Leaning, Breaks Bit Problem??

[BECKS29]

bit,breaks,leaning problem

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, has anyone got any advice on what bit I should use:
When I hack out in a group and I know we are going across fields I have my mare in a 3 ring gag otherwise I have no breaks, but what I’m finding is she keeps dropping her head that low she almost has her nose on the floor when cantering/galloping which is a bit scary, if I try to get her head up she pulls harder and lower pulling me forward, I’m trying to keep my heals down to keep some strength but she is just stronger, I know the gag is putting pressure on her poll so her head should drop but not that far surely, I have also tried just giving my reins away so not to hold on but she still drops her head, any suggestions that will give me breaks but keep her head up a bit would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
:-)

[tbjumper127]

It sounds like your mare is pretty heavy on the forehand, and using you for her balance.

What I'd do is carry a crop/dressage whip. You don't need a stronger bit, you need more impulsion from behind, and getting her to push up into the bridle and carry herself. A little pressure/contact on your hands is absolutely find, but when she's pulling you forward give her a tap on the shoulder to make yourself tell her "Hey..pick yourself up" and if she ignores that give her one on the rear as a clearer aid.

Goood luck! :)

[texel]

Gag bits are supposed to raise a horse's head. If your mare is dropping her head she is trying to evade the pain of the gag. She is telling you she isn't comfortable at all. You can try all of the strongest bits on the planet and maybe you will find some brakes but only for a short while. Horses are flight animals and if they are in pain or frightened they will flee no matter what you put in their mouths. We can kid ourselves we have control by using auxillary tack and whatever bit is the flavour of the month to restrict and restrain but it will not do much to gain trust as far as the horse is concerned. You will end up fighting your horse and this is not what we want to do.

You should train your horse to respond to the lightest pressure from the reins and this involves groundwork and alot of patience, that's all there is to it there is no quick fix to establishing good brakes for the long term. Let go of the horse's head. Learn the one rein stop you can find how to do this if you search for it. As the owner of an ex very flighty 'let's go as fast as we can pony' I know what I mean. It is about building trust between your horse and yourself.

[clipclop]

The three ring dutch gag encourages the horse to put his head down. You need a bit which does the opposite to this such as the cheltenham gag which encourages the horse to raise his head.

I am also an agent for Neue Schule bits. If you would like any more advice pm me.