Do you think bitless would help?

[NuttyMare]

I was just wondering what you all thought about this. I ride a horse at my yard, who doesn't like to have his bridle put on. Once you get the bit in his mouth he's constantly moving it around and fiddling. To ride, he is quite snatchy at the contact, and when he settles into a contact and works nicely he is so flashy and wonderful to ride. However, he is inconsistent. He will work nicely for a short while, then suddenly start fighting you and tossing his head. He will take a while to settle back into the contact. As far as I know his teeth are fine, and I have checked the fit of his bridle, it fits well. He is currently ridden in a french link snaffle.

[1 morejump]

I don't really know anything about bittless but maybe you should have his back/saddle (ie- flocking) checked. If his back hurts he will raise his head to make his back concave in order to avoid pressure on his muscles. Then he would have a hard time keeping his neck and body in a rounded, collected position. He might just associate the bit with that last step until his back hurts. You could try bittless but if that doesn't help have his back looked at.

[No_Angel]

my mare hated bing bitted and would always go around with her head in the air, i changed her saddle to a treeless to see if that would help but it didnt really, bitless was the making of her. one of my horses was evil to tack up and she didnt mind the bit, but a treeless saddle made all the difference.
it really depends on what it is, and you wont know until you try.
see if you can ride him in a headcollar (say your trying to get an more independant seat or something if people ask and think its odd:p ) but then you can guage if he dislikes the bit, if he does he should be instantly more relaxed (brakes might be a bit off tho, plently of seat needed, lol)

[hackedoff]

Yeah I'd say try him in a rope halter or could you trial a Myler bit? My gelding used to 'snatch' and fuss (and it took me 15 mins to get the blessed bit in his mouth:rolleyes: ) he was better in the Myler low port than any other bit but we ended up in a Dr Cook which he is fab in, or an Indian Bosal/ Hackamore for fast hacking.

[NuttyMare]

Thanks guys :)