|
Post by Bitless on Apr 18, 2007 21:23:44 GMT
Problem: I have an 9yo hairy-in-a-hurry, who has a tendency to fall over his own front feet, almost somersaulting, and depositing me painfully on the ground. He is very forward going, and his backend moves strongly, but doesn't propel him uphill. Schooling is not so bad, after much perseverence, and he's lovely in a double, but that's a handful for hacking. I want something which will stop him leaning, which he does when in company. I've thought about a Waterford or Dutch gag, but admit to knowing little about bitting. Please don't nag me about schooling the problem out of him etc., cos I am trying, but I'm not a hugely brilliant or confident rider. I just would appreciate some advice, before I end up on the floor once too often. He is used for everything, from a gentle stroll through the park, to hunter trials, a bit of dressage, and County shows. Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by veryold on Apr 19, 2007 7:36:06 GMT
"hairy-in-a-hurry"! Lovely description, I've got one of those too. I suffered several years hacking in a snaffle with insufficient control because I was so ingrained with the dogma that horses should have "snaffle mouths". Now we go hacking in a ported pelham with no problems. You still have two lots of reins of course, but I don't really notice that any more.
|
|
|
Post by nikki on Apr 19, 2007 8:29:04 GMT
Sorry to hijack your thread Bitless but I wondered what bit people would advise for my pony. She also tends to go downhill although not in a massive rush (apart from jumping). In the school she will drop down on her bit and work for you (after about 20 mins) but out hacking she either puts her head down or pokes her nose out and off you go albeit at a steady pace.
Jumping is a different ball game- her head goes down, speed increases and you just have to steer (usually). However, confidence wise not very inspiring especially as she has been known to duck out at the last minute and you have nowhere else to go apart from the floor!
I currently ride her in a hanging cheek snaffle (boucher) and I used to put a running martingale on for jumping but since discarded it as she never actually puts her head up. She is a NF with quite a strong neck.
|
|
|
Post by papahotchie on Apr 19, 2007 13:59:29 GMT
It sounds like you both need something with poll action, which gives you a bit of leverage without pulling their back teeth out....
We tend to use an american tom thumb gag which has sweet iron french link mouth piece.....it just gives you that bit extra when you half halt without being too hard on them....
Especially use it on the workers and when hacking out anything that doesn't listen......
You can get them from Fylde Saddlery, they are about £18....
|
|
|
Post by sam2333 on Apr 19, 2007 16:04:58 GMT
A swales pelham is what I would suggest.
|
|
mac
Full Member
Posts: 305
|
Post by mac on Apr 19, 2007 17:38:06 GMT
sam2333 Although Swales pelhams are very fashionable and are great for some horses, allowing you to ride with light hands on something that would otherwise pull your arms out, they are very severe if used improperly. I can't believe anyone would recommend one to someone who finds double reins " a bit of a handful out hacking".
|
|
|
Post by Bitless on Apr 19, 2007 17:54:18 GMT
I'm not that bad, and double reins are a handful out hacking! Thanks for all help so far, keep it coming please. And also, please, don't slag anyone off on this thread on my account!
|
|
|
Post by blackknight nli on Apr 19, 2007 18:05:14 GMT
abbott davis' are good for lightening up heavy hairies!! A friend of mine had the same problem with a hipo and he would just trip and 'snow plough' in the menage onto his knees and would be very heavy in front on a snaffle but great in a double. Have you tried riding in just the bradoon snaffle? where it is fine, some dont like 'sitting' on that as much s a thicker bit. This with a flash noseband very often does the trick without resulting to too many expensive options...may be worth a try
|
|
|
Post by johnwayne on Apr 19, 2007 19:04:27 GMT
Blackknight nli, thank you, very constructive suggestions. I might try that tomorrow - I've also changed his saddle, and farrier has had an input too, on the falling-over-his-feet front. Nice new fancy Natural Balance footwear for my boy! Still wondering about a Waterford though, but wary of jumping on bandwagons - I'm not usually a fashion slave. Oh! I'm logged in now . . . .oh well, never mind.
|
|
|
Post by johnwayne on Apr 19, 2007 19:18:15 GMT
I have just googled Abbott |Davis, and found H&H forum thread about it. Will try bridoon only first, then see if I can borrow . . .
|
|
mac
Full Member
Posts: 305
|
Post by mac on Apr 19, 2007 22:00:41 GMT
Sorry bitless. Didn't mean it as a slag off to you. Just wanting to raise the fact that a Swales is a serious bit.
I would suggest trying a dutch gag. I have found them pretty good for extra control on something that drops its front.
The advice re trying the bridoon only is OK as a thin mouth piece may do the trick. However, the rings on a bridoon are too small and you have to be careful that they don't end up in the horses mouth if you ever have to pull a bit hard to turn. Better if you can borrow a thin mouthed snaffle of some sort to try out.
|
|
|
Post by johnwayne on Apr 20, 2007 12:55:25 GMT
Thanks Mac. I'm borrowing Dutch gag, as I used to ride my strong cob in one years ago, and it was ok. Thanks to all for input.
|
|