Strong!

[horsey_woman]

I got a new 12 hands pony, her last owner was a 12yr old child. Anyway all she wants to do is canter/gallop. I took her on a hack yesterday with her friends, she wanted to be in front at all times. I refused to let her go beyond a trot. I held her back, turned her round and made her stand at random places.

All was well till the last bit of road on the way back, she started napping and trying to take off, but I held her even though she seemed to ignore the bit. You don't need any leg with her, a click of the tongue and she is off!

Shame is we got a few feet from her field gate and she started spinning like mad, I couldn't even get myself off so my friend came and grabbed her for me.

She is currently in a Snaffle. Any tips for schooling this 16yr old madam?! or perhaps a stronger bit, which I know should be the last resort.

[nutkin]

firstly it sounds as though you are doing the right thing. I would not let her canter at all at the moment untill she is listening to you and not just wanting to go everywhere flat out. A change of bit may help as it may at least get her listening to you again.

[horsey_woman]

Thanks for the reply I feel so much better! What bit would you try after a Snaffle for a strong pony?

[nutkin]

what sort of snaffle is it? Is it a plain eggbutt with a thick mouthpiece. If so maybe just a thinner french link mouthpiece with a loose ring to stop him grabbing a hold of it.

[horsey_woman]

It's a plain jointed snaffle.

[nutkin]

then the thinner frenchlink loose ring should help. I know alot of people think that the french link is a milder bit but coupled with the loose ring it is ideal for those horses that set their mouth against you ignoring you as they can not grab hold of it to do this in the first place. Another option would be a hanging cheek snaffle as this has a very mild poll action and is popular with dressage riders of strong horses.

[ponylover88]

...