anxious horse. what kind of bit?

You answered your own question. He reacts negatively with that horrible harsh slow twist - should never be in any horse's mouth. You said that with just a halter, he does really well. There you go!!!

If you are concerned that you cannot stop your horse, you should not be riding him. Learn to bend your horse to a stop. Teach your horse to respond to a one-rein stop - end of problem and concern for safety. You have to be able to communicate with your horse and have confidence in your ability that he will respond appropriately no matter where you are or what happens in your surroundings. If you cannot accomplish that, you are lost, regardless of what is in your horse's mouth. Take a look at Myler's bits. They are described well as to discipline and they give you levels to help you decide what you and your horse will need at a particular level of riding.

If you want to go bitless, look at the Dr. Robert Cook bitless bridles. Take care with hackamores. Fitting can be tricky and the materials can cut or bruise your horse's face or chin. Bosals are horrible - too harsh. Training is they key, not the mechanical devices. You already know how to help your horse, just do it.

I think I know what you mean by no brakes, my horse was an ex-racer and when another horse ran past him (or we went for a canter or gallop on a trail ride) he would lock me out and charge off. I couldn't pull his head up to regain control. I put a gag bit on him, but the bit part was a simple snaffle and I only used one set of reins. The bit was gentle enough to not worry him but if he decided to charge off I could get him back under control. Now, this is a horse that would flip over backwards with ANY type of shank in his mouth but I never had a problem with this bit. I loved this bit because when he was a good boy (which was most of the time) the gag didn't bother him but he quickly knew about it if he tried to bolt. If you need a picture, tell me and I'll see if I can find one. I *think* it's called a Cheltenham Gag or something. I'll have to check. EDIT: Yep, I just checked. It's called a Cheltenham or Eggbutt Gag. You can use two reins, but I found he went better with just the one.

Well if you're dead set on using a bit I'd recommend getting a copper mouthed snaffle bit... I think it's commonly referred to as a training or breaking bit... they cost about $20 at your local tack store. It's very basic and comfortable in the horse's mouth and the copper tastes sweet to them so they become a little more comfortable with the idea of having a bit in their mouth.

BUT... personally, and speaking from experience, get the hackamore. Or a bosal... but I think the bosal is much better. You will never have to worry about your horse spooking and getting away from you with one of these because it puts pressure on the horses air passages and it triggers the horse's natural instincts to survive. They want to stop and give in to the pressure on their nasal passages because they don't want to stop breathing. It might sound cruel but it's actually much more humane than any bit you'll ever find. Plus, with a bit, the horse can bite down and take off and no amount of pressure will ever get them to stop. I can promise that that will never happen with a hackamore or a bosal.

The halter has the same basic idea as a bosal but it sits up higher on their face so it doesn't have the same effect. The horse will be more likely to run off in a halter than a bosal.

A stronger bit is not going to solve your problem- you need to work on training (ie calming him down, and getting him to trust you).

A horse never needs more than a simple snaffle bit if correctly trained (or the western equivalent, I believe a tom thumb is one example).

I would never use a twisted snaffle on a horse.

As for chewing on the bit- how much is he chewing? A relaxed horse that is accepting the bit will chew on it- my mare chews regularly and gets pretty foamy at the mouth, but her mouth is closed as she chews.

If your gelding's mouth is gaping open and chewing up and down constantly, he is not accepting the bit, and it may be too harsh for him. I would suggest getting a milder bit, and leaving it on him (without any reins) for a few hours supervised, letting him eat in it, and just relax. The more he has the bit in, the calmer he will be. If he only gapes his mouth open with rein contact, you need to work on using more leg aids, and being lighter on the reins.

As for stopping- if a horse spooks and doesn't want to stop- no bit is going to stop him, period, no matter how harsh the bit. I do trails in a bit and in a halter, my mare stops (or doesn't stop) the same in either one, their training and rational mind has to take back over.

There is always the chance they will spook and not stop for a while- they are horses and prey animals, and what you need to work on is getting him to trust you in spooky situations, so if he starts to run and no pulling on the reins (with or without a bit) can stop him, your calm voice and seat will.

You can try a hackmore or bosal if you want, with the warnings as above about a horse not stopping if it doesn't want to. However, I have tried almost every type, and my horse absolutely hates them- she is either in a french link snaffle bit, or a rope tied on to her halter when I ride, anything that puts pressure on her poll or nose makes her freak and either start galloping or rearing.

I just bought a bit from Tractor Supply and its called a Reining Bit with a snaffle mouth piece. It might be good fo your horse because its gentle (next level up from a D-ring snaffle) and its copper so it will taste good. Look it up at tractorsupply.com.

Hope this helps.

I would suggest a full cheek snaffle with a copper roller.

My guy is mouthy and when I put that on him he calmed down and I had no probs since.

A Dr. Cook's bitless is also great for those that hate bits.

I use that on occasion also.

A bit-less bridle or a rubber bit that tastes like carrots or apples.

You should use a colt correction bit. its not real harsh, but your horse will listen. It won't hurt his mouth,but its a very good western bit.

twisted wire or if hes really crazy double twisted wire that wat i use on my saddlebred