pulling

[blitzen_]

my mare pulls like a freight train when we're trail riding, especially if we do anything faster than a walk. i have been riding her for the past two years in a loose ring, double jointed snaffle & although i'm very happy with how she goes in the arena, she just gets a bit excited when we're out in the bush & hauls on me. i know it comes down to

Comments

[imaginethewolf]

I would urge you to try the training advice before switching bits.

Bit changes are quick fixes and problematic fixes. Esp if you already have a bit that works well in the arena.

The issue is that she is excited and in a hurry, not that she is ignoring a bit.

If you were riding without a bit, how would you solve the problem?

Circling, backing, transition work, going out on the trail after a tiring arena workout, these are all good ideas to work with.

Oh and if needed, get off and do groundwork on the trail, anything that focuses her on your requests and gets her to calm down. Lunging before going out on the trail if she really needs to move and burn some energy first. Stopping on the trail and doing lateral flexion requests to refocus on lightness.

Also, are you getting more excited out on the trail? Does she sense that and respond to it? Try calming your own mind too.

I think with some "work" on the trail and time, your issue will resolve itself. You will then have a better trained horse, and saved money on an extra bit you don't really need. Good luck!