Wonder if i dare.......

[perkypinky]

Now I've started cantering a bit out on hacks, i have found D to be very very strong. He is ridden in a loose ring french link which i really dont have any intention of changing unless absolutely necessary. He doesnt try to run off but if i give even an inch he goes faster. So the upshot is that we have to come back to walk as my arms go to jelly with holding him.
Any way - i spoke to my RI last night and she gave me some options and an order to try them:
The first one is the most scary..... i have got to try riding him up into the bridle and softening - so leg on and faster!!!:eek::eek: OMG!!! i wonder if i'll dare to do it????
2) put a flash strap on ( i really really hate them!!)
3) try a grackle noseband.

will let you know if/when/if i survive the first one as soon as it happens!!!

[xRobyn]

How about trying to bridge your reins? If they pull they (supposedly) just lean on themselves and it means you can keep your rein length the same without having to worry too much?

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-How-And-Why-Of-Bridging-The-Reins&id=445943

To bridge your reins, you hold them as you would normally but then turn your hands slightly to face thumbs briefly as you adjust your reins to the bridge. As the rein passes through your thumb and finger, it now goes across your horse’s neck to the other hand, where it also goes through your thumb and finger. Doing so on both reins now allows for a bridge. Then return your hands to the normal position while maintaining the bridge.

Bridging the reins gives the rider a bit more security with horses that try to pull the reins from their hands. A common technique used by those riding very forward cross country, bridging the reins also helps riders who have the bad habit of opening their fingers and allowing the reins to slip through their fingers or who are often losing contact for whatever reason. It helps the rider regain the contact without too much fuss and does not restrict the horse. It also helps riders consistently maintain contact when they are learning how to judge contact and when to fix it. Additionally, bridging the rein helps beginner riders maintain awareness of where one hand is in relation to the other; the technique assists in keeping the correct spacing between hands as well as keeping them from being held too high.

[Melting Moments]

A bit off topic but I was always taught, If the horse bolts you kick them on, this way you are telling them to go rather then them just going on their own free will, worked well.

[HJ]

I personally wouldn't use a different nose band to make my horse less strong, he may hate the flash attachment and fight against it, why wont you try another bit?

[Skippys Mum]

I'm with HJ - if you are not sure pop something slightly stronger in just for hacking. He's in one of the mildest bits out there just now so you have plenty of choice.

I know you've had confidence issues and I worry you would give yourself a fright if you kick on and go faster - and lose control. If your RI thinks this is the solution, would she do it for you first?