Need advice

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i have a 16.3hh thourghbred, hes great in the areana but i hate takin him on hacks as he doesnt seem to listen and hes very strong. he always follows the other horses.
what should i do? any techniques?
please reply
thank you very much
alex

ANSWER: Hello Alex,

I need to know how old you are...child, teen, adult?   How tall are you?  How many years of instruction you have had? What would you say is your level of riding ...beginner? Intermediate? Advanced?  Do you ride him Western or English?  What sort of bit do you use?

Please give me these answers and I can suggest a plan.

Happy riding,
Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, i am 14. i am not sure how tall i am probable something like 5 foot. i hav had 7years of horse riding lessons.my level would be intermediate or over. i ride him english. i use a loose ring snaffle bit. hope thats helped you to help me.
thank you..please reply
alex

ANSWER: Hello Alex,

It could be that the 16.3 TB is simply too big for you to control.  Have you tried a pelham bit? Or a kimberwick?  In the pelham you can use a large round rubber mouthpiece with short shank, and use roundings or couplings to make just one rein.  The chain on the pelham or kimberwick gives you a bit more leverage.  Either of those would give you a bit more control.  

In your 7 years of lessons, did you learn a proper half-halt?  If so, practice that while riding him.  It reminds him that you are in charge and you can use it to slow him down.  

When you say that he always follows the other horses, do you mean that you don't want him  to and he does it anyway?  If that is the case, then you have to learn how to guide him and I think the pelham would be best for this.  You will have to learn the purpose of the outside rein also.  

Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again
i was just wondering whats a large round rubber mouth peice
with short shank?

please reply
alex

Answer
Hi Alex,

If you have a used tack shop in your area you can probably get this there.  Ask for this:

Pelham bit, with large solid rubber mouthpiece, short shank, curb chain with keeper, and couplings for the rein, the mouthpiece must be about 5" or 5 1/2" wide.  You may have to measure the width of the horse's mouth for this, but I think a 5 1/2 would do it.  Take this to the shop and the lady/gentleman will help you  He can show you how to fasten the curb chain.  You must do it correctly or you will hurt the horse.  

Good luck,
Dorothy