Bit problems

[casper15]

I think this is the right place but please correct me if I am wrong.

Ever since we have had my pony he has been constantly changing bits because he doesnt like certain things etc, anyway, for showing, when we put him in a pelham he just backs off completely and doesnt go forward causing his already short stride to become even shorter and for the classes we do, like show hunter, he cant do that as he then doesnt look like he is going forward. I could ride around not holding any reins and he would still back off it. We have tried jointed, straight bar, ported, tom thumb mouthpiece, everything and we cant seem to find anything even being used with a loose curb chain. He is usually in a tom thumb or 2 ringed gag so dont think its anything to do with the curb rein?

We cant put him in a snaffle because he does get very strong and will run off if given the opportunity and we are starting veteran qualifiers next year so cant have him doing that and obviously it would look better. Any ideas? Would a double bridle be worth a try?

Thanks

[ilovebuckroox]

You can ride with the Tom Thumb using 2 reins

[casper15]

Thats also a problem - we have done that and he freaks out with that aswell... i think we may have to try again...

[shardy]

Less is more.

[Milliesmum]

So it sounds from what you say that he is OK with poll pressure but doesn't like the curb action? Have you tried an elastic or leather curb rather than the chain? And a similar mouthpiece to what he's used to. And yes, I would try a double bridle, as you can then ride off the bradoon and not touch the curb? Again I'd go for the elastic rather than a chain.

[LinsopStud]

Try a leather curb chain very loose. If he can't feel it or hear it jangling you might convince him it's not there!

[ilovenatives]

Have his teeth, back and saddle been checked recently ?

[casper15]

Not very recently but he has always been the same even with his teeth etc checked so i think we will try the leather curb rather than chain as that might be the problem - he is fine with poll pressure and we will also try the double bridle - we are in the process of finding one so will try that.

For a new forest pony he really does have a difficult mouth!

Thanks everyone

[LinsopStud]

My TB loathed his double til I tried a leather curb chain.. It was like a miracle cure haha. Good luck!