2 questions about bits/bridles...

Sol

Sol

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1. Is it worth changing my horses bit for jumping? Currently ride him in a 'magic bit' (basically a straight bar loose ring bradoon type bit with a very low port) which is great for flatwork - but he's very um, forward going... when we jump and tends to drag me around the arena and not want to stop until he's done a lap or two (of honour, of course ;P) afterwards! Which means he often gets flat into fences and also makes warming up interesting! Have tried schooling him out of it and making him even walk between fences (at shows too!) and it works for a session sometimes and then we're back to square one :/ I'm not exactly strong and I feel exhausted after jumping him just from holding him together. However, he's only 5 - I don't want to /over/ bit him... eep

2. bit random - I noticed a little while ago he also started shaking his head as I do up the throatlash whenever I tack him up... once it's done up, he might shake it once or twice and then he's fine. I haven't noticed him shaking his head while being ridden... have also checked for any major pressure points and found none O.o
Just wondered exactly how worthwhile some of the newer designs of bridles are? The more 'comfortable' designs. I've heard mixed reviews about most and wondered if anyone has a particular design that they find horses prefer?


Thanks,
Sol.
 
im not sure bout the second question but the 1st question maybe just put him in a bit stronger bit nothing over strong but something that will give you a bit more break so you can control him easier seen he is only 5.
 
I have found that many people use browbands that are too tight, and thus rubs/pinches the ears. Check that when done up, there is a gap behind the ear and between the headpiece.
 
yep, plenty of space around the browband & headpiece - have spent long enough looking at it and running my fingers around his ears and under the bridle trying to find any points where it's tight and can't find any... his browband definitely doesn't pull on the bridle, his bit sits low enough in his mouth that it doesn't pull down on the rest of his bridle (but not too low :P) and the throatlash doesn't go tight enough to pull...
I'm mystified xD
 
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