Currently hunts in a slow twist but can get strong galloping 
Curls his neck with a 2-3 ring bit and I’d imagine a pelham would do the same.
Thoughts on next bit to try?
Waterford? Or a rope gag?
If you use the rope gag, use 2 reins. The snaffle for when he’s being quiet and the gag for when you need a bit more bit.
He likes the mildest mylar D in the arena. I think he prefers two joints to just one.
A Waterford has multiple joints, it seems to lay across their mouth. Nothing to bump the palette, but nothing for them to grab or rest on if they’ve set their mind to ignoring the rein aid.
A rope gag can have many different mouth pieces…single jointed, double jointed…
My TB goes great at home in a double jointed French link. If we are working on gallop sets, he does better in a Waterford.
Out hunting he goes in a double jointed French link rope gag. A Waterford gag was too much.
I’ve never heard of a rope gag? Any photos?
I would try the pelham - it doesnt have a severe curling effect as the elevator does. I had a similar problem with a previous horse and the pelham worked well.
[QUOTE=Sparky Boy;8952829]
I’ve never heard of a rope gag? Any photos?[/QUOTE]
Here’s a picture:
Also known as cheltenham gag (with eggbut) and balding gag (loose ring). I’m considering trying one with my guy who occasionally needs some “lifting”
[QUOTE=RolexReady;8952927]
I would try the pelham - it doesnt have a severe curling effect as the elevator does. I had a similar problem with a previous horse and the pelham worked well.[/QUOTE]
This was my experience, too. No curling with the Pelham.
I always hunted my big, strong crossbred in a pelham, with two sets of reins.
My pony goes in a french link snaffle for every day but the Waterford’s the only one I’ve found to work for hunting and outside. I tried a Pelham once, but she backed off so severely I didn’t feel as though I had any horse in my hands. And I haven’t used two reins consistently for many years, so I prefer a bit I can use with one.
Pelham or a figure 8 noseband.
[QUOTE=Sparky Boy;8952016]
Currently hunts in a slow twist but can get strong galloping
Curls his neck with a 2-3 ring bit and I’d imagine a pelham would do the same.
Thoughts on next bit to try?[/QUOTE]
I’m imagining this is a TB? Only because many of my TBs have preferred snaffle type bits versus any type of 3 ring / gag / pelham. Either way, the next natural step up from a slow twist snaffle is either a corkscrew snaffle or a single or double twisted wire snaffle. I’ve had great luck with all 3 with strong horses that preferred a snaffle type bit. Just FWIW.
Draft cross actually.
Try a more narrow twisted snaffle, single or double and see if that gives you the ability to rate him.
I bought a waterford to try first. I’d rather not do 2 reins (pelham) if I can avoid it.
I have a slow twist dee with a small Dr. Bristol center that I hunted in and like quite a bit. I’ve since discovered that mine actually seems to prefer the single joint, though, so I’ve switched to that.
[QUOTE=Sparky Boy;8963150]
I bought a waterford to try first. I’d rather not do 2 reins (pelham) if I can avoid it.[/QUOTE]
I hunt my 4yo in a D-ring Waterford, actually that’s all I ever ride him in. I picked this bit because he was overbitted in his previous home and would suck back and become very up and tense (rodeo/roping home). He’s now going long and low and most of the time on the buckle. He’s green but honest and this has helped him figure out how to use his body correctly without being able to lean on me or backing off the bit.
I hunt my mare in a rope gag, eggbutt single joint. I tried a 3 ring, full cheek slow twist, myler D shallow port with a chin strap, and numerous other types of bits. She is a little red rocket that had issues with steering or breaks prior to the gag. Overnight there was a difference in her adjustablity and overall attitude. Now she is a joy to hunt and whip-in on. It just took me a whole season to figure out what worked for her.
