I need some advice on bitting my hunt horse. He is a large draftX and not new to the sport. I am petite. He gets strong when we are running and tends to lower his head and curl his neck. It can be hard for me to hold him back. He does stop and stand nicely at checks but I want to get his head up and have more brakes. He has been going in an elevator, set on the lowest ring for hunting. Some people have suggested: a traditional gag, a broken pelham and even a waterford. I’m a little concerned about a curb chain because I don’t want him to lower his head any more. In fact, I’d like him to be more upright. Any suggestions?
I had a horse that students used to cap with and event. She had a soft mouth but would curl and go low vs slow down when excited. We put her in a gag when going cross country or after the hounds, it didn’t look as pretty as her regular bit but it worked!
IME the elevator bits never seem to lift a horse’s head. Every horse I have ridden in them brings their head in vs up in response to a rein aid.
I would think it’s worth trying a running gag too.
Bits
Thanks for the advice! I am going to look into a gag bit. He does salivate nicely on his bit. Any thoughts on a “half moon” gag? One with some kind of lozenge?
What is the mouthpiece does he currently go in?
I have found a mullen pelham lightens my guy, less curl than the elevator or snaffle and gives me major brakes.
You might be able to ride in a Mullen off just the snaffle rein. Not all Mullins are the same as well. Material, diameter, curve, and port all make a difference.
The whole figuring out bitting is why I have a collection!
I have used a waterford on an ID who got very heavy in my hand and would use his neck and jaw against me when he was being stroppy. It was not severe: the chain moved his his mouth and he had nothing to lean on. By contrast, personally I dislike gags as they as the not the most subtle tool when steering around things!
My event horse is a down and curl type too. A three ring elevator is the worst bit, all mouth and poll pressure with minimal lifting action (ironically). A leverage bit with a curb chain will encourage the horse to lower its head (poll pressure) and keep its nose out (chin groove pressure).
A gag will have more upward action, but a smart or stubborn horse can still really curl to evade it. I always use one with both a gag rein and snaffle rein, steering goes out the window with just a gag rein in my experience.
Using a jointed pelham or kimberwicke does negate the effect of the curb chain to an extent, as the joint closes, the chain loosens until the bit closes on the jaw.
My personal suggestion would be a mullen kimberwicke or pelham, maybe a Myler that each side can rotate independently for a bit of finesse, and play with the feel of something with a curb chain.
Wow! Lots of good advice! I ordered a running gag to see how that works. I have a rubber Mullen mouth pelham I can try on him, so will give that a go. As you know, in the hunt field one needs the ability to steer and good brakes. It also would be nice not to have that big neck and head curled into a ball in front of me. Of course I will try all this cross country first, not on “game day”. Stay tuned…
As for the bit collection…and we all have one; If you wash them thoroughly, those not in use make a fun napkin ring at dinner parties with your horsey friends. Lol!
Definitely play around with a bunch of bits–if he’s anything like my guy, he’ll be clear about what he will and will not accept. 
I have a <way too big for me> draft cross who also will get quite strong galloping and jumping and has a bossy streak a mile wide. The gags/elevators/pelham just made him mad as hell–what he prefers is a double wisted wire snaffle (or a single if I think he’s going to be a complete handful). It’s got enough bite to make him sit back and up a bit, but doesn’t have any of that ‘other’ action that he seems to resent.
I do get some sideways looks about it fromother riders from time to time, but I’ve ridden with several BNT who have specifically commented on its suitability for him. So, even though it’s probably not a popular option, I thought I’d throw it into the mix for you to consider.
Good luck!
A shorter curb chain can be effective against overflexing if you find the horse is otherwise responsive to the bit. You could also try leaving one rotation in the chain (i.e. not turning it completely flat against the chin).
