jointed bits crack them on the roof of the mouth - Harry has a very fleshy mouth and so the effect of certain bits are very different from how they may be on a horse with little flesh.

so, what does he do and what is he currently ridden in? Sorry; ask a question,get more back!!

[solomon]

Ok, he is in an eggbutt snaffle sometimes a running martingale although YO recommends a standing as he does put his head up. I used to ride him in a french link but he chewed on this constantly in a gnashing head jerking way. That is better in the eggbutt although he does still gnash a bit. When he goes its just head out like a racehorse, I just have no steering or brakes. It is terrifying. I know I need to work more on schooling him and he is un-balanced. He was ridden before in a waterford, but previous owner never used to hack. Control in the school not an issue at all. I was thinking of either a Dutch gag, or maybe a kimblewick\pelham just so that I can enjoy a canter again. One other thing first canter when we are out is always fine it's once his blood is up! Too excited for my liking!

[fimacg]

Safety always has to come first, so if it becoming dangerous then use a stronger bit for a while when hacking out so you know you have him. A dutch gag is not a bad idea as you can alter which ring you put the rein on.

Another option if you are brave enough is o fins a big field and then canter in company and if he goes, then keep him going until he wants to stop, puch him a little further then ask him back.

[racaille]

I don't want to teach granny to suck eggs (NOT in any way implying you are a granny ) but are you using the pressure/release method on the reins, Sol?

[solomon]

Pressure release when I still have some hope of him coming back yes. It's when we are past that stage. I hoped his pipe opener the other week would have helped him but now i think he just wants to be a racehorse! Chiro came yesterday and said how well he looks and is very pleased with his back. No pain responses at all now, don't I know he is well!

[brigadier]

C ant add to above Sol, safety and what you are confortable with is main issue, a dutch gag used for this would be a good solution. I dont like to see these bits used for just anything- but what they are intended for are problems like yours.

[duckles]

Soloman, I have had this problem with JB or used to when I did things with him in company. Even in walk, he has to lead and he gets totally excited cantering. Initially (and even still) it can get out of control. WHat I did was concentrate on schooling and hacking on my own (or without cantering) for absolutely ages. Then I went out with one trusty person (and horse) and led the canter. I stayed at this stage for a good while - no racing, just strong steady canter with a trusty horse behind who didn't start to race. I then tried cantering behind a steady horse and as long as that horse didn't get excited or charge off, JB was ok. Now the plan was to expand this to 3 or more horses but it never actually got to that stage. However, he did become completely safe to canter on his own. On the the rare occasions I am in a group, and people want to canter I ask to lead and he is usually ok.
With another horse who liked to race (but who was not of control), I found cantering beside another horse helpful (rather than behind). (as long as no racing).
Another tip I heard was to canter in a field for 10 strides, trot 10 strides, repeat which got the horse thinking and not automatically charging. I do this occasionally.
Schooling does really help especially if your horse is on the forehand - it can be difficult for them to slow up when on the forehand and it certainly feels worse.
I do think you are right to get a stronger bit because if you don't feel in control you will end up avoiding hacking out with others which would be a shame. I know 2 people who found a mexican grakle noseband helped with this problem more than a stronger bit. I have never used one myself but they swear by them.

[solomon]

Got the gag, he was a good boy in it very conscious of not pulling his mouth which is good. Haven't really tried it out to the max yet but there is hope now.

[fleabitten]

Thats great there'll be no stopping you now!

[fimacg]

hopefully it will bring your confidence back and once he knows you have him, he will stop the antics