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Post by lillyron30 on Feb 3, 2013 13:34:41 GMT
Can any of you experienced HG folk help? I have a young first ridden who messes with his mouth. His teeth are ok, so i guess its a case of finding a bit he's happy with. He hates anything rubber, not keen on his simple eggbutt snaffle and leans on a loose ring snaffle. He opens his mouth a lot and chomps, pulling the jockey forward. Has anyone tried the tom thumb wilkie snaffle? I've no experience with one so thought i'd ask you guys Any advice greatfully received  |
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Post by dancer on Feb 3, 2013 15:51:44 GMT
Has his back been checked / saddle fitted?
We had a pony that didn't appear happy in his mouth but it turned out to be a problem with his pelvis being out of line.
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 3, 2013 18:16:09 GMT
Do you use a single or double jointed snaffle? Many dislike the nutcracker action of the first, you don't specify. In general, the more a bit moves (ie loose ring, double jointed) the less likely it is to be able to be leaned on, and it does take two to pull - I do appreciate we are talking a small child here though. I would expect him to lean on the eggbut rather than the loose ring!
Personally, I wouldn't use a wilkie on anything, they give a false outline, and would only ever use a snaffle (that's a proper snaffle, not including a wilkie) of some sort on a young pony anyway until it is schooled and going well in that.
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Post by Wiltshire Man on Feb 3, 2013 18:47:42 GMT
Plenty of lunging with side rein (not tight) will help to stop the pony to lean the bit also get him used to the bit and also plenty of long rein will also help a lot, it will make a pony more pleasure to ride for the child.
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Post by lilliella1 on Feb 3, 2013 21:55:25 GMT
Our baby 153cm was very bad for leaning and snatching when we broke him. We tried lots of bits and really all it was, was schooling and balance. He now goes in a hollow mouth french link snaffle and is a dream, very light infront. I would not advocate changing bits all the time. Choose a bit that is nice soft and simple like a french link snaffle and stick with it. Get his teeth checked and his back looked at to be 100% sure he is not in any discomfort, then its just time and schooling.
Good luck.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2013 22:32:05 GMT
I use an eggbutt french link bit, when I am breaking, they mouthe nicely with them and you can continue to use them, wether you are showing - pony club whatever.
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Post by norwalk on Feb 4, 2013 1:11:30 GMT
I too would say a french link snaffle, whether loose ring, eggbutt or full cheek. One with a copper link may help too... Concentrate on working through properley from behind and ignore what the head is doing for now - that will settle as soon as the rest is working effectively and balanced in most cases!
Be patient and dont rush or take short cuts to force a false outline, they never pay off in the end and take a lot to put right!!!
Also worth considering the mouth anatomy, ponies with fleshy tongues often prefer a finer mouthpiece as they just dont have the space to accomodate a thick one. Maybe this could tie in with not accepting a rubber bit?
Good luck x
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 4, 2013 9:45:24 GMT
Many bit queries aren't really that, the answer is in schooling!
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Post by poop on Feb 4, 2013 22:41:09 GMT
I like a french link, or a nylon peanut mouth which has a similar effect. Def no wilkies. Does he have wolf teeth? They may need to come out.
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Post by lulah on Feb 4, 2013 23:21:40 GMT
I would recomend a magic snaffle (also known as cambridge snaffle) they are thin and dont take up much room in the mouth. The port offers tongue relief and they are generally loose ring - wich like sarahp said in her first post - discourages leaning. Tom thumb wilkie sound too much for a baby. Make sure the pony is happy in all other areas tack back etc. You may need to find a lightweight experienced rider to school him.
Good luck
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sarahp
Happy to help
Posts: 9,510
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Post by sarahp on Feb 5, 2013 7:44:06 GMT
I thought of wolf teeth - I always check before breaking and have them removed if present rather than wait to see if they cause a problem. But the OP did say teeth had been checked and were fine so I assumed the pony didn't.
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Post by lillyron30 on Feb 5, 2013 19:02:27 GMT
Thank you all so much, your advice will be taken on board (excuse the pun!). I had his teeth recently checked and he's ok there, his saddle was also checked only 2 weeks ago and thats ok too. I will try a french link snaffle as he's in a single jointed one at the moment. That seems to be the favourable one with most of you and of course continue the lunging and schooling. Many thanks once again to you all :-) xxx
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