What kind of bit should i use as an alternative?

Question

I have an 18hh Tb gelding. Hes a dream to ride. Right now i'm using a rubber pelham. It works for him because he's so big and strong and has so much power. He's perfect and slow on the flat. But everyonce and a while even when jumping, he'll use his power to drag me around the ring, even with a pelham. Is there a bit that is a little less harsh, without the chains and double reins, but is also just about as strong as a pelham?

Answer 1

its not about using a harsher bit...you need to train him not to drag you around and if u cant handle it at ur current level of riding then u have over mounted and there is no point in punnishing him with a mean bit for something u messed up on

edit:the whole concept of a pelham is for the chain and the actual bit to have a nutcracker action and pinch the lower jaw together which is painful and causes horses to open their mouths in avoidance of the bit...thats why most ppl who use pelhams use a flash or fiugre 8 which forces the horses mouth shut...no other bit without a chain works this way so u cant have a bit as strong but not a pelham...so i got confused there...but i still stand on my first comment...the only bits I personally approve of is a D-ring, a full cheek and a loose ring(with bit guards) and all of which I perfer to be french linked to prevent the bars from hitting the soft pallate of a horses mouth and i also like HappyMouth bits so  dont hav to warm them up b4 a ride in the winter.

hope this helps more =]]

Answer 2

exactly!, It sounds to me as though he is too big and strong for you. There is no point hurting his mouth with a harsh bit. Sorry if thats harsh.

Answer 3

Sorry, but I'd have to agree that you need to work on his training or your riding rather than changing bits. I don't mean this as a personal attack so don't take it this way. I have had many horses and have come up against problems with some of them them. I found that getting help from more experienced riders who could help me to improve my riding or the horse's training, rather than finding equipment to compensate for my flaws, has worked on every occasion.  

Answer 4

I agree with A.A.!  I have an 18+ hand Belgian who is, usually, a marshmallow, but when she gets her mind set on going somewhere, it takes a tractor to stop her!  Normally, I only use a thick snaffle, and she responds very well to it.  But, I am constantly doing exercises to make her respond to the bit.  Your horse might be dragging you around "even with a Pelham", because he is very uncomfortable.  It sounds like he needs more training, not more punishment.  Remember, the more bit, the more pain.  You didn't say how old he is, but he's never too old to learn how to behave.

Answer 5

You need to work on collection and not letting him get away from you.

A "less harsh" bit would not solve the problem - in fact it would probably make it worse by making it easier for him to get away from you. Practice up and down transitions to get him listening to you.

If you are struggling with using the 2 reins then buy a set of roundings and use them so you will only have one rein.