Which bit should i use?

Question

My horse currently wears a snaffle bit, but he is getting a bit strong when i ride him, and keeps trying to run off with me. He is really hard to stop once he starts cantering. He is only a 5 year old and is a welsh section d. I am going to try him in a new bit, but does anyone have any suggestions, as to which one to try? Pictures would be helpful :)

Answer 1

you don't specify what type of snaffle you are currently using, but if your you're not already using one I would personally use a three ring snaffle bit.  My friend's horse uses one and he has become much easier to ride

Answer 2

move him up to a slow twist snaffle bit.

this bit is the next spet up from a regular snaffle.

Answer 3

i would try the 3 ring snaffle. Good luck!

Answer 4

my horse is strong too, i have a dutch gag in her, she works alot better in this bit, doesnt hang or feel heavy, where as in a snaffle she hangs on the bit.

but a gag can be severe, you have to be light on your hands

Answer 5

The reason your horse is getting faster especially in canter and feels strong is because he is only  a baby at 5 years.  I would suggest that schooling along the lines of half halts, plenty of changes of paces and direction is the key.  Your horse is 99percent likely to be heavy on the forehand.  The majority of young horses are - it is in their case a sign of lack of maturity and balance.  It's like when you start to fall you get faster and faster and you cannot stop.  He is trying to prop himself up with the help of your hands.

Please invest in a few lessons to show a tutor what your horse is doing and what you are doing to get some useful tips on how excersises can help.  At his age you would not want to put him in a stronger bit - the same thing will happen and you will ruin a virgin mouth because the bits will get stronger and stronger.

Also check that the bit you are using now is fitting correctly for HIS mouth - is there enough room for his tongue and lips, enough space on either side.

Also get his teeth checked to make sure he is comfortable.

A snaffle mouth is a beautiful thing to behold.  It is worth persevering.

Answer 6

I use a Sweat Iron (Long) Shank Bit on my horse and she minds me alot better then she did in teh snaffle we were useing. Although liek some one else has said you realy want your horse to mind you in any bit.

http://www.pzproducts.com/myshop/images/...

Answer 7

Try a 3 ring snaffle it is the strongest putting a lot of pressure on there head.

Answer 8

Seeing as he is only 5 I wouldn't want to use a stronger bit on him, personally. There may be other reasons he's running off with you, and it's always better to treat the cause rather than just wham on a stronger bit. I often see people overloading their horses with accseries, when all they really need is more schooling.

Answer 9

You could go to a different bit; however, don't expect the bit to solve the problem.  This horse needs to mind you no matter what bit he carries. If you cannot get him to behave, have a good trainer work with him and then have him show you by working with you and your horse together.

Answer 10

Before considering changing his bit have you thought about changing the nose band?  He may be grabbing the snaffle in his teeth thereby making it less effective.  Before changing to a more severe bit and potentially ruining a virgin mouth as a previous poster suggested, I would try a drop or possibly a flash nose band.  I have used this in the past and the change in the handling was fantastic.  As someone else also recommended it may be your technique that needs changing rather than the equipment.  I would get your trainer to critically evaluate your riding style as well as his mannerisms.  He is very young and depending on how long you have owned him, he may still be pushing your boundaries to see how far he can go with you?  Some of the bits previously mentioned are very severe for a young horse, even older horses and I would not recommend them unless you are an extremely experienced rider.  As someone else mentioned, a snaffle is a pleasure and a treasure and not one to given up lightly!  I hope this helps x

Answer 11

you could try a Mullen Mouth Hard Rubber Pelham, this is what i use on my tb mare, its nice and soft on their mouth but you still have the strength to pull them up!

http://www.horsetackinternational.com/im...

you can use either pellam roundings

http://www.horseweb-uk.com/store/images/...

or double reins.

http://www.sustainabledressage.com/tack/...

good luck!

Answer 12

try a Pee Wee bit - its good for young/strong or unexperienced horses - u can even trail it for 30 days at www.shop4bits.com for £5 then if you like it, you can keep it and the money will be taken out of ur a/c, or just send it back

Answer 13

I would try a broken bit on him it will slow him down cause it will pinch his tongue  try this web sight www.smartpakequine.com  

Answer 14

Have you tried a twisted wire?

Answer 15

my horse is the same so I have him on a 3 ring snaffle

http://www.horsegiftsuk.com/images/cont4...

the bottom hole is the strongest

but if that is quite strong enough you could use pelm roundings on the middle and either of the lower ones!!!