Yet another bit dilema

[MissFliss]

Hi all,

Some of you may remeber that I was having some difficulties with Gem throwing his head in the air, and that he tanked off with my friend and ended up stepping on her when she came off (ouch:() Since then he has has seen the chiropractor, who adjusted his back, and seen the dentist again, who didn't find any problems. I'm planning on starting Gem again this week and would very much appreciate some opinions.

The dentist, who is a good horseman, suggested I ride Gem in a straight metal bit, like a mullen mouth, as this would (allegedly) make it more unpleasant to throw his head. I'm not enitely convinced this would work, however, I do respect his opinion.

The biggest issue with Gem is that he can very quickly run the reins through my hands and then I have no control for a few seconds. I don't ride with open hands,but I do soften the rein if the contact is achieved, and Gem has taken advantage of my kindness (grr). He does soften, then I give, then I see his ears up close and he tugs at the reins HARD. He hasn't really run off with me, but I definately have seen the potential! I was gived a simple jointed eggbutt in his bridle when I bought him, but suspect that this wasn't what he was usually ridden in as he doesn't seem to respond very well. I have also tried him in a KK sweet iron/copper bit that he didn't enjoy much.

After reading a few post, I was wondering whether I should try a Dutch gag with an apple mouth, i've used one with good results before on a brakeless pony, with good results, but Gem does have breaks, we do a lot of walk/halt trot/halt transitions no probs, but he just wants to lope along and not carry himself, and when asked, starts his naughtiness. I certainly dont want the tanking to be a habit, especially on trails. Would 2 reins be better? I've read much about pelhams, but all of my instructors I've spoken to think they are the work of the devil, and would probably beat me if they saw me use one :)

Also, someone suggested that a smaller eggbutt snaffle may help, but I think that it would be the most severe of all, it's very thin.

So, when I go to the saddlery shop on Saturday, what do I get?? (keep in mind my VERY limited budget!!!) I really want Gem to be happy in his work, rather than being "correct".

Thanks,

MissFliss

[helenc]

If he doesn't 'tank off' and is not 'strong' then I don't think a gag is the correct way forward. You don't want to put a bit in that he doesn't need & although they have a different action to pelhams they are still severe!

If he is pulling the reins through your hands then the chances are that he is not happy with the contact you are giving him, if this is the case then changing his bit is not going to make any difference as the contact will still be the same!

On the other hand, it could be that your horse doesn't like the nutcracker action of the eggbut snaffle. If this is the case then trying a mullen mouth, french link or multi link snaffle could be the way to go. (If you want a happy mouth then you can get these in snaffle form with a 'peanut' link which means that it has a double link)

If you don't want to spend a fortune then ask your local tack shop if they will let you try one of these bits & see if they work or see if they have a second hand section

[cvb]

hmm - assuming an "apple mouth" is the same as a "happy mouth" ie a synthetic one-piece mouthpiece to the bit, then why do you want the dutch gag part - why not just a simple apple mouth snaffle ?

As you said, its not about brakes, its about acceptance.

[MissFliss]

Thanks for your replies.

I was concerned that he wasn't taking a contact because of asking him too much etc, so had someone else with very sympathetic hands ride him, with exactly the same result. I think he has learned that this is a neat way of getting out of work. I don't want to hold him in, but I would like a bit of contact. He would like none! I was kind of thinking that the gag, used gently, would encorage the poll to relax in a similar way to a pelham, but I am not sure, hence the post. I think also, to be honest, watching my friend be carted and then fall off, and have her declare he was the strongest horse she has ridden, has not helped my confidence much!

I'll try a mullen mouth bit, unfortunately there is a "you bit it, you bought it" attitude at my local saddler.

Lunged him today in his regular bit and he was the most relaxed I'd seen him in ages!! Amazing after 3 weeks off, must be feeling good :) :)

MissFliss

[helenc]

If you just want to try out then there is a company called bitbank on the internet.

Try this link:
Bitbank (http://www.magnolife.com/catalogue.html)

[casey]

If you are sure the problem isn't caused by a heavy contact,. What works for me when my horses come out fresh or inparticular youngsters, is to loop the reins and place your hands on the horses neck so when he pulls, he actually pulls himself and not you. I let mine work off the freshness before starting work properly.
Dont change the bit, the problem is in his head and not his mouth by the sounds of it.
There are 2 reasons horses pull, one is because they are unbalanced and two, because the rider is leaning on them.
So try what I said above, he will soon get tired of hauling himself around.:)

[cvb]

Originally posted by helenc
If you just want to try out then there is a company called bitbank on the internet.


... not sure bitbank have that kind of global reach ? (or what postage from UK to Oz is for a bit ?!):D