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Post by BiTTing on Jul 21, 2018 19:31:31 GMT
I have recently bought a Fell pony & her previous owner rode her in a Tom Thumb American gag bit. When I went to view her , it was obvious that she wasn’t happy with it. I’ve tried riding her in my other pony’s Neue Schule turtle top bit but although she seems to be happy with it in her mouth ie no constant gnawing on the bit like the Tom Thumb, when I ask her to go forward into trot, I feel like I’ve got no brakes and no control, and she’s just leaning on it. I have arranged for my EDT to come out & also some riding lessons to start next week but as I don’t know a lot about bitting, just thought I’d ask here first for some advice. A friend of mine has suggested I stick to the Tom Thumb for now & another has suggested I try a hanging cheek but I’m just finding it all a bit of a mine field. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by gillwales on Jul 22, 2018 12:43:16 GMT
If you can try a loose ring French link, I rarely found a horse or pony that did not go well in one. You will have extra steering due to each side of the bit being independent of the other. To stop her leaning on the bit and therefore be on the forehand, schooling is the key. Lots of transitions, rein back (you can teach this from the floor if need be ) leg yielding, turn on the haunches, I would avoid turn on the forehand while leaning on the bit. Keep her thinking and listening to you. Always try to end on a good note, it is also better to do less than more! Good luck
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Post by kjj29 on Jul 22, 2018 14:07:14 GMT
Agree with gill - I tend to steer away from trickier mouth pieces, I was brought up with the belief you can always get stronger, but getting softer again is a lot harder. I assume teeth are all up to date and there’s nothing there that could be causing the lean? Failing that I would go (as suggested) for a nice French link
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Post by BiTTing on Jul 22, 2018 17:52:29 GMT
Thank you. Yes my EDT is booked to come out to check her teeth, so assuming everything's ok there, will try a French Link.
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Post by gillwales on Jul 22, 2018 20:09:43 GMT
good luck, do let us know how you get on
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Post by BiTTing on Jul 23, 2018 12:59:52 GMT
Will do, thank you, EDT is coming out tomorrow.
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