Bit advice please

[maxandpaddy]

Our boy is back in work, hes schooled once or twice a week and hacked out 3 or 4 times depending on the weather and how dark it is. Currently schooled in a snaffle. We're going to get him out hunting soon and his breaks worry me. Hes a section D, only 6 and still very babyish, my daughter rides him on the local gallops sometimes and he can tuck his head in (to avoid the bit) and tank off with her....she circles him and gets him back but out hunting that may prove difficult !!

I know hes going to be a bit of a plonker first few times, then probably run out of puff within 20 minutes!!!

What can I put on him that isnt too severe (she has lovely hands) BUT for that first 20 minutes gives her some breaks ?

[tabbyx]

What about a pelham? That way she has the curb rein for brakes when she needs them but can just ride off the top rein the rest of the time. Everything I've hunted I've taken in a pelham for the above reasons as you have the brakes there but you're not going along with the handbrake half on.
Hope she has a great time hunting, it's the best fun that can be had! I'm missing it desperately but have nothing to take at the moment.
I do find that the best thing to do is let them go along with the rest of the field and they'll stop when they do, saves fighting with the horse and wearing rider out. Also try and find a couple of friends/responsible people she can go with that will keep an eye on her, it will help put you at ease.

[maxandpaddy]

Thanks tabbyx shes going out with a friend of mine to keep a watch over them,I had thought of popping a pelham on him, just trying to avoid 2 sets of reins but maybe I should reconsider it.

He'l only be a pain at the beginning, you know the type..... parties too hard too fast and ends up asleep in a corner by 10 with a traffic cone on their head

[tabbyx]

You'd be surprised how well riders cope with 2 reins out hunting, especially if she learns to bridge them. I'd get her hacking out and doing fast work in them before letting her loose on the hunting field so she's used to handling them.

Haha yes I know the type, good friend of mine fits the description exactly!

[sageandonionagain]

If he tucks his head in then the last bit should be a Pelham which will encourage him to do this even more, head will undoubtedly disappear between the legs and we know what happens when the front end goes this low and the pony loses balance. Ooops the back end rises!!

I would try a Waterford or a kimblewick which will not encourage this lowering. Try in the school firstly and then if pony seems comfortable on a hack. Make sure pony well introduced before going hunting.

[jennipenny]

After having years of trouble finding a suitable bit for our mare whilst out hacking we found a simple Waterford snaffle was the best she also tucked her head in to avoid the bit. And set her neck to sometimes which was awful x

I swear by the Waterford now ! The happiest and safest I have felt on board whilst out hacking in years ️xx

[sarahp]

We used Waterfords on two horses in the past with great success, one a snaffle and one a gag, both well received by horses that would not tolerate a curb bit but needed extra brakes in an emergency.

[Philippa]

Oct 26, 2015 16:35:36 GMT maxandpaddy said:

Thanks tabbyx shes going out with a friend of mine to keep a watch over them,I had thought of popping a pelham on him, just trying to avoid 2 sets of reins but maybe I should reconsider it.

He'l only be a pain at the beginning, you know the type..... parties too hard too fast and ends up asleep in a corner by 10 with a traffic cone on their head

Lol. That's a great analogy!! Lol. I'm with Sarah'p re Waterford.

[maxandpaddy]

I've ordered a Waterford thanks for the advice guys, click and collecting it tomorrow so she can hack him out in it a couple of times first. Ready for his first trip out hunting on Saturday...gawd help them all!!

Should be entertaining

[catkin]

I've never had much joy with waterfords - don't know why.
If the evasion is in the form of overbending, the poll action (e.g. Pelham) won't be for you. I would suggest a double bridle as the ultimate solution as you have everything covered with that! But, if you don't want double reins how about a jointed Pelham, softer in the poll action and nutcracker to counteract?

[flo1]

Oct 26, 2015 16:35:36 GMT maxandpaddy said:

He'l only be a pain at the beginning, you know the type..... parties too hard too fast and ends up asleep in a corner by 10 with a traffic cone on their head

Must be a 'Welshy' thing...describes our 6 year Sec D to a 'T'