So my gelding rides great in my normal o ring snaffle he dosnt seem to like the curb pressure. But he is a 4 year old and was never rode in anything other than an o ring before I got him. Now he rides so nice it is BUT on our way to our first he is STRONG and he does not rate down as nice as I would want him to now if I say WHOA and sit down he will literally STOP But when i just pick up to get him to rate he wont and just pulls through the snaffle. Any suggestions on what to move him up to? I was thinking maybe a simplicity with just a string rather than a curb
I'd try a D ring snaffle before something with a shank.
Remember that snaffles don't have curb action - If he truly has only been ridden and worked in an O-ring, moving to something with a shank and curb action may be a BIG change for him. Not to say he won't be able to handle it, just know it will take work on your part.
If he listens well when you're just riding around, you might try bumping him on the way to the first. Just be sure to give it back to him about a stride from your rate point. Another thing you can do is to ride him in a little short shank bit with a twisted wire mouthpiece and a little gag to it. Use a leather chin strap. Ride him in that during the week and be sure to enforce the whoa at the first barrel. You may need to double wrap it before going on to the next barrel. Then you can run him in the oring.
Good luck!
PS... I have a six year old that has always worked great in a D ring... the last few runs I haven't been able to hold him in the alley. I'm at the point where I have to decide if I want to give up a little control there or take a chance on hindering him in his run. He's a pretty nice pony and as long as he is listening to me through the run and stopping on the way out, I may let him get away with wanting to start that run a little early going in. If I really needed to stop him after getting in the alley, I'm sure I could do it.
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L and W bits . A combination with the same mouth piece you are using now. The nose band will slow him down enough to rate . I had the same problem. This solved it.
Bit Help
