Bit suggestion?

[lmlacross]

Maresy goes in a copper lozenge/french link-type dee beautifully in the ring. Took her out with the hounds for the first time a week ago and feel I could use a little more braking power. She’s not naughty, and isn’t running away (not evading, not pulling and rooting), I’d just like a more efficient whoa so I don’t need to work so hard for a stop at the checks when we’ve been moving out. Bit for hacking will remain the same.

Given her current bit, would you try a Dr. Bristol or slow twist? Something else to try?

[Bogie]

I would start with a slow twist. I think a Dr. Bristol is a bigger step up than you might need. It depends on what type of pressure your horse responds to best. I might start with a short shanked pelham because then you can ride off the snaffle rein except for the moments when you need a bit more.

I hunt my TB in a Kimberwicke because just a touch of curb chain action reminds him to be polite; I hunt my big draft-x in a pee-wee snaffle (it is a thin mullen mouth) because a regular snaffle doesn’t cut it, but she is offended by anything more “severe”.

Neither of my horses likes the action of a gag bit. It requires some trial and error.

I also teach my horses a verbal slow down cue (the dressage trilling sound) which works remarkably well, even in the hunt field.

[Huntin_Pony]

For my mare who goes in a KK Ultra at home, I use a Mikmar pelham with short shank/two reins when we hunt. (Note - the mouthpiece is similar to the KK Ultra.)

https://www.mikmar.com/bit-pages/Cupreon-Pelham.html

I have two horses who love this bit. YMMV

[jawa]

This is such an experiment, and only works under hunting/hound conditions. You need something the horse will respect, but not fear.

If your horse goes well, accepts the bit you are currently using, try a different action…3 ring or a gag.

Although I have found with some horses, they may accept the action of the bit in one set up and NOT like it in another. They may need a milder mouthpiece with a stronger set up…the experiment part!

In these instances it is nice to be able to borrow different bits, that way you don’t end up with the collection I have !!

[xeroxchick]

You can get a pelham that is basically exactly whT you ride in now, but with a curb rein and curb chain. That way you ride like you normally do but have a little extra if you need it. I use that bit on a variety of horses and they seem to like it.

[lmlacross]

Thanks, everyone. I have a few options in my bit box (a slow twist being one) and know I can borrow a short-shanked pelham to try. I also have a two-ring elevator with essentially the same mouthpiece as my snaffle on hand.

We’ll start playing around to see what works.

[lmlacross]

We went out this morning in a French link slow twist and she was a perfect lady, following happily and pulling up promptly. You know that feeling when you know you’ve found the perfect horse? Gosh, I just love this horse. Sigh.

[Linda]

That’s wonderful! Hope it continues to work for you. While I don’t hunt, my jumper is HOT so I jump him in a 3 ring. Love that bit. If your horse is being nice and quiet, you can ride just off the snaffle rein.

But if he gets hot (like my horse does when he jumps), you have the bottom rein to use to remind him that you are still in the saddle and that you are in charge.

Makes a huge difference for my guy.

[Ponyclubrocks]

I hack in a snaffle and hunt in a pelham.