27 August 2008 15:59
My 16-year-old ex-racer is extremely strong and leans on the bit. She’s in a loose-ring snaffle, but when I try to canter her, her head shoots up and I have trouble settling her. She has a couple of teeth that are slightly out on the right-hand side, but when my vet did her teeth, he said it wouldn’t effect her bitting.
Answer
By Your Horse
YRC Instructor Alison Ritchie replies:
It might be worth trying different schooling techniques rather than different bits. As an ex-racer, she’s been trained to go fast and her habits will be ingrained, which will take time. Try these ideas:
● When she goes faster, stand taller. Your body’s making the statement ‘I’m not going with you’. This is a complete contrast to a race rider who leans forward to say ‘go faster’.
● Use a neck strap and pull on this rather than on her mouth, which can just lead to leaning and head-tossing.
● Make plenty of downward transitions using the neck strap and little outside rein, using your tall or standing position. Once you get halt, confirm by taking two steps backwards and then continue forwards again.
● If you still feel you need a stronger bit, try a Pelham, but still use these techniques. You might also want to have her checked by an equine dental technician.