What is everyone's go to bit for an extreamly ratey horse but runs super hard?

My first thought for that kind of horse isn't a bit. I'd be likely to try a hackamore. But I'm also a person that loves a hackamore and have found out that a lot of "sensative" horses like one. I'll do some more thinking about a specific bit. What have you tried so far?  And what about how your horse responded to what you tried made you think it wasn't a good fit? Answers to those questions might help guide us toward more specific bits.

This is not a have to change kind of thing. Just curious what everyone else uses.

He gets really strong in between his barrels so I’d prefer to have something in his mouth for my comfort. He has never ran off with me  but I’d still like to feel in control when he is running that hard and I don’t feel id get that with a hack. I run him in a o ring combo but I’d like to find something that has just a little more lift so when he goes to sit a hair to quick I can help him stay up. You have can’t have any mistakes with him. You are either going to win the barrel race or hit all three barrels but with that being said he doesn’t shoulder he just turns tight.

I used a draw bit with a lifesaver and no curb on my ratey mare. I could of ran her in anything but I'm not a hackamore person so I went with the draw bit. 

What is the mouthpiece in your o-ring combo? You might be able to bump up the mouthpice to get his attention, but stay in the o-ring combo he likes.

My next step up from the o-ring combo might be a johnson hack. It's not actually a hack- thats just it's "common" name. It's what Haley Kinsel runs Sister in. There are articles out there about how/why she rides in it. It's still a combo bit, so your guy would still get his nose pressure and gag action  he is comfortable with, but presented with a bit more shank.

If I was moving him out of the o-ring, I might try a Ed wright medium shank with whatever mouthpiece you think he might like. It's a really good balanced shank that gives more control without scaring one. My hands work better with the locked version instead of the version that has a little gag - but you may prefer the opposite.

Have you ever tried him in a Mullen mouthpiece? Some horses really like one, and they often don't find them offensive even with a shank. Elania Mckinney runs WRS Cool Memories in a old version of something similar to a Martha Josey Go Around Bit. That is a bit that is not rough on one, but you can stand one up with it if you need to. I LOVE Dave Elliot's mullen bits.

For the record - Elania will school "Big Cool" in a lady bug hack - so never question wether you can get a stout runner's attention in a hack. There's a bunch of great hacks out there, but I understand they may not fit your hands/style.

Fix that with your seat and legs.

I went from an O ring combo down to a junior cowhorse. 

Ditto! 

Thank yall!! :)

Im not really trying to fix anything other than maybe a little lift as a back up plan lol.

I know when we hit its becuase i didn't get up and ride him all the way till his butt is passed the barrel. i have to time it perfect or we will drag a barrel down. if i slightly move my hands or sit, he turns. Just curious on what everyone else uses

I love the Ed Wright 3 piece short shank or his med shank. All my horses ride well in it. Plus it's a well made bit. 

Yes mine is similar I need to act like we are going to the fence so we don't set up and turn too early unless I'm running in a big outdoor he isn't as ratey. 

Yes! Hes a blast, but its usually win the barrel race or hit all three no in between lol

I'm using the perfect bit (one with more purchase then shank & 3 piece mouth).  She is a quick footed, loves to turn type mare.