Another bit question - a 'halfway' house needed for strong horse

[SueAllen]

Neddy been going nicely on flat and hacking in Dr Bristol. When hunting needs a gag. Showjumping is a new one for us and the Dr B is not quite enough to stop him storming into jumps. Will be doing some schooling (exercises thanks to H&H forum mebers!) to help get over this but I think a slightly stronger bit than the Dr B might help when in the ring. He wants to throw his head up and rush so has anyone got any ideas???? Please and thankies.

 

[Maesfen]

Why not try the gag if it works for him out hunting?

 

[katiejaye]

I find a waterford very useful. My boy runs into jumps too and I was finding that any bits that were too strong were upsetting him and interfering with his rythm. I now use a loose ring waterford and it just stops him from being able to grab the bit and go and he seems quite happy in it.

 

[SueAllen]

TBH I am trying to avoid the gag in an sj situation as it tends to upset him a bit - if he throws his head about out hunting its not so critical as when he is approaching a jump. Would like to ditch the gag for hunting too really as I only really use it because it is the bit he came to me in and not sure what else to use to stop him. We're doing a lot of flatwork in the Dr Bristol which is suiting him so well I would really like to keep it simple for him. Somebody suggested a hanging cheek snaffle for the added poll pressure. Any thoughts?

 

[mrdarcy]

Not sure a hanging cheek would give you much more control as the poll pressure is minimal. I'd recommend the Myler Combination - fantastic bit, which rewards the horse for giving and softening but has stopping power if you need it.

 

[Nari]

If you can cope with two reins then I'd try a pelham, if not then I'd second gedenskis_girl's idea of a Myler combination.

 

[SueAllen]

Mmmmm - i've looked at the Myler combination..it looks really tempting..but the price doesn't!! I'm sort of asking myself if I ought to learn to be a better rider before I start trying different bits but then the two can go together can't they? I tried him in a Happy Mouth pelham with roundings once and he didn't like it at all. Would the two reins make a huge difference? Ihave no real experience with two. Myler have a bit bank don't they? Perhaps I should try one - I really do like the sound of them. Umming and ahhhing tonight - not feeling very decisive - Sorry!

 

[Nari]

I find the two reins make a massive difference SueAllen. My horse hates a pelham fitted with roundings - drops the contact, overbends, plunges & opens his mouth - but put two reins on the same bit & he's wonderful in it. In fact if I'm teaching a new school movement & he's stressy I put the pelham in as he relaxes more than in his snaffle! With two reins I only use the curb when it's needed whereas with one it's in constant use & he finds that unacceptable. If he's getting too onward bound & strong he will accept the curb rein & fights it far less than the snaffle so we stay lighter & more balanced

 

[airedale]

baucher waterford

 

[flyingfeet]

What about just adding a kineton to your Dr Bristol?

Just adds pressure to the nose, which is also handy if he throws his head around before a jump.

 

[tinatina]

what about tom thumb u can use it with or without roundings i had problems jumping sec d i rode tom thumb was very good as you still have steering with it hope this helps