Bit Problems

[scarileo]

Hi, what bit would you suggest for a strong horse that is currently ridden in a loose ring snaffle (with lozenge - he loves them) but is worse with stronger bits? We've tried him in some gags and pelhams but he doesn't like pressure on his poll as he is quite sensitive there. I'm just quite worried as his rider isn't particularly strong so cannot hold him.

We've spent a lot of money having his teeth checked (fine), back checked (fine) and regular sessions with chiropractors but it is becoming more evident that these are not the problem. He rides fairly well in his current bit but gets strong in canter and when jumping (which he loves). We've doing natural horsemanship and more natural approaches to lay out the groundwork but a different bit might help us, as I said with the not-as-strong rider! 

Thank you. 

[robrocks]

Loose ring Waterford if rider has quiet hands or a myler? Something he can't lean on and tank with.

[gillwales]

Schooling.

Horses will very often be stronger with a stronger bit, it gives them something to fight against, this encourages the horse to go on the forehand.

Lots of transition work, if the horse gets strong go onto a circle, remember the inside rein is the bend and the outside rein your brake, always use a brake and give rather that just pulling. You need to teach your horse to listen to a whisper rather than a shout. He will be a much nicer ride.

[scarileo]

Thank you for your suggestions - Although we have done a lot of schooling with similar techniques, I'll use that as my first option and use the waterford/myler as my back-up. Once again, thank you, that definitely gives me something to work with

[sarahp]

Schooling in the snaffle, only resorting to a stronger bit for safety's sake in testing situations.