What type of bit would you recommend for a very forward horse that gets fast with too much contact?

Question

He frames very nicely (he was a dressage horse), but even light steady contact annoys him enough to make him get fast (try to run through the bit). His current trainer has me release the outside rein when he gets fast - but I think it's the bit. He's in a simple jointed snaffle.

Answer 1

I would let him go on a loose rein.  I really would.  Then, ask him to collect by putting light contact on the reins and slight pressure with your legs.  Have him hold it for 5 seconds or so, then let him relax.  Gradually increase the time, until he will collect for as long as you ask him to, without becoming frustrated.  He is in a good bit, don't change it as this will annoy him more (because there would be more pressure on his mouth).  If you really feel that this is the problem, try riding him in a halter or hackamore for a few lessons, to see if he improves.  He might just need less pressure, or pressure in a less sensitive area, like his nose.

If he tends to be fast on a loose rein, let him stay at that speed or make him go faster until he is very tired and sweaty, so he learns that is a treat to go slow.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

Without knowing anymore more about your situation (and admittedly a lack of knowledge about bits as i don't own) i'd suggest learning to ask to slow down with your seat rather then a harsher bit. I used to ride a ex-eventer horse who was allowed to pick his own pace then became a school horse! He really resents hands to slow him down and had a hard mouth and just pulls back often pulling riders out of the tack, because of this i was forced to use very light and very quick half halts and my seat to ask for a chance of pace.

good luck :)

Answer 3

If they are sensitive to leg pressure, they are sensitive to bits probably. I have a horse like that and a hakamore (sp?) works perfect for her. Believe me, if you kicked her, she'd go flying!

Answer 4

I have had the same probelm with many dressage horses I have trained. Its not the bit, he doesnt respect light contact. Here is an excersise to do when he speeds up and afetr a few days pf this he will be fine.

One rein stop:

1. Give your horse loose rein.

2.SLide your hand down the left rein and pull towards your hip(vice versa going to the right)

3. WHen he give to the pressure or you see slack in the rein then release your hold ont he rein and pet him.

4. Do on both side billions of times.

Do this a the standstill, walk, tot and caner. This will teach him to respect pressure when he feels it, he will know to sofen up and slow down. You can also use the one rein stop if he spooks, and then you do it and almost instantly he focouses on you and forgets what he spooked about. Its a very helpfull.

If you decide to use my approach then feel free to email me at [e-mail] for more details, and info.

Good luck!

Answer 5

D-ring cherry rollers are good for horses that try to run away or bite the bit but are not harsh, that or a 3-ring gag, as long as you have soft hands there shouldn't be a problem

Answer 6

Your horse is reacting normally to what has been expected of him all his life.  You have to help him learn a new way of communicating and responding.  Dressage usually have their mouths cranked down with all kinds of mechanical devices (bits, chains, cavesons, head pieces that are way too short) and then they are driven with seat, legs, whips constantly.  It is my opinion, that you have to teach your horse what his responsibility is in the riding relationship.  When I ask for a gait and on a nice loose rein, I expect him to maintain that gait on a loose rein until I ask for a change.  I don't constantly harrass my horses by kicking and clucking and smacking, and seat pushing.  Too many times, dressage horses get so overwhelmed with information (too much aid), they become dull and tune out so riders push and push and force and crank some more.  A nice oval mouth loose ring snaffle (has a double joint and curved mouth piece - Korsteel makes a copper one - inexpensive) could be good for him - a gentle snaffle without the nutcracker and soft palate insult if you pull on two reins.  Also, Myler is making some great bits designed for the level of your horse's training - explained on their web site or in a book if your tack store carries these.  I bought an eventer several years ago and he was so obviously ridden with A LOT of contact.  It took a while to get him to understand I did not expect him to stay collected and on the bit all the time.  Initially, he would almost pull me out of the saddle because of his habit of seeking relief.  I helped him with it, use a very soft bit and hand and he travels nicely on a loose rein and is much happier I think.  He always gives his face when I ask and he is very good at maintaining his gaits.  It's a matter of patience and understanding and good communication.  Maybe he hasn't had much of either in his past life.  Sounds like you have a great horse.  I wish you the best of success with him.

Answer 7

I am actually in the process of working a dressage horse that was given to me a while ago, and I have had the same problem for a long time.  We have tried many different bits, and most of them have not worked, one recommendation is a pelham, it is what they use in dressage.  Another thing you may try, and I have found that it helps out tremendously is getting a simple sidepull bridle.  Dressage horses know all signals and are very very sensative to them, if you don't give them just the right signal, they will use it against you.  I got a sidepull bridle (no bit) for my new 2 year old that I am training, and just for another thing to try, I put it on the dressage horse, and she did amazing with it, she will stop, walk, trot, and canter by command with it, it is a simple way to retrain, and it only costs right around 35 dollars.  I would honestly swear by the side pull, they still collect beautifully, but it is less stress on them, and is not as severe as a hackamore, a while after your horse is used to your signals you should be able to go back to a bit, it will just take some time.  Also check the length of your stirrups if you are uncomfortable the horse will feel it and take advantage of it.  In dressage they ride with long stirrups and their legs barely touch the horses side, only when it needs to.  

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

you should use very slight aids as he obiously very sensitive and responsive also you should spend more time with him in his stable because this makes him get used to you and he wont be so tense

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