I have been following this thread on bits and leverage and benn disappointed that no firm recomendations have been made. I curently use a loose ring french snaffle. But my horse, Gormur, is very strong and at the end of a 2 hour ride, my hands are developing blisters from trying to hold him back, especially on the way home when he just wants to get faster and faster. I also have a problem when going out with my group of friends riding. Several of them like to fast canter/gallop and a few hang back, doing a slow canter. Gormur and I can tolt or canter with the slow group but Gormur wll pass each horse if I let him to catch up with the ones in front, pulling almost until I can not hold him back. (this is where the blisters come from!) Many times I feel I almost cannot hold him back.
I have been advised by the barn manager to get a stronger bit. My barn is geared to western riding and so they recommended a western bit, a Monte Foreman bit which I have been using. It does seem to give me extra control but last time I rode, he decided he wanted to run up to another horse that was a ways away and when I reined him in he started bucking and crow hopping and spinning, something he has never done before in the three years I have owned him.(although he has bolted on me once a long time ago) It scared me and I dismounted and walked him back to the farm. Is it possibly the bit is too strong for him and hurt him. Is there another bit I could purchase that would be a step up from the old one I used (loose ring french link snaffle) and not a severe as the Monte Forman bit. Any advise would be helpful. Gale in NJ
