Arrrrr....:(((( My Horses Mouth )))):

[Jenna* Roll Right Up*]

Hi everyone, my pony is now on a snaffle, IT DOESNT WORK!! he pulls and the more i pull him back he starts getting restless, he will only go round wen he feels like it, i feel like i dont have any control, ( and for those who were at the chez nous easter show, he jumped great but WAY too fast!).... i want to put him on a stronger bit, but im kinda useless when it comes to that.... anyone got any ideas???
thanks....

[Debbie Marshall]

Control is not always about putting a stronger bit in the horses mouth but rather about learning to use your seat, legs and hands in the correct way.

Having watched you jump at the show my suggestion would be to start with your seat. Once you have that working for you I think that the control would be far better.

[Nevenka van Niekerk]

I totally agree with Debbie. The answer to all problems is schooling. Having done a lot of schooling on my own horse personally I am talking from experience. I have been riding for 24 years and only now that I am really into dressage have I discovered the importance of this. Now I even jumps and he comes back to a walk within 4 strides without touching his mouth. I lengthen up the side of the arena and bring him back by closing my legs and seat. It makes a huge difference. You need to strengthen your seat and from the photo you posted I would also say that your bit is too low in the horse's mouth. You need to lift it a bit. There should be one small wrinkle on either corner of the mouth. There is no right or wrong bit, a bit is only as harsh as your hands. And going onto different bits and pulling on each will only end up deadening your horses mouth to the point that no bit will make any difference. Ask your instructor for help. Riding independent from your hands SHOULD be one of the first things taught.

[Jenna* Roll Right Up*]

Thanks, i have started TRYING dressage on him so i'm sure that would help... :) its very difficult from riding a big T-bred everyday during the week to a pony on the weekends... I do dressage on my horse and that has made me improve greatly on everyting!! But i will see how it goes, The main reason tho i wanted to try out a new bit is that when ever i am on outrides i have a loose rein, but he starts yanking on the bit and then taking off, i ask him nicely to halt but he refuses, i be firm and he starts backing up and starts walking side ways and looks like he wants to rear, i try getting off and calming him but nothing works, he does the same thing.... in the jumping arena hes an *ANGEL*!!! but wen i get to shows he takes the bit and GALLOPS!! he listens to no aids of the hand, he fights what ever i try, but im goin to try work on my seat. thanks:)))

[Andree Lewarne]

Jenna, I have just read this, after asking about the pony. If you are using a normal snaffle, try to borrow an elliptical snaffle. It has a gentler action than the conventional snaffle, as the pressure is not concentrated in one place, and many horses, especially THoroubgreds with narrow mouths and high palates, go much better in this bit.
As far as the misbehaving on an outride is concerned, I do not know how brave you are, but if you can cope with a bit of a tantrum (might not even happen) next time you ask nicely for a halt and he acts up, really give him a HUGE half halt, bang him hard with your legs and either shout or growl at him. Every time he feels like he wants to rear, kick him forward hard, making sure you have a loose rein (you dont want to unbalance him) If you carry a crop with you, whack him. Do NOT dismount - that's what he wants you to do. The minute he listens, make a huge fuss, but do'nt allow him to bully you 'cos he gets a bit excited on a hack.

[Jenna* Roll Right Up*]

thanks!!!, I think thats all he needed, just some disipline. he's so much more better. I also think that my riding has improved alot, especiallly my seat and hands.
jen