Bitting for a Youngster - Where to go next?

[luv2jump2!!!]

Opinions greatfully received, and required.

Pony is just turned 4, backed last August, stocky Irish Connie (eg, big powerful neck he could use against you - thankfully he has yet to realise he has this option! (well in reality he doesn't - but physically he does.) He has a reasonably large tongue, pallet wise i'm not sure what i should be looking at to gauge (??).

For the first month or 2 of his riden work, he was in a Sweet iron, french link loose ring snaffle. This was fine, until he began throwing himself about and stropping, napping etc.

At this point, i switched him to a full cheek, jointed snaffle with keys, which improved him, and he does work well in it, the keys giving him something to play with instead of stropping about throwing his head etc. I have found when switching between bitten and bitless, he is leaning on his bit, and holding onto it however.

He is ridden bitless 50% of the time, and goes well like this also, but we need a bit that can be shown/dressagesd in, that will hopefully give him something to 'play with' and keep him entertained.. i have found he likes a joint also.

All teeth back vet checks are up todate etc, pony is healthy etc.

So any ideas where to go from here?

Lucy and Colby x

[puzzles]

I would suggest a mouthpiece that moves, to give him nothing to take hold of or lean on (i.e. double jointed bit or 'breaking bit' with mobile keys in the middle) - as you have already tried.

You could try a loose ring cheekpiece to mobilise the bit further, rather than a fixed one that would make leaning easier for your horse (i.e. loose ring snaffle or full cheek if you ened better steering).

It may be that your horse, especially considering his age, is on the forehand, encouraging him to lean on your hands for balance. Doing plenty of transitions, etc, and turns on the forehand (if he can) can help to lighten his forehand and encourage him to soften.

Good luck

x