Hands-Reins

[SSage]

Hi everyone, I need some advice!
I know you are supposed to keep light contact on the bit via the reins. But what do you do when he is pulling on the bit? I felt like I was having a fight with him the other day, and having to hold him back. He would point his nose forward and go. He occasionally starts chewing the bit as well, which in turn brings his head forward and pulls the bit too. When he is chewing, it seems like he is not listening to me as well. I am using a regular O-ring snaffle bit.

Any suggestions or ideas for me to ponder?!
Thanks everyone! :)

[Somethingroyal]

I dont know if ill be much help here, since I assume you are talking about western horses and I have almost no experience with them. But anyhoo... What do you do to stop them? B/c if you pull on the reins then maybe you can pull on them here too, and try to get him to listen ad stop pulling. Maybe turning him in a couple circles?? Good luck, and I would be interested to know waht you find out.

[Outrider]

I might suggest a long shanked broken curb. Some call it a long shanked snaffle, but it is actually a curb. If he is chewing on the bit, it is bothering him. How is his teeth? Have they been floated lately? This could cause this behavior if he is having problems with his teeth. You could also try a tie down to set his head more and not let him nose his way forward. Just a few ideas. Happy Trails!

[Liz E.]

Hey Outrider, think ya could help me out with my Reining Q's. I'm -- well you'll find out. If anyone can answer questions about western riding, it's you! Help! :)

[SSage]

Outrider, yes, I just had his teeth floated a few weeks ago. We used to use a long shanked snaffle type bit (Tom Thumb), and just switched to the O ring type snaffle a few months ago...so I think I will switch back to the old bit and see what happens!
S.Royal. I will try the circles. That might grab his attention back if a turn him a few times as soon as he starts his chewing. Thanks!

[Outrider]

You had a Tom Thumb with a long shank? I have seen them and used them with short shanks but not long. You also might try a Myler bit of the same type. They are exensive, but well worth it for what it gives you.

Liz, what kind of reining questions do you have?