What bit for a strong ex hunter?

[xxxkristinaxxx]

A friend of mine has a strong ex hunter, he has been brought back into work and is very strong and basically she has no brakes and when he decides to go he will.
He is 18hh so has height and strength advantage.
He is currently in a full cheek snaffle. Lots of people have been giving her different advice, the first professional told her to put him in a gag ... no difference, I think maybe he didn't like the poll pressure.
The other professional has told her to put him in a pelham with the hard rubber stuff? First with roundings, then with two reins if it doesn't work.
She is yet to try this.
Then another person said to keep him in a snaffle, and put him in an even milder snaffle than he is in now.

I know its a schooling issue but she can't school him if hes going to take off and have no brakes.
I don't want her to get hurt, and the horse is lovely he just needs a lot of schooling.

A little advice please so I can pass it on?

[xJenniferx]

NOt got any great advice, but I can asure her she is not the only one.

Tyler is an IDX 16.2hh former hunter. He was hunted for around a year in Ireland then shipped over here. I have had a few scary moments where he has decided he is back on the hunt and will go flat out and jump anything. HE was ridden in a snaffle and cavesson bridle

I tried a dutch gag but it was too strong, particularly with me being fairly novice.

After speaking to a former Master of the Hunt who I knew, he advised trying a flash and sticking with the snaffle. I have to say that it has worked, alongside the use of verbal commands. He is still very strong, but I have more control which has allowed me to do more schooling and thus solve some of the problem.

[xxxkristinaxxx]

Hey thanks for the reply, glad you have had some success with your ex hunter.
I do think the best option for her will be to stick to the snaffle but is so confusing when she keeps having different advice and opinions!
By the way he has had his back and teeth done recently

[Fizz]

jays in a waterford hanging cheek, he backs off the pelham and doesnt like the gag much.

[lachlanandmarcu]

If he tanks with his head between his knees, a gag type bit would be more appropriate, but a proper running gag with 2 reins not an 'always on' 3ring/Dutch/Bubble gag.Then you can ride on the snaffle rein and knot the other unless you need it.

If he tanks with his head in the air, a pelham or kimblewick type bit would be better as they exert more poll pressure. But a Pelham with roundings (ie 1 rein) is a bit harsh as it makes it 'always on' with the poll pressure, ideally use 2 reins so he can be ridden on the snaffle only unless he starts taking the michael!