| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| annie |
Posted - 01 May 2010 : 11:21:29 PM
hi guys i need a little help please . ive currently backed and broken my 3yr old gelding ,but im finding him too strong . i currently have him in a french link loose ring snaffle and a running martingale. i can hold him whilst im trotting but when asking for canter he's just too strong for me to hold and i don't want to pull on his mouth.
Has anyone got any suggestions on what bit to use.
ann |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Zan |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 6:13:54 PM
I agree with everyone else here. Personally I think he is too young at three to be ridden at walk and trot, and certainly too young to canter. I'm not sure what you mean by "holding" him at trot, but that shouldn't be something you do from the bit. Perhaps you could seek some help from someone experienced with youngsters? As others have said you have a great opportunity with a three year old to build a lifetime partnership---please don't rush it. |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 6:08:42 PM
I too agree with the others. Go back to basics. You need to teach him to yield to pressure. As Theo says, he sounds like he is running into the pressure. You have a valuable chance to sort this with a youngster, if not he will carry on pushing into pressure no matter what bit you put in him.
Mine learn this in a headcollar or halter. I don't use bit of any kind until this lesson is understood. You start in hand and gradually work towards the ridden stuff. If he won't yield in walk, he won't do it in trot. At three he should be doing most of his hacks at walk anyway.
Wishing you well with your youngster. |
| Goldenmane |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 3:20:16 PM
Yes, agree with the rest and go back a few stages. How long have you had him? Its lovely to build up the special relationship with groundwork and lots of voice so a steadying calm can work wonders when riding. |
| Theo |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 09:21:26 AM
Hi,
Sounds like he's running into pressure. The two above are quite correct, but it may be wise just to also get his teeth checked and make sure his tushes are'nt coming through and having an argument with the bit...?
 |
| Qui Gon Jinn |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 09:12:44 AM
I agree with Georgiauk and feel that perhaps at 3 years old, he's telling you that he is too young to be riding?! Every horse is an individual of course, but I never break mine at 3. They tend to be too immature both in body and mind. I backed Merlyn last year at 4, established halt, walk and trot then left him over the winter and have brought him back in now to continue his education.
The difference in him is amazing. He has grown up so much and is keen to learn and work now, where last year he mucked about and was quite a handful.
On the bit front I use a comfort mouthpiece Myler and Merlyn goes well in that. It's a case of trial and error. I went through quite a few bits until I found one that he'd relax into and be happy with.
Good luck. |
| georgiauk |
Posted - 02 May 2010 : 12:20:11 AM
I personally would go right back to basics and start from the ground perhaps with some long reining to 'make' his mouth. When you do get to the riding stage don't canter until you are sure you have walk, trot, halt etc perfectly mastered. |
