Problems not giving to bit

Question
I have a 6 year old Arab. He's been under saddle for about 1 1/2 years. I've tried tons of different bits in his mouth and he refuses to give to any. I'm riding right now with a D-ring that has small copper rollers on it. very simple.
The entire time I ride, he takes a hold of the bit. When he finally gives in, I'll give him a reward of backing off a bit, as soon as I do, his head is right back in the air. I've been riding with a martingale, because he doesn't respond at all without it. When I show him I've been using a pelham. He'll come back a little with that, but I'm constantly in is face.
I ride with a ton of leg to try to drive him into the bridle, but he just gets really hot and then will bury his hind end and get to light in the front.
I'm really frusterated on how to get him to come back to me and back off the bit.
Please help:)
Stefanie

Answer
Dear Stefanie:
Hmm... it sounds as though your horse has never really been trained to accept the bit and, as such, really shouldn't be in the show ring at this point. I realize that may sound very disappointing but regardless of how long he has "been under saddle" he simply isn't suitably trained yet to be in a potentially crowded arena with other horses and riders at a hand gallop.
Perhaps the very worst thing you can do is put him into a pelham or a kimberwick as, in all likelihood, he will eventually go up and over backwards in an effort to escape the bit.
Since his behaviour at this point sounds quite ingrained, I would strongly urge you to work with a dressage coach in your area (even is dressage isn't your discipline) the basics of submission, bend and balance are all taught in the lower levels. A running martingale is, at best, a temporary fix. Unless you're showing jumper, you can't show in it, and I'll bet he's all too savvy to know exactly when it's gone. A draw rein in educated hands (and I don't ever recommend them to amateurs) can be a quick correction. I would try going back to a loose ring snaffle- see if you can find a ten ring martingale. You will need to go back to some really basic walk/trot bending gymnastic work with this horse.
Learn to use the half halt- don't try and force him into a frame he's not physically ready to carry at this point. Focus on forward and straight- don't worry at all about frame. Move away from punishing him with your hands as all you will get is a battle. When he flips his head or inverts, simply, gently, change direction- do not get in his face, keep him moving forward.
Agian, my best advice is to see if there's a coach you can work with or a trainer who can put in 30 days on him.
Slow, steady steps- lots of praise for even small successes.
S. Evans