Won't accept the contact

[Centaur]

Hi Brigitte

I wonder if you can help me, my horse isn't great at accepting the contact and often either pulls against my hand or goes behind the bit to evade it. He's a little 15hh TB ex racer and has quite a little mouth. I currently school him in a loose ring snaffle, but use a three ring gag with the reins on the second ring if we're hacking or jumping or whatever as he can get quite strong.

What would you recommend for schooling to get him accepting the contact better, and do you have suggestions for a jumping/hacking bit as well or is the gag ok?

Centaur

[Expert_Bitting]

Hi Centaur,
I would suggest that you try a KK Ultra snaffle – sounds like your horse does not like the nutcracker action of a regular snaffle and may prefer a double jointed bit? Hacking & jumping – try the KK Ultra and if it is ineffectual but your horse is happy with the mouthpiece try ; a KK Ultra Universal if your horse gets out of balance or a KK Ultra Pelham. If he holds his head high or if he is still inconsistent in the contact try a KK Correction bit – all should be available from a retailer with a Sprenger test centre so you won’t have to spend vasts sums you can try before you buy – you can find out UK stockists by logging on to www.zebraproducts.co.uk or ringing 01942 681 002
thanks and kind regards
Brigitte

[Centaur]

Hi Brigitte

Thanks so much for your answer, I shall have a look for a test centre and give some of those options a whirl. Me and my horse are both very grateful!!

Centaur